Sunderland Upsets Chelsea with Late Winner Amid Tactical Shakeup

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca faced an unexpected tactical challenge when Sunderland started their Premier League match with a back five for the first time in the season, forcing him to call an emergency team meeting just minutes before kickoff to revise his game plan. Despite Chelsea taking an early lead, Sunderland's defensive setup and aggressive pressing led to a late winner by Chemsdine Talbi, handing Chelsea a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge. Maresca admitted that Sunderland's unusual formation made much of his team's preparation irrelevant, highlighting how opponents are adapting their tactics specifically against Chelsea due to their recent successes. Additionally, Maresca explained the substitution of defender Josh Acheampong during the match was due to cramp, though this change proved costly as his replacement was involved in Sunderland's winning goal. The defeat left Chelsea struggling to find a settled defensive pairing amid injuries and rotations, with Maresca tasking analysts to find new ways to break down defensive setups like Sunderland's in future matches. Overall, the loss underscored the tactical adaptability required in the Premier League and the challenges Chelsea face maintaining their top form.