Chelsea were indebted to some poor Sunderland finishing before hanging on for a 1-0 success at Stamford Bridge. Sunderland had won five of Martin O'Neill's seven games in charge coming into today's game and but for some poor finishing by the Black Cats could well have emerged with a point.
The only goal of the game arrived in the 13th minute, unlucky for the visitor's, as Frank Lampard reacted quickest to the rebound as a Fernando Torres volley crashed back off the bar.
Chelsea created chances to extend their lead but equally Sunderland had as many to level particularly late-on as Chelsea began to look nervy at the back.
Craig Gardner and Nicklas Bendtner were the culprits for Sunderland in being profligate.
Chelsea have now won 14 of their last 14 clashes against the Black Cats, but rarely can one have been so unconvincing for fourth in the Premier League.
Referee: Phil Dowd
Venue: Stamford Bridge Attendance: 41,696
Chelsea scorers: Lampard 13 Sunderland scorers:
TRIBAL ASKS: Frank Lampard keeps being written off, yet here is scoring again
Yellow cards: Luiz )CHE), Torres (CHE), Meireles (CHE), Cattermole (SUN)
