On this day: Sunderland stun Stamford Bridge

A late Fabio Borini penalty gave bottom of the league Sunderland an astonishing three points away to title challengers Chelsea and condemned José Mourinho to his first ever league defeat at Stamford Bridge, six years ago today.

In 77 previous Premier League matches at home across his two spells at the club, Mourinho had managed a remarkable 61 wins and 16 draws.

The Blues took the lead just 12 minutes in, when Samuel Eto’o smashed in a volley on the six-yard box from a corner.

But Gus Poyet’s Black Cats equalised within six minutes, after a dipping long-range effort was poorly parried by stand-in goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to allow Connor Wickham a simple tap-in for the visitors.

John Terry thought he’d restored the lead after half an hour, but Mike Dean saw a foul from Nemanja Matic in the build-up and it would not be the referee’s last involvement in a heated contest.

A string of saves followed from Vito Mannone as Chelsea, who hit the target with 15 of their 31 shots, failed to convert their control of the game.

Ramires was lucky to stay on the pitch after an elbow on Sebastian Larsson, in reaction to strong penalty appeals for a barge by the latter on the former being waved away.

They were then made to rue their missed chances when Cesar Azpilicueta clumsily brought down Jozy Altidore on the byline, after he’d slipped to gift the American attacker possession.

Borini calmly converted from the spot in the 82nd minute, sparking wild celebrations in the away end after his stuttered run up sent Schwarzer the wrong way.

Sunderland hung on for the 2-1 win to boost their survival chances and land a major blow to Chelsea’s hopes of catching league leaders Liverpool, Borini’s parent club.

After the game, Mourinho congratulated his players for their efforts, Sunderland on a priceless three points, Mike Dean for a fantastic performance and referee’s chief Mike Riley for a successful season, before storming off.

Including his time at Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Portuguese clubs too, Chelsea’s loss to the lowly visitors from Wearside was only the Special One’s fifth defeat in 229 home league games (188-36-5).

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Frank Oliver

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