Sunderland marked their return to the Premier League with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Chelsea, securing a spot in next season’s Europa League.
In the 25th minute, Trai Hume put the Black Cats ahead with a precise finish into the bottom corner, and they extended their lead just five minutes after halftime when Malo Gusto accidentally scored an own goal during a hectic sequence at the start of the half.
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer managed to pull one back for the Blues in the 56th minute, but things worsened for Chelsea just six minutes later when Wesley Fofana was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
This win and results from other matches confirmed Sunderland’s position in Europe for the upcoming season, culminating a remarkable return to the top tier for the club, who achieved promotion just one year to the day after defeating Sheffield United in the Championship playoff final at Wembley.
With this result, Sunderland will compete in European competitions for the first time in 53 years.
Conversely, Chelsea, who began the day in eighth place, dropped to tenth after this defeat, finishing just one point shy of a European qualification place.
In terms of lineup changes, Luke O’Nien replaced Omar Alderete for Sunderland, while Chelsea made three changes following their victory over Tottenham, bringing in Gusto, Levi Colwill, and João Pedro.
Palmer’s early attempt was easily saved by Robin Roefs, but Sunderland dominated the initial phases of the match.
Hume created an opportunity for Enzo Le Fée, who surged down the right flank, forcing Robert Sánchez into a strong stop.
Chelsea’s Neto had a free-kick that was cleared, but Sunderland almost scored again as Colwill blocked Hume’s cross intended for Brian Brobbey, followed by Nilson Angulo’s curling attempt which was saved by Sánchez.
The Black Cats eventually found their opener when O’Nien nodded down a kick from Roefs, allowing Hume to slot the ball into the corner of the net.
Hume almost turned into a provider when he set up Brobbey, only for the striker to hit the side netting.
Chelsea began to find their rhythm toward the end of the first half, with Gusto’s cross to Pedro resulting in a missed chance as the striker’s header went wide.
Right after the restart, Sunderland quickly attacked again as Le Fee’s flick to Brobbey was saved by Sánchez.
However, they soon increased their lead when Le Fee’s cross was inadvertently turned into the net by Gusto.
With the goal celebration causing one of the advertising boards to topple, Angulo followed up by sending his shot just over the bar.
Chelsea responded with a goal from Palmer after his low effort was diverted into the corner by Roefs.
The match took another turn in the 62nd minute when Fofana was shown a second yellow card for a foul on substitute Wilson Isidor. Granit Xhaka’s ensuing free-kick was deflected before being cleared away.
Sunderland maintained control, with Le Fee having another shot saved and Palmer sending an attempt over the bar for Chelsea.
Reece James had a shot saved, and Isidor’s effort was blocked as Sunderland successfully navigated through 10 minutes of stoppage time to secure their spot in Europe.
This recap incorporates information from PA and The Associated Press.