Outside90’s Yannick Forde analyses the big talking points from EPL week 17.
Chelsea begin post-Mourinho era with a win
After the string of results that led to the sacking of Jose Mourinho, the performance from the Chelsea players seemed to back up the perception that some if not all were trying actively to undermine the manager. The Blues no longer looked porous in defence but solid, no longer were they disjointed in attack but fluid and cohesive. The game was killed inside 15 minutes with goals from Branislav Ivanovic and Pedro. Chelsea fans were inevitably in a dire mood which explained the atmosphere and seemed sympathetic towards Mourinho under the circumstances. The tension escalated when after Pedro’s goal, there were chants of “where were you when we were sh*t?” from the fans. After Sunderland pulled one back at 3-1, the Blues wobbled again. A reflection of the job ahead for Gus Hiddink.
Sunderland punished for lethargic start
Given the torrid start that Chelsea have endured in their title defence, the onus should have been on Sunderland to target the champions’ many glaring weaknesses and attempt to exploit them. They instead sat back and handed the initiative to a team reinvigorated and liberated from the departure of Mourinho. Their lethargic start to the game, combined with their lack of ambition, saw the Blues capitalise and score the two crucial goals inside 15 minutes. After Oscar converted from the spot after Willian was fouled early in the second half, it was always going to be an uphill task. Despite putting up a spirited fightback which resulted in Fabio Borini’s goal and some nervy moments for Chelsea, the reality was the game had been lost inside those crucial opening 15 minutes. After two consecutive victories, the Black Cats have now suffered three consecutive defeats. Sam Allardyce has a lot of work to do.
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