Paolo Di Canio's first match in charge of Sunderland ended in a 2-1 defeat away at Chelsea in the Premier League this afternoon.

In a first half of very few chances, visiting Sunderland found the net as stoppage time approached. John O'Shea managed to flick the ball on, but in attempting to clear, Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta diverted it into his own net.

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However, just two minutes after the restart the home team levelled up proceedings in similar circumstances. Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet saved at the feet of Oscar, but the ball cannoned off visiting defender Matt Kilgallon and rolled into the net.

Then with 53 minutes gone, the Blues went in front for the first time. David Luiz tried his luck from distance, with the ball eventually ending up in the goal via a deflection off his teammate Branislav Ivanovic.

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Having gone in front, Rafael Benitez's team went about trying to extend their lead. They went close in the 66th minute when Juan Mata and Oscar linked for Fernando Torres, but the Spanish striker headed over the bar.

Chelsea continued to look the more likely to score during the closing stages, but they were unable to breach Mignolet's goal for a third time.

Written by
Liam Apicella