An own goal from Cesar Azpilicueta has given Sunderland a 1-0 half-time lead from their trip to Chelsea this afternoon.

Paolo Di Canio's stint in charge of Sunderland almost got off to a positive start when Stephane Sessegnon had a chance with three minutes played. However, the attacker could only find the side-netting from a narrow angle.

© PA Photos

Goalscoring chances were few and far between during the remainder of the half, with both defences on top.

Sunderland's Adam Johnson saw a shot blocked by David Luiz, while up the other ended Matt Kilgallon got in the way of Luiz's strike from distance.

Just when it looked as though the sides were going to go into the break level, struggling Sunderland found the net.

John O'Shea flicked the ball on at the near post and the ball was diverted in via Chelsea defender Azpilicueta.