Sunderland’s remarkable Premier League return gathered further momentum on Saturday as Chemsdine Talbi struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner to hand the newly promoted side a stunning 2–1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle United also left it late, defeating Fulham 2–1 in another tense encounter at St. James’ Park.
Back in England’s top flight for the first time since 2017, Sunderland continue to defy expectations.
The Black Cats, who secured promotion last May with a last-minute playoff winner against Sheffield United, have now climbed to second place in the league table after a gutsy performance in West London.
Chelsea, meanwhile, were left to rue missed opportunities and mounting pressure on manager Mauricio Pochettino, as the defeat dropped them to seventh, a damaging blow to their early-season title ambitions.
The match began brightly for the hosts when new signing Alejandro Garnacho marked his home debut with a sharp finish inside four minutes, giving Chelsea early control.
But the momentum soon shifted. Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor levelled midway through the first half, reacting quickest to a long throw that the home defence failed to clear.
Despite the introduction of Brazilian prodigy Estevão on the hour mark, Chelsea’s creativity waned.
The visitors, organised and disciplined, absorbed pressure efficiently and looked increasingly dangerous on the break.
Then came the decisive moment. Deep into added time, substitute Brian Brobbey found space on the counter and squared for Talbi, who curled a precise effort beyond goalkeeper Robert Sánchez to seal an unforgettable win for the visitors.
The away end erupted, celebrating a result that cements Sunderland’s status as this season’s surprise package.
Chelsea’s frustrations were evident at the final whistle, with Marc Cucurella slamming the turf in disappointment as Sunderland players celebrated on the pitch.
Elsewhere, Newcastle United earned a much-needed boost in their Premier League campaign with a dramatic 90th-minute winner from captain Bruno Guimarães against struggling Fulham.
Jacob Murphy capitalised on a defensive blunder by Calvin Bassey to put the Magpies ahead midway through the first half.
The visitors responded through Sasa Lukic, whose header just before the hour mark brought Fulham level.
But as Marco Silva’s men pressed for a point, Newcastle struck late. Substitute William Osula’s shot was parried by Bernd Leno, and Guimarães reacted fastest to bury the rebound, sending St. James’ Park into raptures.
The result lifted Eddie Howe’s side to 11th in the standings, trimming the gap to the top four to just three points. Fulham, meanwhile, slid dangerously close to the relegation zone after a fourth straight league defeat.
For Chelsea, the latest setback deepens frustration among supporters who had hoped for a stronger campaign following heavy summer investment.
The Blues have now dropped points in three of their last five fixtures and face mounting questions over their attacking consistency without Cole Palmer, who remains sidelined through injury.
Sunderland, in contrast, continue to play with fearlessness and cohesion, reflecting the resurgence under manager Tony Mowbray.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Wearside club’s fairytale return to the Premier League shows no sign of slowing.
