Amal Sidi Rahal Overview

Xabi Alonso has taken full responsibility for Chelsea’s narrow 1-0 defeat at Sunderland, choosing to focus on his team's lack of clinical edge rather than the officiating. Despite several contentious VAR decisions at the Stadium of Light, the Blues boss insisted that defensive lapses were the primary reason for their failure to secure a result.

Chelsea's tactical dominance counted for nothing on Wearside as Xabi Alonso's men failed to convert dominant possession into a result. A first-half penalty from Enzo Le Fee proved the difference in a disappointing afternoon for the visitors.