Source: Northern_Echo
Cats their own worst enemies in Chelsea loss
STEVE Bruce last night conceded Sunderland contributed to their own downfall as they crashed to a 4-2 defeat at the hands of a resurgent Chelsea.[LNB] The Black Cats suffered their first Premier League defeat of the year as goals from Frank Lampard, Salomon Kalou, John Terry and Nicolas Anelka extracted revenge for November's 3-0 reverse at Stamford Bridge.[LNB] The quality of Chelsea's attacking caused problems throughout, and ensured Sunderland failed to move into the top five despite strikes of their own from Phil Bardsley and Kieran Richardson.[LNB] However, Sunderland's defending repeatedly left a lot to be desired, with Ahmed Elmohamady conceding a penalty, Craig Gordon mistiming a run from his line and the entire home defence switching off as Terry scored Chelsea's all-important third at the start of the second half.[LNB] "They are a fantastic team, and they looked like the real Chelsea again didn't they," said Bruce. "But the disappointing thing for me is that for all they played well, we gave some really bad goals away.[LNB] "It was a bad penalty and an even worse second goal. The third goal, we could have been better, and we missed a challenge on the edge of the box for their fourth. "We haven't really made those elementary mistakes all season, and that's why we're up in the position we're in.[LNB] The goals we gave them were the most disappointing element of the night." In truth, Sunderland were second best for large periods, such was the quality of a Chelsea performance that suggested the £70m double capture of Fernando Torres and David Luiz on Monday was hardly imperative.[LNB] Yesterday's game kicked off a difficult spell that will also see the Black Cats take on Tottenham, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City. The two-month period is likely to define their season, and Bruce is desperate to get some of his injured players back.[LNB] Last night's substitutes' bench contained the likes of Jack Colback, Adam Reed and Jordan Cook, underlining just how stretched Sunderland's resources currently are. "I came into the dressing room after the game and saw the likes of (Danny) Welbeck, (Fraizer) Campbell, (Michael) Turner, (Lee) Cattermole and (David) Meyler," said Bruce.[LNB] "In total, I think we have seven out, and they would obviously make a difference. "It's been like that for four or five weeks now, and the lads who have been playing have done a fantastic job in that period. But we need to start getting some players back."[LNB] Stephane Sessegnon made his Sunderland debut on the left of midfield last night, and produced enough bright touches to suggest it should not take long for him to start justifying his £6m fee.[LNB] Sulley Muntari watched events unfold from the stands, but having received his visa following a loan move from Inter Milan, the Ghana international should make his first appearance in Saturday's away game at Stoke.[LNB] "He's got all his forms and he's back in the country," confirmed Bruce.[LNB] "He should train with us (today) and I'm sure he'll be a useful addition to the squad."[LNB] Chelsea's performance was as good as anything they produced as they swept to last season's Premier League title, but Manchester United's 3-1 win over Aston Villa means Carlo Ancelotti's side are still ten points behind the current league leaders.[LNB] "The gap is the same, but our aim is to do our best," said the Chelsea boss, who is expected to hand Torres his debut in Sunday's home game with Liverpool.[LNB] "We have won both of our away games against Bolton and Sunderland and we still have a lot of possibilities until the end of the season.[LNB] "I don't know if it is enough to come back and fight for the title because it doesn't depend on us. It's difficult to close the gap when Manchester United are winning."[LNB]
