Sunderland's ineptitude and not Jose Mourinho's departure let Chelsea's under-fire stars hit top form in the 3-1 triumph at Stamford Bridge, according to Sam Allardyce.
Allardyce had admitted a Chelsea resurgence in Saturday's Premier League clash immediately after Jose Mourinho's sacking could have proved a "sad indictment" of modern player power.
Chelsea won at a canter but Black Cats boss Sunderland believes it was the Wearsiders' shortcomings and not any Blues relief at Mourinho's departure that led to west London the result.
Allardyce vowed to seek new recruits in January to dig Sunderland out of the relegation "mire", while accepting he may have to abandon his favoured 5-3-2 formation.
"I think we let them turn on the style in many ways," said Allardyce, blaming his men for defeat and not Mourinho's midweek sacking.
"We gave them room and spaces to show the ability they've got, there's no doubt about that. I'm disappointed we didn't make a better show of ourselves.
"We made life very easy for them and they took advantage of that with the quality they've got.
"I've got to find a solution, and if I can't find a solution in the squad I have to find a solution in January, and see where we go from there.
"It's a big worry in terms of where do I go next, what team do I pick, what system do I pick.
"I find myself toiling with the fact that we put one team out that plays in that system, does really well at Palace and Arsenal, but today it never worked whatsoever.
"So it looks like I'm going to have to find a new system, and new players in that system to try to get us a result.
"I'm disappointed in the lack of consistency, we've seen some good things, in back-to-back wins but now we've dropped right back in the mire again because of a lack of results.
"Now we find ourselves on the points total way behind the games played total, and that's the difficulty, that's where the pressure lies on these players week on week now."
Branislav Ivanovic, Pedro and Oscar claimed Chelsea's goals as the Blues started life after Mourinho for the second time, with new interim boss Hiddink watching on from the stands.
First team coach Steve Holland and Eddie Newton took control of team affairs in the vital Premier League win over Sunderland, that kept Chelsea just above the relegation zone.
Holland admitted amid any lingering thoughts of Mourinho it was vital Chelsea simply completed their task in hand by seeing off Sunderland.
"It was a very important three points for the club today," said Holland.
"Our position is very poor, had we lost today we would have gone into the bottom three, so it's a very important win.
"I told them whatever their feelings were regarding the situation they had a responsibility to the football club and its supporters all round the world.
"We have quality players, I've no doubt about that, and the players care, and they had to show that on the pitch."
Source: PA
