Sunderland 1-0 Chelsea: Controversial Enzo Le Fee penalty earns Black Cats first league win since August

Sunderland have ended their wait for a Premier League win, with Enzo Le Fee's penalty enough to beat Chelsea 1-0 at the Stadium of Light. It is the Black Cats' first league victory since August.

The decisive moment came in the 36th minute, and it was far from clear-cut. Referee Jarred Gillett ruled that Levi Colwill had pulled Brian Brobbey down as the striker drove towards goal, even though the pair had been grappling with each other. Le Fee sent Mike Penders the wrong way from the spot.

Chelsea felt they should have had a penalty of their own earlier in the half, when Luke O'Nien brought down Cole Palmer. The club's official match report conceded the call was "very tight", with the foul judged to have taken place just outside the box.

The result should ease the pressure on Regis Le Bris, although Sunderland remain in the bottom three. It is only their second Premier League win of the season, and their sixth in all competitions.

Le Bris's side had not led at half-time all season before this game, and they had to cope without Granit Xhaka, who was withdrawn inside four minutes.

Sunderland defended their lead with determination. Brobbey was a constant nuisance, volleying wide from close range early on, and Chelsea rarely carved out clear openings. Their best chance fell to substitute Danny Welbeck, as the former Sunderland loanee headed over in stoppage time.

Xabi Alonso handed Jordan Henderson a start on his return to the club where he came through the ranks, with Penders continuing in goal as Emiliano Martinez was not quite ready to start after jaw surgery.

At half-time, Alonso sent on Estevao Willian for Colwill and moved Moises Caicedo into central defence, then made further changes on the hour.

None of it worked. Chelsea have now lost two of their last three league games and stay fifth, missing a chance to break into the top four.