Brian Brobbey overpowers Chelsea defence to inspire Sunderland win

Brian Brobbey played a central role as Sunderland defeated Chelsea on Sunday, helping his side collect their first Premier League win since the second round of fixtures. The former Ajax forward won the decisive penalty when Levi Colwill fouled him, with Enzo Le Fée converting from the spot.

The penalty prompted debate in England, although former defender Jamie Carragher judged the decision correct while working as a Sky Sports analyst. Chelsea manager Xavi Alonso instead focused on his team’s defending, telling the BBC that the situation had been avoidable and was something his players had worked on during the week.

Brobbey did not score, extending his league drought since his hat-trick against Manchester City on 20 September, but his physical display earned considerable praise. Voetbal International reports that the BBC awarded him an eight out of ten, highlighting how he grew into the contest, dominated Colwill in the air and almost scored following an individual run. Colwill, who had been booked, was substituted at half-time and received a four.

The result inflicted Chelsea’s fourth league defeat and gave Sunderland some breathing room, although Régis Le Bris’s team remain 19th with eight points. Le Bris was therefore cautious after the victory, while Alonso continues to contend with injuries, frequent changes to his line-up and a lack of attacking fluency.