Premier League | Stadium of Light | Sunday 24 May 2026

Sunderland Sign Off in Style

Sunderland rounded off their debut Premier League season in emphatic fashion, beating Chelsea 2–1 at a packed Stadium of Light to cap a remarkable campaign for the newly promoted side.

Two first-half goals — the opener on 25 minutes and a second just five minutes after the restart — put Sunderland firmly in control, and though Chelsea pulled one back through a flurry of activity around the hour mark, the hosts held firm to secure a memorable victory on the final day.

A Disciplined Defensive Masterclass

With only 45% possession, Sunderland were content to let Chelsea have the ball, and Enzo Maresca’s side duly obliged with 55% — yet for all their dominance in territory, Chelsea mustered just six shots in total, with only three on target. Goalkeeper Robin Roefs was rarely troubled, while his opposite number Robert Sanchez was kept considerably busier, saving four times as Sunderland’s front line pressed and probed with real intent.

The Goals

Sunderland broke the deadlock on 25 minutes, capitalising on a well-worked move to take a deserved lead. The Stadium of Light was still celebrating when the second arrived shortly after the break on 50 minutes, Brian Brobbey and Nilson Angulo combining to devastating effect to put Sunderland 2–0 up and apparently cruising.

Chelsea responded immediately. Within six minutes, a flurry of substitutions and a goal on 56 minutes gave the visitors renewed hope, setting up a tense final half hour. Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto threatened to level, but Sunderland’s backline — marshalled superbly by Granit Xhaka and Luke O’Nien in midfield — held their shape under pressure.

Bookings Aplenty

It was not a match short of controversy. Sunderland collected five yellow cards across the 90 minutes — a sign of the ferocity with which they fought for every ball. Chelsea too were not innocent, picking up four bookings including a yellow-red, with tensions boiling over in the final stages as the visitors pushed desperately for an equaliser.

Full-Time

When the final whistle blew, the Stadium of Light erupted. For Sunderland, a first top-flight season back in years ends with a winning send-off — their survival secured, their identity restored. For Chelsea, a frustrating afternoon with little to show for their possession, ending a campaign that will demand serious reflection.

Stats at a Glance

Statistic	Sunderland	Chelsea
Goals	2	1
Possession	45%	55%
Shots	17	6
Shots on Target	7	3
Corners	6	2
Yellow Cards	5	4