Enzo le Fee’s first-half penalty earned Sunderland a much-needed 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light, ending their wait for a Premier League win stretching back to August.
The midfielder calmly sent Mike Penders the wrong way from the spot in the 36th minute after Levi Colwill was penalised for bringing down Brian Brobbey.
The decision sparked debate, with both players appearing to grapple as the Sunderland striker tried to advance towards goal.
Referee Jarred Gillett nevertheless judged Colwill to have committed the foul.
Sunderland protected their advantage to secure only their second league victory of the campaign, providing welcome relief for manager Regis le Bris.
The result lifted the Black Cats from bottom to 18th, leaving them one point from safety.
Chelsea remained fifth after a second defeat in three league matches, missing the opportunity to move into the top four.
Sunderland deliver timely response
Le Bris needed a reaction after Sunderland supporters booed their team following Thursday’s 2-0 Europa League defeat by Dinamo Zagreb.
Despite mounting pressure, club sources had indicated last week that the Frenchman would receive more time to improve results after guiding Sunderland to seventh place last season.
His players responded with a determined display, claiming their first league win since a 1-0 home success against Fulham in their second match of the campaign.
It was also their sixth victory across all competitions this season.
Brobbey was particularly influential, troubling Chelsea’s defence and going close early on when he headed Chemsdine Talbi’s delivery narrowly wide.
However, the afternoon brought injury concerns, with both Brobbey and Granit Xhaka forced off with muscle problems.
After Brobbey departed in the 77th minute, Sunderland concentrated on defending their lead.
Chelsea offered little sustained threat as the hosts saw out a valuable win.
Chelsea struggle to find consistency
Chelsea’s uneven form continued as they failed to build on last weekend’s convincing 2-0 victory over Manchester United, which had followed defeat by Tottenham.
Without forward Joao Pedro because of a thigh injury, the visitors struggled to create clear openings.
Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers were both below their best.
Rogers wasted a promising opportunity before the opening goal, directing a free header narrowly wide.
Chelsea also felt they should have received a penalty in the 25th minute when Luke O’Nien brought down Palmer near the edge of the area.
Gillett initially allowed play to continue, but a video assistant referee review identified a foul.
The contact was judged to have occurred outside the box, with Palmer subsequently falling inside it.
Palmer, who had been omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, could not inspire a breakthrough as Chelsea finished with 10 shots but few clear-cut chances.
The defeat leaves the Blues two points outside the Champions League places.
