Chelsea failed to score for the first time in any competition this season as Sunderland earned a deserved point in a frenetic goalless draw at the Stadium of Light this evening.
Although it lacked goals, it was a passionate, engrossing encounter on Wearside that Sunderland could have easily won late on to inflict a first defeat of the season on Jose Mourinho's side.
They, like Chelsea, had to settle for a point though and here, Sports Mole hands out ratings from one to 10 for those in action.
© Getty ImagesSUNDERLAND
Goal
Costel Pantilimon: The first goalkeeper to not concede against the Blues this season. Made one key save to deny Ivanovic in the first half and faultless for the rest. (7/10)
Defence
Santiago Vergini: A beast in the air who also made several big tackles. Kept Hazard fairly quiet and also hit the bar with a good first-half chance. (8/10)
John O'Shea: Made a key tackle to deny Costa in the first half. Would have enjoyed the battle against the Spaniard, which he won. (8/10)
Wes Brown: Excellent alongside O'Shea in the heart of defence. (8/10)
Anthony Reveillere: Did not stand out as much as the other Sunderland defenders, but still impressive. (7/10)
Midfield
Lee Cattermole: The star of the show. Made so many crucial blocks and interceptions to inspire his teammates. Superb. (9/10)
Jack Rodwell: Taken off shortly after the hour mark, but a good display all the same. Tested Courtois with a fierce first-half strike. (6/10)
Sebastian Larsson: Worked hard in the middle, but his usually-excellent set pieces were a little below par. (6/10)
Adam Johnson: In and out of the game before he saw plenty of action late on. Fired wide with a couple of chances. (6/10)
Connor Wickham: Sunderland's biggest threat going forward. Worked his socks off down the left and tested Courtois with a rasping drive. Ivanovic will not have to work that hard in many other games this season. (8/10)
Attack
Steven Fletcher: Struggled on his own in attack before being taken off with Rodwell in the 62nd minute. (6/10)
Substitutes
Jordi Gomez: Did not take long to get fired up. Made some big tackles. (7/10)
Jozy Altidore: Injected some presence up front and almost stole the points with a late chance. Impressive. (7/10)
© Getty ImagesCHELSEA
Goal
Thibaut Courtois: Continues to look great in goal for the Blues. Only tested on three occasions, but made no mistakes. (7/10)
Defence
Branislav Ivanovic: Had plenty on his hands with Wickham but did a pretty good job. Got forward when he could and almost scored in the first half. (7/10)
Gary Cahill: No-nonsence from the England international. (6/10)
John Terry: He and Cahill did not have that much to do today, but were as solid as ever. (6/10)
Cesar Azpilicueta: Did not see too much of the ball down the left. Fairly innocuous. (6/10)
Midfield
Nemanja Matic: Given the attacking intent of the five players below, he knows what his role is and he is very good at it. He breaks up play brilliantly and uses the ball sensibly. (8/10)
Cesc Fabregas: Maybe his most ineffective performance since joining the club in the summer. He was solid from a defensive point of view, but could not find the killer pass. (6/10)
Willian: After his fabulous display in midweek in Germany, the Brazilian was kept fairly quiet today. The odd bright moment - hit the outside of the post in the first half. Came off with five left. (6/10)
Oscar: Cattermole got the better of him in the middle of the park. Bullied. Taken off with 15 to go. (6/10)
Eden Hazard: Chelsea's best player going forward, but still a little off-colour. (7/10)
Attack
Diego Costa: Tried to ruffle up the Sunderland backline, but it did not work. Kicked out at O'Shea after a late tackle and then unnecessarily clotheslined Brown. Lucky to not be sent off and is now suspended for the midweek game against Tottenham after being booked. (4/10)
Substitutes
Didier Drogba: Almost made an instant impact with a shot that was saved, but could not save Chelsea. (6/10)
Loic Remy: Barely touched the ball after coming on with 15 minutes to go. (5/10)
Andre Schurrle: Replaced Willian late on but did not have the time to make an impact. (6/10)
Pascal Lemesre
