Chelsea started life without Jose Mourinho with a 3-1 win over Sunderland in front of new interim manager Guus Hiddink this afternoon.
The defending Premier League champions announced shortly before kickoff that Hiddink had been chosen to take over from Mourinho until the end of the season, although he watched from the stand sitting next to former Blues player Didier Drogba as coaches Steve Holland and Eddie Newton took charge in the dugout.
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The majority of supporters at Stamford Bridge expressed their displease at Mourinho's departure, despite the Blues starting the match 16th in the table, just a point above the drop zone.
Underperformers Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa also had their names booed when the teams were read out, but Chelsea ignored the jeers to take the lead inside five minutes.
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Branislav Ivanovic rose highest to head home Willian's corner for his first league goal of the season, and it was soon two in the 13th minute.
Pedro, in for the injured Eden Hazard, had not scored since his Blues debut in August, but ended that drought by slamming high into the net after Ivanovic's cross dropped kindly his way.
Costa went close to making it three on a couple of occasions before the interval, but Sunderland hung on until half time.
Chelsea seemingly killed the game off five minutes into the second half through Oscar, who had enjoyed a bright first half and tucked home from the penalty spot after Black Cats keeper Costel Pantilimon clumsily took out Willian.
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The match appeared won, but Sunderland pulled one back moments later as half-time substitute Fabio Borini bundled home from close range.
The goal breathed life into the visitors and they threatened regularly from then on, but Borini and Jermain Defoe both squandered chances to make it a nervy finish for Chelsea.
Three points move Chelsea up to 14th and Hiddink's first game in charge will be at home to Watford on Boxing Day, while Sunderland are now further from safety after Norwich City's surprise win at Manchester United.
Pascal Lemesre
