Fernando Torres netted a second straight brace to help Chelsea record a first domestic win under new manager Rafael Benitez at Sunderland this afternoon.
© PA Photos
The Spaniard had not previously scored in nine Premier League matches, but his double and a third from Juan Mata secured a first win in seven top-flight fixtures for the Blues.
A powerful first-time finish from Eden Hazard's bending cross saw Torres open the scoring on 11 minutes and end his barren run which stretched back to October 6.
Sebastian Larsson had earlier escaped unpunished when he was adjudged not to have pulled back Hazard in the box, but the Swede was guilty of conceding a penalty just prior to the interval.
His challenge on Ramires was deemed to be a foul by referee Mark Halsey and Torres stepped up to confidently convert from 12 yards.
After the break, the £50m man came within inches of completing his hat-trick when he struck the crossbar, but his compatriot Mata was on hand to finish smartly from the rebound.
With the result seemingly beyond doubt, Sunderland began to find some attacking joy and pulled one back when Adam Johnson found the top corner for his first goal at the Stadium of Light.
However, it was to be too little, too late for Martin O'Neill's side, who fall into the relegation zone following their fourth winless game in succession.
Joe Fish
