It was another long and frustrating night at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea slumped to a 2-1 defeat against newly-promoted Sunderland their second home league loss in just nine games this season, following the earlier 1-3 setback against Brighton.
While Sunderland supporters celebrated a remarkable comeback, Softfootball understands that Chelsea fans were left furious at Enzo Maresca’s decisions, with many questioning his substitutions, tactical approach, and inability to adapt when under pressure.
Chelsea Fans Furious Over Maresca’s Decisions
Chelsea’s inability to manage a game after taking the lead has become a recurring theme this season, and the latest defeat only amplified growing frustration among supporters.
@jaynaija couldn’t hold back:
Why did Maresca remove Acheampong for Tosin exactly? You guys just know how to ruin someone’s day. Just pray Man U don’t win o.
@symplydapo echoed the sentiment:
Never ever play Pedro as our 10, it is even better to play Enzo there. That guy was missing all through the 1st half. Tosin had no business on that pitch, he is not fully ready to be introduced.
@danielregha was equally critical of the team’s lack of direction:
Chelsea already losing points to smaller clubs when the season hasn’t even gone halfway; the team fails to utilize chances, and barely shows any serious coordination especially once Chelsea has taken the lead. Imagine losing to Sunderland — it’s nothing but embarrassing.
The defeat was one of pain for Chelsea and their supporters, the team via its official YouTube channel posted the full post match reaction of head coach Enzo Maresca speaking about what went wrong and areas of improvement for the team going ahead. They posted:
For @thineytips, the problem runs deeper than tactics:
Chelsea doesn’t have a creative midfielder except Palmer. We don’t have a playmaker that can create chances from tight spaces. Joao Pedro was never a midfielder or striker, he played from LW and Maresca is just trying hard to fit him there.
@landmark turned his frustration into sarcasm:
Chelsea doing what they do best — turning Stamford Bridge into a rehab centre for struggling teams. Sunderland came for a visit, left with hope, goals, and maybe even belief in miracles. At this point, Chelsea should start charging for therapy sessions instead of match tickets. Pure generosity FC.
The recruitment strategy also came under fire. @chelsearealist vented:
Starting to think even Man United will finish above us. The board cost us massively in the summer. We went from Felix, Nkunku, Sancho, Neto to Gittens, Garnacho, Buonanotte — a downgrade. We got into the Champions League and won the CW only for our team to be dismantled and regress.
@chelseadiehard was particularly frustrated with Maresca’s substitutions:
Removing Acheampong for uncle Tosin is not wise at all. Chelsea is so bad at breaking defensive sides. Only Palmer is good one-on-one. Joao Pedro doesn’t even remember he’s an attacker. We’re missing Palmer’s creativity to be honest.
Chelsea posted on its official YouTube channel the full match highlights for the blues fans to rewatch incase that missed the game. They posted:
For @valentine, the issue is Maresca’s rigid game plan:
A very immature coach always approaching every game the same way. A better coach would have changed his game seeing how Sunderland parked the box. But no — always pass, pass, and pass to achieve nothing. Disappointing.
And @joesphakpos summarized the performance bluntly:
Poor performance from Chelsea, largely because of poor decisions from the coach. Wrong changes, poor game management. Imagine having 72% possession with just 6–7 touches inside the opponents’ box and still losing the game.
Sunderland Fans Celebrate a Famous Victory
While Chelsea fans fumed, Sunderland supporters were in ecstasy after a historic win in London.
@kevinyer hailed the team’s discipline:
Fantastic result. Showed composure, tactical discipline, and a great attitude to ride out the pressure. The recruitment has been first-class — can’t speak highly enough of the job RLB has done and the efforts of the players.
@kapip couldn’t contain his joy:
Sunderland is amazing! To come back from behind like that away! Talbi is a true gem. A club like Sunderland is the perfect environment for him to develop. BRAVO.
After the game ended , Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris in a video released via their team official X handle, spoke to the press about the huge victory away at Stamford Bridge and what it means for both the players and supporters of the club.They posted:
@georgeskyyy praised one of the club’s key summer signings:
Granit Xhaka to Sunderland has got to be signing of the summer. What a player! Sunderland now sit 2nd in the league.”
Even the trolls were out in full force. @jimmykafangi joked:
Daily medicine, my weekly energy, my yearly motivation — Chelsea losing is the only reason I’m still alive. I was born to love and enjoy their failures.
@dominicverse added his own banter:
Sunderland really sitting pretty at no. 2 like they’ve conquered Europe Calm down lads, it’s October not May — trophies aren’t handed out for being runners-up halfway through the season But hey, enjoy it while it lasts!
After the game, Sunderland official X handle posted the fans reaction to the stoppage time winner scored by Chemsdine Talbi. They posted:
Looking Ahead
For Chelsea, the loss to Sunderland adds another dent to an already worrying campaign under Maresca. Two home defeats in the first nine games,both to sides outside the traditional top six underline a lack of tactical flexibility and consistency. With pressure mounting, Maresca will need an immediate turnaround to quiet growing unrest among fans.
For Sunderland, it’s another statement result under RLB’s management. With a balanced squad, composed performances, and rising stars like Chemsdine Talbi stepping up, the Black Cats look ready to fight for a European spot and perhaps even dream bigger.
