Chelsea gave valuable ground to Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League title race after losing at home to relegation battlers Sunderland.
Liverpool loanee Fabio Borini scored the winner for the Black Cats from the penalty spot just 10 minutes from time.
The defeat also signals the end of Jose Mourinho's unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge - a record that had stood since 2004 and for 77 Premier League matches.
The afternoon had started as planned for Mourinho's title chasers when Samuel Eto'o volleyed in a corner after just 12 minutes.
But Sunderland, fresh from a brilliant draw at the Etihad in midweek, had other ideas and fought back through Connor Wickham.
Petr Cech was ruled out in the build-up with a virus meaning veteran reserve Mark Schwarzer had to step in - the Australian couldn't hold Marcos Alonso's shot and Wickham pounced to equalise.
The home side pressed for a winner but couldn't add a finishing touch, before Cesar Azpilicueta fouled Jozy Altidore inside the box. Borini stepped up and coolly slotted down the middle to give Sunderland a vital three points.
Chelsea must hope that Liverpool slip up tomorrow at Carrow Road as they enter a defining 10 days of their season.
Chelsea gave valuable ground to Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League title race after losing at home to relegation battlers Sunderland.
Liverpool loanee Fabio Borini scored the winner for the Black Cats from the penalty spot just 10 minutes from time.
The defeat also signals the end of Jose Mourinho's unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge - a record that had stood since 2004 and for 77 Premier League matches.
The afternoon had started as planned for Mourinho's title chasers when Samuel Eto'o volleyed in a corner after just 12 minutes.
But Sunderland, fresh from a brilliant draw at the Etihad in midweek, had other ideas and fought back through Connor Wickham.
Petr Cech was ruled out in the build-up with a virus meaning veteran reserve Mark Schwarzer had to step in - the Australian couldn't hold Marcos Alonso's shot and Wickham pounced to equalise.
The home side pressed for a winner but couldn't add a finishing touch, before Cesar Azpilicueta fouled Jozy Altidore inside the box. Borini stepped up and coolly slotted down the middle to give Sunderland a vital three points.
Chelsea must hope that Liverpool slip up tomorrow at Carrow Road as they enter a defining 10 days of their season.
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