Sunderland Win Over Chelsea Sends Timely Regis Le Bris Message

Not only did Sunderland beat Chelsea in a performance that mirrored their effective best from last season, but the win sent a timely reminder regarding under-pressure Regis Le Bris: the Black Cats squad are still playing for their boss.

Sunderland headed into the visit of Xabi Alonso's side at the bottom of the Premier League table, winless since late August, but the 1-0 victory over the billionaire-backed Blues lifted the Black Cats off rock bottom to see Le Bris' side return to top flight winning ways at last.

Brian Brobbey, who enjoyed an outstanding performance in attack to give Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill a truly torrid afternoon, won the penalty for Sunderland which Enzo Le Fee emphatically dispatched, proving to be the winning goal.

With pressure mounting on Le Bris in the build-up to the fixture following Thursday evening's shocking Europa League loss to Dinamo Zagreb, it was an imperative victory for the Frenchman, which thankfully proved that his side are still behind their manager with a performance that was what the Stadium of Light faithful have come to know and love under the head coach.

Sunday afternoon's much-needed victory over Chelsea was not a glossy, technically excellent performance from the Black Cats, but the winning feeling was brought back to the Stadium of Light with a 'proper' Sunderland performance.

Sunderland are not a progressive, possession-oriented team, but when they are at their effective best, as they were against Alonso's Blues, they are one of the most difficult sides to contend with in the Premier League.

Against Chelsea, Sunderland exhibited all of the traits that took Le Bris' side to seventh in the table last season and into the Europa League, ironically at the behest of the Blues.

A clear unity, determination, desire, and collective grit were on display as the Sunderland squad collectively put their bodies on the line in every area of the field to secure a desperately needed three points.

Noah Sadiki, who publicly backed Le Bris before the game, followed his support of the Sunderland boss up with an incredible performance, with Le Fee back to his best and substitute Jules Ahoka, who replaced injured Granit Xhaka in the opening minute, continuing to marvel in red-and-white.

In defence, the Black Cats' backline was outstanding, showing their resolute defensive best that was the foundation pillar for their remarkable campaign last term.

Up front, bullish Brobbey was back to his goliath best, holding off the Blues' backline with ease, earning the game-winning penalty in the process and also showcasing the selfless hard work that exemplified his teammates against Chelsea.

For all the Frenchman has done in his 30 months or so on Wearside, every Sunderland fan wants Le Bris to turn Sunderland's subpar start to the Premier League season around, and it was wonderful to see the Black Cats pull out a masterful, tactical win over Alonso when he needed it most.

His selections were inspired, with resurgent Chemsdine Talbi trusted and lively from the start, with Luke O'Nien repaying his head coach's faith with a stellar and assured display alongside the always impressive Nordi Mukiele.

That was Sunderland, Regis Le Bris' Sunderland, again at long last.

And now, hopefully, this momentous victory over Chelsea can be the catalyst for change at the Stadium of Light in the post-international break Premier League run.