Sunderland completed their Premier League return in style after a 2-1 win over Chelsea confirmed their spot in the Europa League next season. The Black Cats will compete in Europe for the first time in 53 years.
Goal Scoring
Trai Hume sent Sunderland ahead in the 25th minute with a composed finish into the bottom corner. They doubled their advantage five minutes after the restart when Malo Gusto turned the ball into his own net during a chaotic start to the second half.
Cole Palmer pulled one back for Chelsea in the 56th minute, but the Blues were reduced to 10 men just six minutes later when Wesley Fofana picked up a second yellow card.
European Qualification Secured
Victory combined with results elsewhere cemented Sunderland's place in Europe next season, capping off a sensational top-flight return for the club. Sunderland earned promotion exactly one year ago to the day after beating Sheffield United in the Championship playoff final at Wembley.
Chelsea's Final Position
Chelsea had started the day in eighth place, but defeat sees them finish one point outside of the European places after slipping into 10th.
Team News
Luke O'Nien replaced Omar Alderete in the Sunderland line-up from last weekend's win over Everton, while Chelsea made three changes from their victory over Tottenham as Gusto, Levi Colwill and João Pedro all started.
First Half Action
Hume played a neat ball into Enzo Le Fée, who charged down the right and forced Robert Sánchez into a strong save at his near post. Pedro Neto's deep free-kick was scrambled away by the home defence but Sunderland nearly struck twice at the other end.
The Black Cats found the opener when Roefs' kick was nodded down by O'Nien for Hume to squeeze the ball into the bottom corner. Hume almost turned provider after playing Brobbey through, but the striker smashed his effort into the side netting.
Chelsea began to see more of the ball towards the end of the first half and their best opportunity came when Gusto crossed into Pedro at the back post, but the striker's header sailed wide.
Second Half Drama
Sunderland were straight out of the blocks just seconds after the restart when Le Fee flicked a pass towards Brobbey and his effort was saved by Sánchez. However, the hosts soon extended their advantage five minutes into the second half when Le Fee's cross was sliced towards goal by Brobbey and Gusto turned the ball into his own net.
Chelsea replied through Palmer as Roefs pushed his low strike into the bottom corner. The game took another twist in the 62nd minute when Fofana was booked for a second time after fouling substitute Wilson Isidor.
Final Stages
Sunderland controlled the game, with Le Fee having an effort saved by Sánchez while a Blues attack saw Palmer send a shot over the bar. Reece James had a shot saved before Isidor's effort was blocked and Sunderland navigated 10 additional minutes of stoppage time to secure their place in Europe.