It’s a remarkable feat to notch up 10 straight wins in a league which Antonio Conte keeps reminding us is the toughest.
Sunderland were never going to do anything else apart from look to kill the game with seven defenders in their line-up, an approach that Chelsea will have to get used to overcoming this season.
The contrast with last season could not be more stark.
Last year the Blues were turned over at the Stadium of Light in a 3-2 defeat; with this victory, they have already won more games than they did in the whole of that campaign.
No Eden Hazard? No problem as Fabregas’ first-half strike proved the difference in the North-East.
Feel free to give us your own ratings and comments below. Here are our marks out of 10.
Thibaut Courtois: A mere bystander, aside from Januzaj’s shot, until he pulled out a stunning save from van Aanholt in the closing moments. That’s the mark of a top keeper. 8
Cesar Azpilicueta: After signing a new contract this week, the ever-dependable defender put in a performance of characteristic commitment and application. 8
David Luiz: Didn’t have much in the way of defensive duties to perform, came close with a long range set-piece in the first half. 7
Gary Cahill: Has come under some unfair stick this season but Cahill marshals this defence well and did so again tonight. 7
Victor Moses: A threat going forward in the second half and was able to stretch the game as it went on, to his side’s benefit. 7
N’Golo Kante: Nicked possession on several occasions and looked to surge forward, but in truth there wasn’t a great deal for him to hoover up in the way of Sunderland threat. 6
Cesc Fabregas: Whatever the ebbs and flows of Fabregas’ role in this Chelsea side, the Spaniard remains a precocious talent. A wonderful finish for the goal. 8
Marcos Alonso: Returning to his former club, Alonso’s crossing needs work but he is a work in progress. Didn’t give much away. 7
Willian: Looked like what he is, pretty much, a stopgap for Hazard. Could have got himself a goal in the second half but his movement wasn’t always as sharp as it should be. 6
Diego Costa: It’s been unlike him to react negatively in games but can you blame him after O’Shea became the 15th player to be booked when fouling him this season. Moved well in the channels later on despite not creating anything much of note. 7
Pedro: A sharp mover and nearly beat the offside trap in the first half, forcing a save from Pickford. Sacrificed with 15 minutes to play for Matic.
Nemanja Matic: Brought on to kill the game and helped with his height in set pieces in the closing stages. n/a
