Match report: Chelsea 3-1 Sunderland

A lot of water needs to pass under Stamford Bridge before fans and players can unify for the cause but their simple win over Sunderland has started the process.

Goals from Branislav Ivanovic, Pedro and Oscar earned Steve Holland three points in his only game in charge, as Chelsea began the post-Jose Mourinho era in a manner befitting their former boss.

Before kick-off the names of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa were booed by the home supporters, having become figures of blame for the demise of the popular Mourinho. Brazilian Willian was saved from the criticism as he received a huge cheer thanks to endeavours in a season of desperation.

New boss Guus Hiddink must have found it all very confusing sitting in the stands next to Didier Drogba, as he realised the job he has taken on isn’t just about improving results but get the faithful back onside.

Many Chelsea fans remain in full support of their departed manager Credit: PA

Banners were held aloft saying ‘You Let Jose Down, You Let Us Down’ and another describing Fabregas, Costa and the absent Eden Hazard as ‘rats’, as Mourinho’s name rung around ground for long periods as fans celebrated the achievements of ‘The Special One’.

Even when Ivanovic got the better of Sebastian Coates at a corner in the fifth minute, the ripple of the net was met with a rendition of “Jose Mourinho” as the audible protest continued regardless of what was happening on the pitch.

No Jose Mourinho on the Chelsea bench, as the club begin yet another new era Credit: PA

There was a touch of flair in the Chelsea ranks, something which has been lacking this season, with Oscar and Willian combining through some impressive interplay.

Sunderland were not helping themselves as they failed to clear a cross from the right, allowing Pedro to pounce on a miskick to double Chelsea’s lead before the quarter hour mark. The reaction in the stands was identical as Mourinho was celebrated more than the goal.

Chelsea were growing in confidence throughout the first-half, knowing their opposition were of no threat to them. Sam Allardyce acted in the 22nd minute when he replaced the astoundingly poor Coates, who once again didn’t look capable of playing at this level, with the beleaguered Adam Johnson.

Oscar looked revived after spending most of the season giving off the impression didn’t want to be on the pitch. He was majestic on the ball and nearly got a goal after 26 minutes when he dummied twice to create space, before firing straight at Costel Pantilimon.

In an attempt to rectify the many ills of the Sunderland team, Allardyce brought on Fabio Borini on a half-time in place of Ola Toivonen. Sadly for the manager and his men it just made them more open, allowing Chelsea to break freely and ending with Willian being brought down by the goalkeeper. Oscar stepped up and calmly slotted home to a barrage of Mourinho chants.

Oscar rolls home Chelsea's third goal from the penalty spot Credit: PA

Substitute Borini brought some level of hope for Sunderland as he bundled home a well worked free-kick after Younes Kaboul headed the ball calmly across the box for the striker to tap beyond Thibaut Courtois.

When Fabregas was replaced with 20 minutes left on the clock it was a mix of boos and cheers and he begins the slow road back to redemption with his competence performance. Costa’s departure five minutes later was greeted by more boos and more chants in honour of Mourinho, as the aggressive striker found out how deeply unpopular he is.

Sunderland improved in the second-half, but they would have found it difficult to get any worse. Pantilimon denied Loic Remy a Chelsea fourth by palming away a curling shot after home team had cleared a Johnson free-kick.

Both sides face a long six months as Chelsea battle to rebuild their formidable reputation and Sunderland attempt to beat the drop, and if Saturday is anything to go by only one of them will be achieving their limited ambitions.