This goal would have never happened if Michael Essien were available. Frank Lampard might have helped. John Terry and Alex wouldn't have done worse.
None of those players are in today's Chelsea team, partially explaining why Sunderland was just able to cut the Blues open and take a 0-2 lead at the Bridge. Other possible explanation: Carlo Ancelotti is missing something, and his current midfield stinks.
First, the goal, a brilliant piece of movement from Sunderland, reminiscent of the passing they displayed on their first goal against Stoke a week ago. The ball was played from the left flank to Danny Welbeck, who took one touch to the middle before finding Jordan Henderson charging forward at 26 yards out. One touch from the young midfielder found Asamoah Gyan on the diagonal, the Ghanaian's touch setting himself up inside the box. The finish into the right side of Petr Cech's net gave Sunderland their two goal lead.
It was the second time today Chelsea's defense has been ripped open, but of more particular note is the midfield. The Blues have had problems replacing Essien and Lampard, but with displays like that from their opposition, Ancelotti needs to change his tactics. While you don't necessarily want to bring in a new system because of a couple of absences, this set-up is not working.
If Chelsea's midfield is going to be this bad, they need more bodies - likely, they need another holder to break-up play when their opposition moves toward their line.
Until they get Essien back (two more matches), Chelsea needs to adjust. You can't play in this league with a midfield relying on both Yuri Zhirkov and Ramires.
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