Another change for Sunderland before the second half, Fabio Borini on for Ola Toivonen.

Image source, Reuters

A defiant show of unity from the Chelsea players? Or am I reading too much into celebrations after a goal? They have certainly looked a completely different side to the one that has limped to defeats in recent games.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer

While Chelsea's fans continue to vent their feelings about Jose Mourinho, it is all very easy for the players he left behind.

It really couldn't be more comfortable and the man taking charge for this game, Steve Holland, has been able to sit in his seat watching Chelsea dominate a very poor Sunderland side.

Jonathan Pearce
BBC football commentator at Stamford Bridge

"It has been a very good Chelsea performance but the big question is why has it taken the sacking of Jose Mourinho to produce this?"

Costel Pantilimon paws away a Pedro cross to deny the lurking Diego Costa the chance to head home. Sunderland then break quickly and win a free-kick 30 yards from goal. Patrick van Aanholt takes it, but smashes the ball straight at the wall.

Diego Costa goes close again! This time he heads wide at the end of a lovely team move involving Willian, Oscar and Pedro. Lovely football from Chelsea at times in this half.

Diego Costa looks a different player, full of energy and a dangerous presence in the Sunderland box. 

He is inches away from adding a third as Willian and Oscar exchange passes to unlock the Sunderland defence, before the latter's ball across the face of goal is driven over by Costa.

Image source, Getty Images

This Sunderland heatmap tells you all you need to know about just how much pressure the Black Cats are under. They've barely been out of their own half but a chance comes out of nothing as a fine ball is played long for Duncan Watmore, who gets between the Chelsea defence but lashes a shot over the bar. Best chance they've had.

A rare Sunderland attack as Yann M'Vila whips in a cross, but Diego Costa and John Terry combine to snuff it out.

Image source, Reuters

The change does nothing to ease the wave of Chelsea attacks. 

This time, the Sunderland defence stands still to allow Oscar the chance to weave his way into the area. He looks certain to grab Chelsea's third but Costel Pantilimon is quick off his line to close down the gap and deny the midfielder.

Carl in Reading: The only "palpable" thing today is the support for Jose and discontent for players... Costa, Oscar and Fabregas all booed by crowd here at the Bridge.

Lisa: Players at the bridge getting stick and rightly so after selling out Jose and the fans  

Tweet using #bbcfootball,, external or text on 81111 (UK only and please include a name). 

Here comes the change and it is a tactical one as defender Sebastian Coates goes off, with midfielder Adam Johnson on in his place. A flat back four and four in midfield for Sunderland now.

Image source, Opta

The Sunderland players just cannot get the ball off Chelsea at the moment as Cesc Fabregas bamboozles the Black Cats' defence with a clever ball that just has too much power for Diego Costa to chase. 

It seems only a matter of time before a Chelsea third goal and Sam Allardyce is already planning a substitution.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea score again and it is greeted with even louder cheers for Jose Mourinho - followed by an industrial chant aimed at the players asking, in colourful terms, where they were when this team was not so good.

This is an astonishing show of support for Mourinho - and owner Roman Abramovich is having to listen to every word. 

Danny Mills
Former Man City defender, Final Score

"Chelsea look a different side. They are playing with a fast tempo. Oscar just tried an audacious cross, something we were not seeing under Mourinho. 

"Looking at this, it's clear the players just weren't playing for Jose. They were unprofessional."

This is the Chelsea of old. Slick, confident passing, dominating possession. 

Sunderland are hanging on as Diego Costa goes down in the box when he tries to chest down a cross. Penalty? Nothing given.

Tweet using #bbcfootball,, external or text on 81111 (UK only and please include a name).