Chelsea hope to avoid second stats lightning strike in a week against Sunderland

By Brian Sears

7 December 2012

Last week we pointed out that Chelsea went to Upton Park with the weight of historical results on their side.  In the six seasons 2005-2011 when West Ham were last in the Premier League, Chelsea won 10 and drew two of their 12 encounters. What a statistical surprise (or was it mere jinx?) when West Ham ran out 3-1 winners at their meeting.

I do not wish to heap pressure on Rafa Benitez and his men, but Chelsea visit Sunderland with a similarly successful record in their favour.

Sunderland have now completed a five-season run at the top and in games with Chelsea have won just one while losing the other nine.

Sunderland's record by opponent in that period is in the table below.

That one victory over Chelsea was two years ago at Stamford Bridge by 3-0 with goals from Onuoha, Gyan and Welbeck.

Of the teams that Sunderland have been up against regularly since August 2007, only against Everton and Manchester United do they come off as badly as they do against Chelsea.

Statistical lightning struck Chelsea once last Saturday …  it couldn't strike the Blues once again in a week, could it?

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