Chelsea move up to third

Chelsea 3 Sunderland 0

Chelsea’s French centre-backs William Gallas and Marcel Desailly brought a touch of sunshine to gloomy West London in November with the goals that broke down Howard Wilkinson’s latest attempt to earn Sunderland a point with siege mentality tactics.

Gallas, the stylish defender who has been winning rave reviews for both club and country after joining his older compatriot from the French national team this season, showed a spectacular striker’s touch to brighten up the Kings Road.

And it was entirely appropriate after Desailly added a second goal five minutes from time that the fans left The Bridge dancing to the old Morecambe and Wise jingle of “Bring Me Sunshine”.

Wilkinson’s bore team had scored just four goals in seven Premiership games since he replaced Peter Reid as manager but they have also secured vital points with a victory over Spurs and draws at both Bolton and, most significantly, Liverpool.

Chelsea had to labour for 58 minutes to break down another backs-to-the-wall rear guard action similar to the one which almost induced sleep on the Kop at Anfield two weeks ago.

But when Gallas bulged the net with a delicious rising volley 12 yards out from Graeme Le Saux’s perfect cross the sweated effort was all worthwhile.

With Sunderland’s resistance completely broken, Desailly was unmarked to put away a Le Saux corner five minutes from the end and there was just time for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to net one of his solo specials and finally end an afternoon of personal frustration.

Chelsea climbed to third place in The Premiership with their fifth win in an unbeaten seven-match sequence.