Hutchison sends Bridge into disarray

Even this old pragmatist had allowed himself to dream. He should have known better, but still claims Ranieri will fulfil his contract.

After Marcel Desailly and Eidur Gudjohnsen had scored for Chelsea, Sunderland who were inspired, driven and led by Don Hutchison, hit back. The Scot equalised twice, and Gavin McCann and Kevin Phillips then wrecked the hosts' afternoon.

Hutchison produced the kind of quality and commitment that makes Sunderland such compelling contenders for a European place of their own.

He has also scored 10 goals and said: 'That was the target manager Peter Reid set me, but what was more satisfying was that we won a six-pointer. We showed we can beat teams like Chelsea, now we must do it against the clubs who don't have such a reputation.' Trailing 2-1 at half-time Sunderland did not need Reid to whip them up. He said: 'They knew they shouldn't have been behind, I didn't need to say anything to them, they did their own team talk.'

It was sufficient to take advantage of Chelsea's lack of concentration, careless defending, and uncharacteristic goalkeeping errors from Carlo Cudicini, put under pressure by Sunderland's desire to hunt every ball.

The Italian, however, is likely to remain in goal - Mark Bosnich is still not match fit.

Ranieri has consistently called for his team to play like warriors, but it was Sunderland who were sharper, more aggressive and competitive. Not far behind Hutchison was McCann who took control of the turf war in midfield.

While Sunderland were organised and tactically in control, Chelsea were lacking the balance that comes from team play. Nine months into the season and they are still a collection of gifted individuals.

When the fever dies from their football, when star players dispute decisions and skirmish with the opposition - Slavisa Jokanovic stamped on Hutchison's head yet escaped censure - it suggests some have already given up on the season.

Sadly it was one of the reasons they were beaten.