Sunderland stun Chelsea as Jules Ahoka earns Player of the Match award

Sunderland ended a run of seven Premier League matches without a win by beating Chelsea 1-0 in the biggest surprise of the 10th round of the English top flight.

The victory lifted the Black Cats to 19th in the overall standings, while midfielder Jules Ahoka was named Player of the Match after producing an influential performance.

Ahoka was introduced in the fourth minute after Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka was forced off with an injury. The 20-year-old took advantage of the early opportunity, providing energy and composure in midfield as Sunderland secured a narrow but significant victory.

The award marked a notable achievement for the DR Congo Under-23 international, who was playing on sand only two years ago. He completed 82% of his passes, won two of his three attempted dribbles and recovered possession six times.

Ahoka also made one interception and one block, while winning 67% of his duels during the match.

His performance came as Sunderland claimed a valuable Premier League result against Chelsea and brought an end to their difficult seven-match run without success.