Despite pre-match predictions of a routine Chelsea win, bottom-place Sunderland took an enthralling victory in an evening of high drama at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were left with bitter and angry, with repercussions expected for manager Jose Mourinho and his assistant Rui Faria who faces a stern penalty for an ugly confrontation with referee Mike Dean after the Black Cats went ahead.

The win also destroyed Mourinho’s prized 77-match straight unbeaten league home record over his two spells at the club.

Defeat for Chelsea hasn’t ended their championship chances — one senses that there are still a few twists remaining in the race for the title — but this loss to the struggling Sunderland was a boost to table-topping Liverpool.

It’s all very compelling stuff at the both ends of the Premier League table.

The reaction from Chelsea, however, was one of a club that feels that the title has been snatched away from them.

Mourinho carried out his post match media duties as expected, but his words were full of bitterness, and a little lacking in dignity. He refused any questions, but instead chose to direct his anger at the officials.

“I want to congratulate again Mike Dean,” said Mourinho, sarcastically applauding the Wirral-based referee.

“I think his performance was unbelievable and I think when referees have unbelievable performances, I think it’s fair that as managers we give them praise.

“Congratulations also to Mike Riley, the referees’ boss. What they are doing through the whole season is fantastic, especially in the last couple of months, and in teams involved in the title race. Absolutely fantastic.”

His words will no doubt drop him in hot water with the Football Association. Faria will not be so lucky. His punishment will be far more severe.

It all looked to be going to plan when Samuel Eto’o put Chelsea ahead on 12 minutes from a corner kick.

But the visitors responded well and were back in the match six minutes later when striker Connor Wickham reacted quickest to put the loose ball in from close range after Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer had spilled a shot.

The decisive point of the match came eight minutes from the end when full-back Cesar Azpilicueta was adjudged to have taken down Sunderland’s Jozy Altidore in the penalty area.

On-loan Liverpool striker Fabio Borini stroked home the spot-kick to seal the win.