Chelsea slumped to a surprise 2-1 defeat to Sunderland on Saturday, ending a positive run of form for the Stamford Bridge side.

The Blues have been looking much-improved in recent weeks, with a win over Premier League champions Liverpool before the international break a highlight for the fans.

However, the defeat to Sunderland leaves Chelsea outside the top four and the side’s inconsistency week-to-week will frustrate the supporters.

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Manager Enzo Maresca admitted after the game that a number of Blues players are carrying injuries and this could well have contributed to a flat performance.

Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

Chelsea signed Joao Pedro from Brighton in the summer to refresh their attacking options, with the Brazil international seen as a man who could help springboard the London club to success.

However, the South American forward has struggled to settle at Stamford Bridge and again put in a forgettable performance in the defeat to Sunderland.

Maresca conceded after the game that Pedro was carrying an injury and is part of a Chelsea core who are not 100 per cent fit.

“Joao is not training every day because he’s managing a little bit himself from the...