Sunderland lost their third consecutive game in London as they crashed 4-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea took the lead after forcing three quick corners when ex-England man Graeme Le Saux whipped over an inswinging corner in the 24th minute for skipper Marcel Desailly to head down for his central defensive partner William Gallas, who forced the ball home from close range.

Sunderland fought all the way and did well to restrict Chelsea to one goal in the first half.

Peter Reid's men came close in the 48th minute when a vicious left-foot shot from Kevin Kilbane was pushed round the post by Carlo Cudicini.

But Sunderland's hopes of salvaging a point were killed off in the 73rd minute when Icelandic striker Eidur Gudjohnsen broke through to cleverly chip advancing keeper Thomas Sorensen.

The Dane was given no chance in the 84th minute when sub Mikael Forssell scored with a brilliant left foot shot from edge of the box.

Chelsea completed the scoring in the second minute of stoppage time when Sam Dalla Bona netted with a 22-yard left foot shot.