AMSTERDAM – Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore hopped off the bench to earn the winning penalty kick as Sunderland lifted their Premier League survival hopes with a 2-1 victory at Chelsea on Saturday.
The US striker entered a tie game in the 66th minute, working capably as a lone striker. His greatest impact came 10 minutes from time when he capitalized on a slip by César Azpilicueta to burst into the area from the right flank. The Blues defender slid in to challenge and came underneath Altidore's left foot, and referee Mike Dean didn't hesitate in pointing at the spot.
It was the second penalty won by Altidore on the season and Liverpool loan forward Fabio Borini did the resulting honors from the spot to keep Chelsea from leapfrogging the Reds into first place.
Not only did the Black Cats deal José Mourinho his first league defeat for Chelsea in 78 Stamford Bridge matches, they won for the first time in 10 EPL contests to claw right back into the survival race.
Though still bottom of the standings, Sunderland now are three points from safety with four games to play and hold a game in hand on Cardiff City and Fulham in the bottom three.
