{
  "id": 18996941,
  "title": "EPL: Alonso names Chelsea star that caused 1-0 defeat to Sunderland",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/epl-alonso-names-chelsea-star-that-caused-1-0-defeat-to-sunderland",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T18:06:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/11/08/epl-alonso-names-chelsea-star-that-caused-1-0-defeat-to-sunderland/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has blamed defender Levi Colwill for the Blues' 1-0 defeat against Sunderland in Sunday's Premier League match. The contentious incident unfolded during halftime when referee Gillet awarded Sunderland a penalty after a challenge involving Colwill and striker Brian Brobbey. Despite Brobbey seemingly grabbing Colwill's collar prior to hitting the turf, the official upheld his decision after a VAR review. The video assistant referee made no recommendation for an on-pitch review, leaving the penalty standing. Enzo Le Fee then converted the spot-kick, giving Sunderland the lead on the River Wear. Chelsea was also aggrieved by an earlier penalty call involving Cole Palmer, who went down after a challenge inside Sunderland's penalty area. However, Gillet permitted play to continue, with VAR later confirming that the contact on Palmer occurred outside the penalty area, negating any chance of a penalty for Chelsea. In an interview with Sky Sports after the game, Alonso addressed both controversial decisions. While he couldn't comment on Cole's actions, he acknowledged that Colwill might have had a chance to defend better. Turning to the penalty conceded by Colwill, Alonso stated, \"The other one, I think it’s an action where he can defend better.\" Alonso also admitted Chelsea's struggle to break down Sunderland's defensive set-up, citing a lack of patience, pace, and creativity. He concluded, \"It’s our mistake. I was trying to find solutions. We were missing a bit of speed on the ball, a bit of patience playing against a low block. We didn’t create enough chances; we didn’t have enough patience or creativity to create chances. That’s why we were not close to scoring.\" The loss leaves Alonso with a host of issues to tackle as Chelsea strive to enhance their attacking prowess and defensive discipline in their upcoming Premier League encounters.",
  "summary": "Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has criticised defender Levi Colwill for his role in Sunderland's decisive goal during the Blues' Premier League defeat on Sunday. The controversial incident occurred just before half-time when referee Gillet awarded Sunderland a penalty following a challenge involving Colwill and striker Brian Brobbey. Despite Brobbey appearing to grab Colwill by the […] EPL: Alonso…",
  "key_points": [
    "Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso blames defender Levi Colwill for 1-0 defeat.",
    "VAR upheld penalty after Colwill challenged Brian Brobbey.",
    "Alonso cites lack of pace, patience, and creativity as Chelsea's mistakes."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}