Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has disclosed that he called an emergency team meeting just moments before their match against Sunderland. The gaffer had meticulously analysed the Black Cats in the run-up to the Stamford Bridge showdown, scrutinising each of their nine league and cup games.

However, his plans were thrown into disarray when Regis Le Bris handed in his team sheet. Despite Sunderland consistently using a back four in their previous matches, they adopted a more defensive stance against Chelsea, fielding five defenders to guard Robin Roefs' goal.

Upon receiving the team news at 1.45pm, Maresca, who was in his coaches' office - which doubles as a debriefing room with Chelsea executives after home games - immediately convened a team meeting. Here, he outlined his revised strategy and issued new instructions.

They had spent the week gearing up for a game against two full-backs and centre-halves each. However, it ultimately proved futile.

Chelsea took an early lead in the match, with Alejandro Garnacho scoring just four minutes in. But Wilson Isidor levelled the score before half-time, as Sunderland adopted a 'park the bus' strategy, making them impenetrable.

Just when it looked...