Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca Hails Sunderland’s Chemsdine Talbi After Dramatic Defeat

In a stunning turn at Stamford Bridge on October 25, 2025, Sunderland snatched a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in a pulsating Premier League encounter, thanks to a stoppage-time stunner from substitute Chemsdine Talbi. The 22-year-old Moroccan defender, who joined from Club Brugge in July for £8 million, curled a low shot into the bottom corner after Brian Brobbey’s clever hold-up play, silencing the home crowd and propelling the Black Cats to fifth in the table with 16 points from nine games.Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, visibly frustrated in his post-match

interview, didn’t hold back in praising Talbi’s decisive impact. “That goal was outstanding—pure class from the kid,” Maresca told Sky Sports, admitting his side’s naivety in allowing the chance. “We dominated possession but paid the price for poor defending on the hold-up. Talbi’s finish? World-class composure under pressure.” Despite Chelsea’s early lead through Alejandro Garnacho’s fourth-minute strike and Wilson Isidor’s equalizer, Maresca lamented his team’s inability to convert dominance into goals, dropping them to third with 18 points.Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris beamed with pride over his young squad’s resilience, crediting Talbi’s “hunger and quality” for the upset. Fans erupted on social media, dubbing Talbi “the Black Cats’ new talisman.” This win, Sunderland’s fifth of the season, signals their intent to defy relegation odds, while Maresca’s candid tribute underscores Talbi’s rising star power in a league that chews up newcomers. For Chelsea, it’s a wake-up call amid their title chase.