Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso refused to criticize the referee following his side's defeat to Sunderland in the Premier League on November 8, 2026, insisting the loss was down to his team's own errors. The match at the Stadium of Light featured a contentious VAR-awarded penalty that proved decisive in Sunderland's victory.
Speaking after the game, Alonso said: "It's our mistake," declining to blame the officials for the controversial decision. The Spanish coach emphasized that Chelsea must focus on their own performance rather than external factors. The result leaves Chelsea searching for answers as they continue their 2026/27 campaign.
