Inconsistency seems to be the main issue with Chelsea this season.

The Blues were unable to build on last week's convincing 2-0 win over Manchester United, which came after a poor loss to Tottenham seven days before.

The visitors are still missing forward Joao Pedro through a thigh injury while Cole Palmer, who was not named in Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad, and Morgan Rogers did not have their best games.

With the scoreline goalless in the first period Rogers had a free header in the area which he nodded narrowly wide.

Palmer was also convinced his side should have had a penalty in the 25th minute when he was bought down by Luke O'Nien on the edge of the area.

The referee initially waved play on but the Video Assistant Referee reviewed the incident and judged there had been a foul by the Sunderland defender, but that it happened outside of the penalty area before Palmer fell into the box.

Chelsea, who had 10 shots but created few clear-cut chances, are two points off the top four following their defeat.