Chelsea moved up to third place in the Premiership as Claudio Ranieri's side recorded a well-earned win over Sunderland.

William Gallas fired Chelsea into a second-half lead with a sweetly-struck volley.

International team-mate Marcel Desailly added a second, before Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink wrapped up proceedings with a deserved goal.

West Brom's win over Middlesbrough at The Hawthorns means the Baggies leapfrog Sunderland, who now languish in the bottom three.

The previous four fixtures between these two sides at Stamford Bridge had produced 22 goals, with Chelsea winning 4-0 last season.

But Sunderland attempted to frustrate their hosts by putting nine men behind the ball at all times.

Gianfranco Zola signalled Chelsea's attacking intent immediately, picking out Hasselbaink, who could only find the side netting.

The onrushing and unchecked Gallas was first to the ball and unleashed a powerful right-foot volley that left Macho clutching at thin air.

Desailly, who missed a glorious chance from three yards out, redeemed himself late on, getting on the end of another Le Saux cross to seal the win.

Not to be upstaged, Hasselbaink finally got the break his display merited, dropping his shoulder and turning to strike home Chelsea's third.

Chelsea: Cudicini, Melchiot, Gallas, Desailly, Le Saux, De Lucas (Gudjohnsen 45), Morris (Petit 45), Lampard, Gronkjaer (Stanic 81), Hasselbaink, Zola.
Subs Not Used: de Goey, Terry.

Sunderland: Macho, Wright, Bjorklund (Bellion 62), Babb, Gray, Craddock, Thirlwell, McCann, Kilbane (McCartney 71), Flo, Phillips.
Subs Not Used: Poom, Williams, Stewart.

Booked: Thirlwell, McCann, Kilbane.

Attendance: 38,946.

Referee: S Bennett (Kent).