Régis Le Bris praised his side’s commitment and intensity, describing the result as an important moment after a demanding nine-game schedule.
“The aggression was there, the intensity was there, the energy was there. Three points at the end of it all,” he said.
“It was important before the international break, at the end of this nine-game block. The three points are crucial in the league, but also the reconnection with our identity and our fans.
“Every three days you have to reset and go again, but today the connection was perfect.”
Le Bris also highlighted the relationship between the players and supporters, whose backing helped drive Sunderland through the afternoon.
“The more we play this style of play, the more they support us. It’s like a circle which helps the energy to grow in the stadium and supports the players,” he said.
He was encouraged by the performance but warned against assuming one result would guarantee a change in fortunes.
“It’s a good turning point. I would like to say it’s going to be consistent, but we have to stay alert,” Le Bris added. “I’m happy to reconnect and happy for the three points, but there’s still a long way to go.”
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso felt his team had not done enough to deserve victory, despite enjoying more possession after the interval.
“It wasn't the best one. I think that we didn't deserve more than probably one point. The game was really close. Not much happened, to be honest. Just that action,” he said, referring to the penalty.
“We were in the low block. We missed a bit of patience, a bit of quality, creativity in the last third to create more chances. You need to be more consistent. We didn't do good enough.”
Alonso was unhappy with the defending that led to the decisive spot-kick.
“I’m not happy with how we defended that situation. Something that we could avoid, something that we had worked on during the week. And from that action, to give a penalty is not good for us,” he said.
Asked whether Sunderland had bullied Chelsea, Alonso rejected that description.
“No, no, not bullied. I would say that it was a situation that we could have defended better. A situation that we could have got better advantages in attack,” he said.
“The first goal was so important. Being behind, we didn't produce enough.”
Chelsea therefore headed into the international break outside the top four, while Sunderland could take confidence from a performance Le Bris hopes will help restore their identity and consistency.