Chelsea were denied a penalty in their Premier League encounter against Sunderland on Sunday, despite a VAR review.

The Blues arrived at the Stadium of Light hoping to build on last weekend's 2-0 win over Manchester United and cement their place in the top four ahead of the November international break.

Xabi Alonso's side were adamant that they should have been handed a chance to score from 12 yards when Cole Palmer went down in the area under a double challenge from Jules Ahoka and Luke O'Nien.

However, upon a VAR review it was decided that the contact was outside the box and therefore the referee’s decision of no penalty was allowed to stand - much to the frustration of Alonso on the touchline.

A statement via the Premier League match centre reads: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Chelsea was checked and confirmed by VAR.

“VAR: ‘Confirming the on-field decision of play on, any contact with Palmer occurs outside the penalty area.’

Speaking on co-commentary duty for Sky Sports, Chris Sutton felt Chelsea could feel hard done by, especially as they the Sunderland pair were not even penalised for a foul.

"I'm not so sure there's a touch on the ball from the challenging Sunderland defenders,” he said. “Palmer is screaming for a foul.

"But he's hard done by there, Palmer. It's a foul isn't it?"

No penalty: Cole Palmer’s claim was rejected before Chelsea fell behind to Sunderland

PA

To compound matters further for Chelsea, they fell behind to an Enzo Le Fee penalty after Levi Colwill was “bullied” by Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey.

"Maybe it's six for one, half a dozen for the other in terms of the holding, but Colwill clips him,” Sutton added.

"Xabi Alonso's not happy but Brobbey warned his team.

“Colwill has been bullied by Brobbey. Sunderland deservedly in front."