According to a report by Football London on Sunday, November 8, 2026, Moises Caicedo delivered an impressive defensive performance against Sunderland, highlighting Levi Colwill’s struggles during Chelsea’s disappointing 1-0 Premier League defeat at the Stadium of Light.

The Ecuadorian midfielder impressed after being moved into central defence in the second half, following Colwill’s difficulties in dealing with Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey before the break.

Colwill started alongside Wesley Fofana in central defence but struggled against Brobbey’s physical presence. The Dutch forward caused him problems on several occasions, initially knocking him off balance before driving into the penalty area and managing to get a shot away.

Brobbey later got ahead of the England international during another attacking move and won the penalty that eventually decided the match. Enzo Le Fee converted the spot-kick to give Sunderland all three points.

Caicedo replaced Colwill at half-time and looked more comfortable dealing with Sunderland’s physical approach. His defensive statistics also underlined his impressive contribution.

Figures from FotMob show that the midfielder recorded four interceptions and two clearances, compared with Colwill’s two interceptions and no clearances. Caicedo also won both of his aerial duels and registered 13 defensive contributions, the highest number recorded by any player in the match.

However, Colwill had the advantage in ground duels, winning three of his four challenges. Caicedo, meanwhile, won five of the eight ground duels he contested.

Despite Colwill's better record in ground challenges, the overall statistics highlighted Caicedo's defensive influence, particularly his ability to cope with Brobbey's physical threat.

Chelsea's defensive difficulties have also been compounded by injuries within the squad. Maxence Lacroix is expected to remain sidelined for an extended period, while Aaron Anselmino has only recently returned to action. Josh Acheampong was also unavailable for Sunday's encounter.

These setbacks have left manager Xabi Alonso considering alternative defensive options, with Caicedo's display providing another possible solution in an unfamiliar role.

Chelsea have now conceded 16 goals in 10 Premier League matches this season, underlining the defensive problems Alonso must address as he attempts to keep the club's ambitions on track.