The English Premier League is full of drama, and the plot this weekend continued to interest and confound.

On Saturday afternoon, post-Jose Mourinho Chelsea made easy work of visiting fellow strugglers Sunderland 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea players looked unhinged as they never were this season and instantly looked like showing the whole world that the change of manager was what they really needed to start playing with frightening dominance again.

It took just five minutes for The Blues to open the scoring. Branislav Ivanovic, who has looked largely poor this season, scored with a strong header to the top left of Sunderland’s net from a cross.

Facing accusations from some sections of the crowd who felt sacked coach Jose Mourinho was betrayed by the players, the home side doubled the lead in the 13th minute through Pedro.

Chelsea’s third came early in the second half through an Oscar penalty after Sunderland’s ’keeper Costel Pantilmon was adjudged to have upended Willian who was through on goal.

Sunderland immediately pulled one back through Fabio Borini, a half-time substitute, who was in the right place to bundle Thibaut Courtois’ parry from a Kaboul header into the back of the net.

The result put Chelsea, who were watched by new caretaker manager Guus Hiddink, who sat with club owner Roman Abramovich and legend Didier Drogba at the VIP box, some distance other fellow relegation strugglers.

At the old Trafford stadium, Manchester United fell to a new low with a shock home loss to Norwich City.

This is how the BBC captured the game:

“Despite all of United’s possession, it was Norwich who look the lead in the first half through Cameron Jerome. It got worse for the home side in the second half as Jerome broke clear to feed Alex Tettey, who poked in.

“Anthony Martial fired in to halve the deficit for United, but their winless run extended to six

games.

“Juan Mata saw a free-kick from the edge of the area pushed away by Declan Rudd as the hosts went in search of the equaliser in the second half.

“Centre-back Chris Smalling could have earned a point late on, but headed narrowly wide as United dropped to fifth in the table.

“Many fans left the stadium early, but some stayed in their seats at the final whistle with a look of disbelief on their faces. The atmosphere was almost mutinous, with a loud show of resentment at both half-time and at the final whistle.

“On a day when former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said he is looking to get back to management straight away, the weight of expectation was significantly ramped up on Dutchman van Gaal, whose job is now under increased scrutiny.”

Leicester City meanwhile continued their surprise showing to stay top of the Premier League with a 3-2 away win at Everton.

•Photo shows Chelsea players celebrating a goal.

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