Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink says he was impressed by the support from the local crowd during his side's 3-2 defeat at Sunderland.
The Blues were twice in front at the Stadium of Light but struggled to cope with the pace and fighting spirit of Sam Allardyce's men.
The Dutchman was also disappointed with the referee's decision to send captain John Terry off in stoppage time.
"It was a very intense game," Hiddink told BBC Sport.
"For Sunderland it was a must-win game, for us it was a would-like-to-win game.
"In the first half we played rather well and could have scored at least one more. The Sunderland crowd was unconditional for their team, I think the team got very encouraged with this help.
"In the second half we have at least one or two open chances with Diego Costa.
"They got a lot of energy they produced the win. John Terry was a double yellow, I think it was a little bit over the top the decision."
