McCarthy Tipping Chelsea

Sunderland were the latest team to leave empty handed from Stamford Bridge although McCarthy thought they had played well up until Chelsea's first goal which came about after a poor throw-out keeper by Kelvin Davies to Andy Welsh.

"I thought we played well for all the first half and until they scored," McCarthy said after the 2-0 defeat.

"I told them if they make mistakes they will get punished and that's what happened - in fact we made two errors.

"I'm not going to have a go at Andy Welsh, he cost me £15,000 from Stockport and he's up against World Cup players. Davis has held his hand up for the error, but he should have stopped the first goal.

"I'm not looking for sympathy, just three points off West Bromwich Albion next week. That is now a very important game.

"We have to believe we can survive. We look at West Brom last season and think if we can get a win under our belts we can stay up - but it's difficult.

"Chelsea will win the Premiership, however."