(CNN) -- For once it wasn't Rafael Benitez facing the hard questions. The Chelsea manager has faced a barrage of criticism from fans and media this season, but this week he has led the English club to vital victories in the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League. By contrast, much of the focus ahead of Sunday's home match against Sunderland was on the struggling team's controversial appointment of manager Paolo Di Canio. Is he a fascist or not? Will he talk about it? Was his hiring a massive misjudgment of public opinion by American owner Ellis Short in this political climate of ultra correctness, especially given Sunderland's strong commercial ties to Africa?
@highlight
Sunday's 2-1 win over Sunderland puts Chelsea third in English Premier League
@highlight
Sunderland manager, asked about being a fascist, says "your nature never changes"
@highlight
Paolo Di Canio also says, "I don't think you are the same person than 20 years ago"
@highlight
Tottenham's bid for Champions League place falters with 2-2 draw against Everton
Benitez has a short time left in his interim @placeholder tenure, but he has many more games scheduled than Sunderland's six.