Southampton stutter to disappointing 4-2 loss to Chelsea
By Chris Hughes
The Saints’ long wait for a game has ended in disappointment, as an impressive Chelsea side ran away as 4-2 winners at Stamford Bridge.
After not featuring at the weekend due to their opponents’ FA Cup commitments, Claude Puel’s side failed to impress in mid-week, with league-leading Chelsea comfortably winning all three points.
Eden Hazard, Gary Cahill and a brace from Diego Costa was enough for the hosts, whilst Oriol Romeu and Ryan Bertrand struck against their former club.
Cesc Fabregas was a surprise inclusion ahead of Willian for Antonio Conte’s team, but the Spaniard proved his worth with involvement in two goals on the night before being substituted in the latter stages.
Costa grabbed a brace in a league game for the first time since the 2-2 draw with Swansea in September, taking his tally to 19 in the process.
Chelsea were lightning quick out of the doors and hit the ground running, scoring within the first ten minutes as Costa set up Hazard who finished smartly.
But the Saints dug deep and got themselves back into it, with Oriol Romeu converting from close range after Manolo Gabbiadini had his initial effort saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Just when Southampton were hoping to go into the dressing room at halftime with a respectable scoreline, Gary Cahill struck after Marcus Alonso slotted N’Golo Kante’s cross into his path. It was Cahill’s seventh goal in all competitions for the season, his best return since 2010.
Follow Saints Marching on Twitter!
In the second half the league favorites extended their lead over Puel’s men, with Diego Costa scoring twice. The first came in the 53rd minute off of a Cesc Fabregas cross, whilst his second came with just minutes to play in order to secure the points.
Ryan Bertrand grabbed his team a consolation against his former employers deep into injury time, but it had no effect on the final outcome of the already-decided fixture.
The win for Chelsea makes it two victories in a matter of days, and also re-instates their seven point lead over second-placed Tottenham.
The Saints meanwhile failed to close the gap between them and West Brom meaning it still sits at four points – therefore a win in their remaining game in hand will not take them above the Baggies.
Southampton next play this Saturday, in a home fixture against a Hull City side rejuvenated under Marco Silva.
Chelsea meanwhile face the tricky task of travelling to Goodison Park to face Everton, managed by former Saints boss Ronald Koeman.