Chelsea 1-0 Southampton: Three key players

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 10: Charlie Austin of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Charlie Austin

Austin started the game on the bench, with Manolo Gabbiadini in attack from the off.

However, Saints clearly missed the predatory instincts of their most in-form striker and wouldn’t test opposition goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois until Austin was introduced after an hour.

The 28-year old was put through on goal by another substitiute, Sofiane Boufal, just two minutes after coming on and forced a good save from the Chelsea keeper. He would then have two more decent chances to further prove the fact that he should have started the game.

Gabbiadini was hopelessly isolated and didn’t have a lot to work with until being subbed off, and was clearly frustrated as he returned to the bench. Perhaps a strike partnership of the Italian and Austin could prove fruitful with just one win in nine matches for Saints?