Southampton 0-3 Chelsea: Three key takeaways – 07/10/18

Southampton suffered yet another defeat to a top-six side as an Eden Hazard-led Chelsea marched to a 3-0 victory.

The Southampton loss prolonged the winless streak against top-six opponents to 26 games leading back to May 2016.  The Saints played without belief for the first 20 minutes of the game, surrendering nearly 80% possession to the in-form Blues.  Thus providing early evidence that the competition would be too tough a task.

Danny Ings was given an amazing chance to put the team ahead, but the error from inside the six yard box would foreshadow a Sunday afternoon filled with missed opportunities.

Mark Hughes’ is undoubtedly going to take criticism for another lackluster Saints performance.  His tactical change at half time made a difference in the game, but was quickly canceled out by a successful Chelsea set piece.

Questions will be asked of the Southampton manager as to why he chose to set his team so defensively to start the game, but in reality it is on the players to react, as well as display some fight in order to move up the table.

Here are three takeaways for the Saints following the loss to Chelsea.