Southampton 0-3 Chelsea: Three key players

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 07: Nathan Redmond of Southampton battles for possession with Eden Hazard of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary’s Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Yesterday lunchtime Southampton were beaten pretty comprehensively by an in-form Chelsea side who are led by arguably the league’s best player in Eden Hazard.

It was the Saints’ third league loss on the bounce, after defeats to Liverpool, Wolves and then the Blues leaves Mark Hughes’ side sitting dangerously close to the bottom three. Without an obvious direction many pundits are already tipping Southampton for a relegation scrap – a worrying sign so early in the campaign.

What’s more the Saints squandered chances to snatch something before the game was out of their reach, as Danny Ings blazed over from close range while Ryan Bertrand did the exact same in the second-half too.

Ultimately Chelsea are playing a smooth passing game under new manager Maurizio Sarri and it’s been tough for any team in England to stop them once they get into their flow. Eden Hazard opened the scoring in the first 45 before goals from an impressive Ross Barkley and Alvaro Morata condemned the Saints to their fate.

Next up after the international break are two tough but winnable fixtures against Bournemouth and then Newcastle.

The Cherries have been on form but at the same time have always been inconsistent since their promotion to the top flight. The Magpies meanwhile are yet to get their first of the season, having thrown away a two-goal lead against Manchester United on Saturday.

But what three players stood out for the Saints during the disappointing defeat?