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Chelsea 0-2 Southampton: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Nathan Redmond of Southampton scores his team's second goal past Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Southampton FC at Stamford Bridge on December 26, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Nathan Redmond of Southampton scores his team's second goal past Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Southampton FC at Stamford Bridge on December 26, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton runs with the ball under pressure from Tammy Abraham of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Southampton FC at Stamford Bridge on December 26, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton runs with the ball under pressure from Tammy Abraham of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Southampton FC at Stamford Bridge on December 26, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

Southampton take all three points with a Boxing Day 2-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge behind Michael Obafemi and Nathan Redmond goals.

The prematch story was Ralph Hasenhuttl’s decision to rest Southampton’s top goal-scorer Danny Ings. The postmatch story is a Boxing Day celebration for the Saints who won their third match versus Chelsea since 2013.  Southampton were brilliant from start to finish, frustrating Chelsea by slowing play early on, and fighting for every loose ball through stoppage time.  It was a team performance few expected, but sees the team move up to 14th place in the Premier League.

Che Adams and Michael Obafemi were the only changes from the win over Aston Villa.  The two youngsters absolutely worked their socks off against a physically imposing Chelsea back three. Obafemi will get the praise for scoring a quality goal with his weak foot, but Adams deserves equal support for his drive and strength.  Adams did not register an attempt on goal, but he was fractions away from getting on the end of a Nathan Redmond cross.

Redmond, the second goal-scorer, probably should have bagged a brace, but no one is complaining.  Stuart Armstrong created two opportunities for the winger, creatively moving the ball right to left.  The second of the two chances was lucky to fall to Redmond sneaking in behind the Chelsea defence. His slight touch to put the ball behind Kepa Arrizabalaga saw the Saints two-nil ahead.  A lead, for once, they would not look back from, as they confidently saw out a talented young Blues team.

Most notably from Southampton was the team clean sheet. Alex McCarthy did not have to bail the side out today, as the defending started with stout performances from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and James Ward-Prowse.  The midfield partnership angled the Chelsea attack out wide all day long despite their 67% possession. The back four was excellent, led by two centre-backs who are coming into their own, and playing their best when it is needed most.  The clean sheet was the team’s first since running over a hapless Portsmouth side on September 24th.

Back to back wins and moving up the table is just the holiday gift Southampton fans were hoping for! Here are the Saints’ player ratings from the best all-around performance of the year where no one disappointed.