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Southampton vs. Chelsea FC: Premier League – Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Mohammed Salisu of Southampton controls the ball under pressure from Timo Werner of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary's Stadium on February 20, 2021 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Neil Hall - Pool/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Mohammed Salisu of Southampton controls the ball under pressure from Timo Werner of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary's Stadium on February 20, 2021 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Neil Hall - Pool/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 20: Takumi Minamino of Southampton
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 20: Takumi Minamino of Southampton /

Southampton adapted tactics and shape and earned a hard fought point in a 1-1 draw versus Chelsea.

Ralph Hasenhuttl was happy to have a full week of training, but hinted he had lost an additional player to injury and we found out today it was Stuart Armstrong.

This forced Hasenhuttl into a personnel and shape change as he went to three centre-backs for the first time since his arrival at St. Mary’s.  Having the luxury of healthy Mohammed Salisu was a plus, but the loss of Kyle Walker-Peters contributed to the decision.

Chelsea were nothing short of excellent for the first half hour.  The possession they kept and regained when lost was absolutely impressive.  Southampton must be given credit for their ability to dig in and honestly deny Chelsea any real threats on goal.

A Marcos Alonso miss at the far post was the nerviest moment, but besides sustained possession Chelsea offered nothing around McCarthy.

Southampton scoring first was somewhat unbelievable.  Nathan Redmond’s pass was progressive beyond his means and Takumi Minamino’s run was perfect.  The finish from Minamino was equally adept as his loan signing is proving to be a coupe.

Danny Ings however was non-existent in the attack and mishit his only half chance wide.  Adding in the rash challenge on Reece James thus conceding a penalty to Mason Mount, Ings really cost the team a chance at three points.

Moussa Djenepo must be highlighted for his role on the right wing.  Defensively he has developed moreso than any player on Southampton within a specific role.  We remember him being a flat out liability in tackling, but he was incredible today.

The 80th minute, dribble out of pressure from 4 defenders 25 yards from my goal epitomizes an attitude needed throughout the squad.  Djenepo was a star today and many don’t see how he fits in, but what a match, out of position, against a seriously talented Chelsea team.

It wasn’t the football we have been accustomed to under Hasenhuttl, but it was effective and well-adapted to the team’s present needs.  A 1-1 draw with Chelsea, stopping a 6 game slide was incredibly important going forward.  Here are the player ratings for Southampton in the match versus Chelsea.