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Southampton vs Chelsea: Premier League – Three Key Moments

By Joe Mcindoe

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Takumi Minamino of Southampton 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 Michael Steele/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Takumi Minamino of Southampton 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 Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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Southampton’s Japanese midfielder Takumi Minamino (Photo by NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton’s Japanese midfielder Takumi Minamino (Photo by NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

One Chance Is All It Takes

Takumi Minamino was an unexpected loan signing on deadline day of the January transfer window. An attacker wasn’t exactly the first thought when fans considered what holes needed filling.

Nevertheless, the Japanese international’s arrival on the South coast has certainly been a prosperous one.

The player has now bagged two goals in three appearances.

The goal arrives as Nathan Redmond picks up the ball at the top of the centre circle. In a rare bit of space the Englishman threads a pinpoint ball past N’Golo Kanté and into the defence splitting run of Minamino.

The attacker bursts into the box before cleverly selling  Azpilicueta the fake shot. The defender now on his backside the number 19 makes no mistake in sweeping the ball past the keeper.

It was a gorgeous move which seemingly arrived out of nothing. Now all that fans have to decide is which is better? The sublime pass or the expert finish.