CHELSEA suffered their second defeat in three matches as Southampton beat them 2-1 at St Mary’s on Tuesday night.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have had a mixed start to their Premier League campaign, with wins over Everton and Leicester accompanied by a draw with Spurs and 3-0 defeat to Leeds.
But they were subjected to more dismay on Tuesday night as goals from Romeo Lavia and Adam Armstong handed Southampton a 2-1 victory.
Raheem Sterling’s opener looked to have given Tuchel’s men the perfect start.
However, Saints had completely turned the tables before the break and held on to secure a superb win.
Here is how SunSport’s Dylan Terry saw the performances of Chelsea’s players on the south coast.
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EDOUARD MENDY – 5/10
Made a smart stop early on to deny Elyounoussi, but could then only palm Lavia’s equaliser into the bottom corner – an effort he really should have dealt with.
Could do nothing about the second goal, but it was still an underwhelming performance from Chelsea’s No1.
CESAR AZPILICUETA – 4
Looked every bit his 33 years of age up against Adam Armstrong who caused the right side of Chelsea’s defence a number of problems with his energy and directness.
A back four clearly exposes Azpilicueta far more than when he lines up with the added protection of a five. Along with Silva, that side of the Blues’ back line is vastly experienced but lacking in fresh legs.
Looked dead on his feet with 25 minutes remaining and was promptly hooked by Tuchel.
THIAGO SILVA – 6
The Brazilian is without doubt a talismanic leader in the Chelsea back line, organising and commanding at set-pieces and constantly communicating with Koulibaly.
But lining up next to Azpilicueta in a four does seem a little risky from Tuchel – particularly considering they have a combined age of 70.
KALIDOU KOULIBALY – 6
A quiet game would have been deemed a success in Koulibaly’s book following the horror show against Leeds which saw him sent off.
And that’s largely what he managed to have. Dealt with Adams well when faced one-on-one with the Saints striker. Did not make any glaring errors for any of Southampton’s goals.
MARC CUCURELLA – 7
Got up and down when he could and appears to already have a good understanding with Mount. Also produced a wonderful goal-saving block to deny Southampton a third.
Yet despite his impressive display, if you were going to guess which full-back on that side of the pitch was worth £62million then you would undoubtedly say Kyle Walker-Peters.
Cucurella showed his versatility late on by moving to the left side of a back three.
JORGINHO – 4
Was shrugged off far too easily by Ibrahima Diallo in the lead-up to Southampton’s second goal.
Looked very lightweight in the midfield and embarrassed himself by dropping to the floor clutching his face when the ball was flicked at him.
Substituted for Broja midway through the second half.
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RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK – 6
Appears much more suited to Tuchel’s system than the suspended Conor Gallagher.
Harshly taken off at half-time. Felt he could have offered more than Jorginho – with the Italian seemingly struggling with the tempo.
HAKIM ZIYECH – 5
Given his first Premier League start of the campaign despite speculation over a return to Ajax before the window closes later this week.
Played a sumptuous crossfield pass to pick out Havertz in the first half – which the German failed to turn into anything of note.
Seemed to be getting fouled more than anything else.
MASON MOUNT – 6
Barely ever puts a foot wrong. Produced a delicious flick to get Chelsea on the front foot, only for Ziyech to fluff his lines with a poor attempt on goal.
Became more of a forgotten man as the match wore on.
RAHEEM STERLING – 7
Tuchel now looks set on a strike partnership of Sterling and Havertz and two floaters in behind – in this case Mount and Ziyech.
Always looks threatening. Missed a couple of good opportunities in the first half before getting off the mark with a close-range finish.
Now has three goals in two games in a blue shirt and gives Chelsea a very real threat on the break.
KAI HAVERTZ – 3
Brought others into play but ultimately did not have enough of a say in the final third. Got a header all wrong in the second half.
Was very, very quiet. Still yet to score in five Premier League matches so far this season – all of which he has started.
Hooked for Pulisic with 23 minutes remaining. Broja could well be preferred to him in the coming weeks.
SUBSTITUTES
MATEO KOVACIC (FOR LOFTUS-CHEEK, 46) – 5
Did not seem to affect the game in any more of a positive way than Loftus-Cheek was doing in the first half.
If anything, Chelsea’s play became more fractured once Kovacic entered the fray.
BEN CHILWELL (FOR AZPILICUETA, 67) – 6
Chelsea looked more solid with both him and Cucurella on that side, albeit without creating much going forward.
CHRISTIAN PULISIC (FOR HAVERTZ, 67) – 5
Had the opportunity to break at pace but got the ball caught under him as Armstrong fought back to clear the danger.
Booked in the closing stages.
ARMANDO BROJA (FOR JORGINHO, 67) – 6
Immediately raised the pace of Chelsea’s attacks with some bright play down the right against his former club.
Almost levelled things with an impressive leap and header but was thwarted by Bazuna.
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Could well be on the cusp of a starting place at the weekend given Havertz’s form.
Unused subs: Kepa, Ampadu, Chukwuemeka, Gilmour, Vale.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
