All the talk in the minutes leading up to Chelsea’s away match with Southampton was whether they had underestimated their Premier League opponents with their team selection.
Enzo Maresca made seven changes to the side who dominated against Aston Villa at the weekend, and although the likes of Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo remained there was a new look to the Blues side.
A number of players who have been performing well in the Conference League were handed their chance to impress in the league.
Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea, speaks to Noni Madueke during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary's Stadium...
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Joao Felix proves Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea team selection was spot on
Christopher Nkunku is reportedly frustrated with his minutes, however he was on hand to capitalise on an error at the back to score his 12th goal of the season in all competitions.
Another player who was given a rare domestic start was Joao Felix, who was unlucky not to score in what ended up being a very comfortable evening on the South Coast.
The Portugal international picked up the assist for Noni Madueke’s goal, and his passing all night was a real treat to watch.
It has no doubt been a somewhat frustrating start to life in his second spell at Stamford Bridge, however Felix is really showing that he can make regular appearances from the start in all competitions.
Enzo Maresca hinted at Felix and Cole Palmer playing together more
Maresca has already hinted that he has considered featuring Felix alongside Palmer more often in games recently, and that was seen in his only Premier League start before this against Leicester City.
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He described Felix at the time as ‘fantastic’, and Chelsea fans who have followed their Conference League campaign will have seen plenty of instances of his quality.
While he would have been disappointed that he did not get on the scoresheet himself, there was a lot to like about Felix’s performance at St. Mary’s.
He will be hoping that he has done enough to remain in Maresca’s plans for the next game, which comes at the weekend against big rivals Tottenham.
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