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Enzo Maresca saw his side walk to a 5-1 victory against Southampton on Wednesday night.
Chelsea will have fewer easier evenings out than a visit to Southampton on Wednesday night as the strugglers helped the Blues to a 5-1 romp at St. Mary’s Stadium.
The Saints threatened very early on and looked up for a giant killing but it was Enzo Maresca’s side who took the lead through Axel Disasi following a corner. Southampton pulled one back thanks to Joe Aribo but some calamitous passing at the back allowed Christopher Nkunku to restore the lead minutes later.
The ever-dangerous Noni Madueke looked likely to score and did exactly that after 34 minutes before the foolish Jack Stephens pulled on Marc Cucurella’s hair and was shown a red card. It was cruise control after the break for Chelsea with Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho also getting in on the scoring party. Here’s how the Chelsea players rated.
GK - Filip Jorgensen, 9
Filip Jorgensen saves against Joe Aribo.Filip Jorgensen saves against Joe Aribo.
Filip Jorgensen saves against Joe Aribo. | Getty Images
Called into action a few times by a Southampton side that might have posed a danger if not for the capitulation. A very impressive performance that will do nothing but strengthen his case for the starting role. A particularly good save early on against Joe Aribo was vital.
LB - Marc Cucurella, 7
His biggest involvement was growing a barnet so luscious that Stephens couldn’t help but give it a tug. Worked hard on the flank in another busy performance.
CB - Tosin Adarabioyo, 7
Slow in the box for the Southampton goal and clearly looked guilty when it hit the back of the net. Better after that and came close to scoring a couple of times with headers from set plays.
CB - Axel Disasi, 8
Made a strong run in the Southampton box for the opening goal. The Saints should have done better stopping that but credit is due to the defender, who then headed home. Full-blooded at the back too.
RB - Malo Gusto, 7
Southampton threatened down that flank. The full-back looked flat footed for the first Saints goal and overcommitted at times, which might have gone punished against other sides. Better driving forward and picked up an assist for the Sancho goal.
CDM - Enzo Fernandez, 9
A purring display from Enzo Fernandez.A purring display from Enzo Fernandez.
A purring display from Enzo Fernandez. | Getty Images
Perfectly delivered corner for the opening goal and his set plays were always a threat. Could’ve been sharper getting back for the Southampton goal but really influential this evening. Some beautiful passing .
CDM - Moises Caicedo, 8
A robust and diligent showing in the centre of the park.
LW - Joao Felix, 8
Showed plenty of flair tonight. Would’ve pulled off the assist of the season with a glorious long ball across that pitch but Palmer wasn’t able to convert on the receiving end.
CAM - Cole Palmer, 8
It almost looked as if the England international wasn’t going to find himself a goal or assist in the romp, which would have been odd. He was clearly delighted when Nkunku knocked the ball into his path just a metre in front of goal.
RW - Noni Madueke, 10
What a player Noni Madueke is becoming. Southampton looked terrified every time he got the ball, and with good reason. He was lively enough to dispossess a Saints defender for the second and took his goal with aplomb. Could have had a brace if not for some brilliant last ditch work by Ryan Manning but always did the right thing tonight. A real livewire.
ST - Christopher Nkunku, 8
Nkunku celebrates scoring against Southampton.Nkunku celebrates scoring against Southampton.
Nkunku celebrates scoring against Southampton. | AFP via Getty Images
Pretty quiet overall and certainly a different option up top to Nicolas Jackson. His goal was presented on a silver platter by Madueke but he tucked home confidently and then worked well physically to prod through Palmer in the second half.
Rocketed home for his first goal of the season. That’ll do his confidence a world of good.
SUB - Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, N/A
SUB - Renato Veiga, N/A
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