Chelsea 0-2 Southampton, Premier League: Post-match reaction, ratings

Frank Lampard stuck with the 3-4-3 from Sunday’s 2-0 win over Spurs, but just like the first time he did that after an impressive away win (5-2 at Wolves followed by a 1-0 loss at home to Valencia), it did not work nearly as well at home.

Chelsea created absolutely nothing in the first-half from open play, though a near-post flick from César Azpilicueta still needed a strong save from Alex McCarthy, to rouse him out of his time-wasting slumber. Former Chelsea player Ryan Bertrand even got booked for such antics before the half-hour, but more importantly, Michael Obafemi got Saints the lead after a midfield turnover and a missed interception caught the entire defense out of position.

A half-time change saw Chelsea push more men forward and revert to a back four, but it was Southampton who remained the more effective and more dangerous team and eventually doubled their lead after missing at least one other easy chance — Nathan Redmond finishing off a very nice team move from the visitors.

Chelsea continued to pose practically no danger, and Southampton comfortably saw out their 2-0 win.

Poor at home once again.

Spurs game felt like a turning point. Turns out if was not. Back to square one.

Carefree.

• Three changes from Sunday’s 2-0 win over Spurs, with Jorginho replacing the suspended Kovačić, Emerson rotating in for Alonso, and Hudson-Odoi getting a start for the first time in a long while, replacing Mount.
• Half-time change of Mount for Zouma, with Chelsea reverting to a back-four. Pulisic arrived for Hudson-Odoi halfway through the second half, and Pedro for Willian late on completed the substitutions.
• Chelsea’s form over the past 2+ months continues to alternate wins and losses, regardless of venue.
• Chelsea lose back-to-back home games fro the first time in over 8 years. Gap to Spurs back down to just 3 points.
• Next up: Arsenal away on Sunday
• KTBFFH

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