Following their 4-0 league mauling of Manchester United, Chelsea continued their new found attacking prowess when they took on Southampton at The St. Mary’s Stadium. The Blues won the game 2-0 comfortably. They looked to be on the front foot from the very off as Eden Hazard scored 6 minutes into the game. They threatened to score more throughout the game and Diego Costa grabbed a second in the second half to put the game to bed.
Here are the Chelsea player ratings for the game –
Formation – 3-4-3
Thibaut Courtois– 7
Didn’t have much to do throughout the game. Was a spectator at most times as Southampton failed to pose any kind of real threat. Clean sheet nevertheless.
Cezar Azpilicueta – 8
Has taken to his new role like a fish to water. Seems to be getting better and put in another assured performance that will undoubtedly have Conte purring.
David Luiz– 7
Quietly went about his job as the Brazilian did well to keep the Southampton attackers at bay
Gary Cahill– 7
Has recovered remarkably from his debacle performance against Arsenal. Seems like he enjoys playing in a back three where he has more support and more importantly, a lesser chance of erring.
Victor Moses- 8
The Nigerian seems to have finally nailed down a place for himself at Chelsea. Got the assist for Hazard’s opener and looked threatening throughout. Peppered Forster’s goal with a few shots too, showing that he enjoys getting forward from his new role of wing-back.
N’golo Kante – 8
It was Chelsea’s midfield that won them the game on the night as Kante along with his midfield partner Matic ran riot throughout the game and blocked off the opponent midfielders to perfection.
Nemanja Matic– 8
Like Kante, the Serbian too had an excellent game. He kept breaking up the play for Chelsea and passed around well. Looks to be back to his former best.
Marcus Alonso– 7.5
Wasn’t as forward thinking as Moses in his approach and that’s understandable as he has Hazard in front of him and the Belgian does need that extra defensive cover.
Pedro- 7
Scored last time around against Manchester United. Was a lot quieter this time around. Put in a decent performance nevertheless.
Diego Costa–8.5
Scored the second goal of the game. Posed a threat throughout and was very effective in running the channels and making space for Pedro and Hazard to operate in. Another player that looks to be back to his best.
Eden Hazard – 9 ( MOTM)
Was outstanding on the night. Scored 6 minutes into the game and continued to be on the front foot ever since. Got the assist for Costa’s goal, which rounded off an excellent showing for the Belgian.
Substitutes –
Willian – 6 (Pedro 78)
Has a tough job on his hands to get back in the team again. Conte seems to prefer Pedro in the attacking trio.
Branislav Ivanovic– N/A ( Victor Moses 87 )
Came on in the place of the excellent Moses for the dying embers of the game.
Michy Batshuayi– N/A (Diego Costa 89)
Came on too late to have any kind of impact on the game.