Chelsea ran out comfortable winners against Southampton and went to the top of the Premier League table, ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Manchester City.
Goals from Eden Hazard, Ross Barkley and Alvaro Morata ensured we remained unbeaten in all competitions.
Southampton did have a couple of chances and put us under some pressure in the second half. However, Kepa Arrizabalaga was in great form and kept the Saints out.
The international break beckons and we have slowly gotten better under Maurizio Sarri. Our next game is against Manchester United in the Premier League.
There were a number of heroes on the pitch at St. Mary’s and here are the player ratings from the game.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 7/10
The youngster did well to keep a couple of shots out of the net in the second half. Southampton didn’t get a lot of clear shots at Kepa but he did a decent job for the Blues.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7/10
We didn’t see a lot of Azpilicueta in the game but the Spaniard did his job really well. He did allow a number of crosses from his side in the second half, though.
Antonio Rudiger – 7/10
The German handled the threat of Danny Ings and Manolo Gabbiadini well in the first half, but there will be concerns as he was limping during the final moments of the game.
David Luiz – 7.5/10
The Brazilian had a relatively easy night as Southampton were dire in the first half. There were a few scary moments in the second half but nothing too dangerous for Chelsea.
Marcos Alonso – 7.5/10
The left-back joined our attack a lot and caused a lot of problems to the Saints defence.
Ross Barkley – 7/10
The Englishman ran a lot and got his reward with a goal in the second half. This wasn’t Barkley’s greatest showing but he did a decent job for the side.
N’Golo Kante – 7/10
Kante was his energetic self in midfield and ran about like he usually does.
Jorginho – 7.5/10
The midfield maestro, Jorginho kept things rolling for the side as we dominated the Saints.
Eden Hazard – 9/10
Hazard is a genius. The Belgian was a thorn for the home side throughout the game. He scored one, had chances to score more and even set up Morata for the third goal.
Olivier Giroud – 7.5/10
It was a fruitless night for the Frenchman as he didn’t score. However, Giroud did set up Barkley for the second goal with an acrobatic volley.
Willian – 7/10
The Brazilian didn’t have the greatest game in attacking terms, but did a decent job and was always a willing runner for the team.
Substitutes
Alvaro Morata – 6/10
The Spaniard scored a goal with a delicate chip in stoppage time but saw a similar chance saved by the Saints keeper.
Pedro – 6.5/10
The winger did alright after coming on in the second half as the game was more or less won.
Read more: “I’d love to stay at the club” – Star midfielder wants to extend stay at Chelsea
Mateo Kovacic – NA
The Croatian was brought on late in the second half and was subject to a horrible challenge from Ings but he was OK to continue.