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Nick Juddtransfer writer
ChelseaThe nightmare that started in 2023 continues with a damage and well deserved defeat 1-0 at Stamford Bridge Premier League threatened with relegation Southampton.
The Blues were booed from the pitch for both the first half and the game after a sporadic performance that lacked coherence in attack. Meanwhile, the bottom Saints put on a brave display, commanding under interim manager Ruben Selles and overcoming the points James Ward-Princegreat free kick in the first half.
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Following the unfortunate defeat in the Champions League last Wednesday Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea manager Graham Potter made seven changes to his starting line-up but saw no positive in the team’s collective performance. Incision and intent ruined by poor finishing in Germany were conspicuous in their absence against a Saints team who dominated the first half and defended heroically after the break.
Although a series of offensive substitutions improved the Blues’ play — with Raheem Sterling particularly impactful — a major stop for an injury to Cesar Azpilicueta have bid farewell to the final stages of the competition and any faint hopes of qualifying for the Champions League at the end of the season look unfounded for Potter’s side based on this evidence.
positive
David Fofana showed some promise in the strikers and defenders’ first starts Wesley Fofana welcomed the return from injury. But, beyond that, there’s nothing left to cling to on a bad day for the Blues but the belief that, inevitably, the only way up is up from here.
negative
Almost everything. Less urgency, less coherence, no clear understanding of a game plan. In theory, a talented, growing squad hasn’t turned into anything that approaches a team when they’re on the pitch. Azpilicueta’s departure – which added 12 minutes to the game – ensured a dismal end to an already miserable afternoon.
Manager rating out of 10
3 — If Wednesday’s unfortunate loss represents at least a tactical step forward, it’s a significant reversal against a Saints team seen as the previous game as perfect fodder. With so many new players at his disposal, Potter can be crippled by analysis and the need to evaluate every new person at work. A lot of questions, but still no satisfactory answer.
Player Rating (1-10; 10 = best, players referred after 70 minutes are not ranked)
GK Kepa Arrizabalaga5 — Called to action immediately with a good close-range save to deny Paul Onuachua feat he later repeated from Adam Armstrong. It’s by no means the first – or last – goalkeeper to be beaten by a particular Ward-Prourage player, but looking back will wonder about managing his wall for the Saints winner.
Defender Cesar Azpilicueta, 4 — Recovered at right-back, the captain showed a lot of effort in going up and down the right flank, but the 33-year-old looked heavy throughout the game. A wasteful home goal in one of Chelsea’s few early openers. Suffered a nasty crash late in the game and was stretched out after a long pause.
DF Benoit Badiashile5 — Get a three-minute break from being taken over by Onuachu in his area, for Kepa and Kalidou Koulibaly to extinguish danger. Get in the game and make a solid performance afterwards.
Defender Kalidou Koulibaly, 4 — Make a busy start to the proceedings. Was warned early to clear Armstrong’s scoring attempt, but was then shown a yellow card for a high challenge shortly after, prompting Potter to decide to replace him with Wesley Fofana in the first half.
DF Ben Chilwell4 — Defined as a potential weakness in the air, a move that almost paid off within 10 minutes when Onuachu’s header missed the post. Little future impact and often inaccurate display.
Midfielder Mateo Kovacic, 4 — Restored in place of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and looks determined to shake up the game from the start, but quickly looks tired and out of ideas without clear choices or coordinated moves in attack. However, did well to sprint back in injury time and deny the Saints a second almost certain goal.
MF Enzo Fernandez5 — A mixed match, showcasing moments of inspirational thinking and skill, but essentially struggling with the tempo of the game. Still playing, but a worrying drop in standards after promising early performances for the Blues.
FW Noni Madeuke6 –– Comfort was Chelsea’s most vibrant store during the opening session. Draw a smart stop from Gavin Bazunu after a good run, but went silent after accidentally stabbing his eye and being disqualified for Mykhailo Mudryk middle of the second half.
FW Joao Felix, 5 — Must drop deeper and deeper to participate. When a chance finally came his way, late into the first inning, he got up too early and missed an acceptable header. Much less involved than his eye-catching turn on Wednesday and ended his afternoon with a dangerous late free kick for Bazunu.
FW Mount Mason3 — Was returned to the starting line-up but did nothing to justify being included. Completely ignored by the game in the first phase. It looked certain to equalize with a header from Sterling’s cross, but it missed the post just before reaching him, warranting the continuation of a nasty individual campaign.
FW – David Fofana, 5 — Having made his first game since arriving from Molde, the 20-year-old jumped at the chance at first sight, shining brightly in the 13th minute, but showed little promise with his pokes. Slots and deep passes in little time involved before a harsh first half. withdrawal time.
replace
FW Raheem Sterling (Fofana, 46′), 6 — Bring much-needed intent into the proceedings, quickly land a nice cross but hidden by Mount, then watch the equalizer almost certainly be brilliantly saved. Ainsley Maitland-Niles before another attempt to delete the line.
DF Wesley Fofana (Koulibaly, 46′), 6 — Substituting for Koulibaly who was warned in the first half, the Frenchman’s regular return to action for the first time since early October marked a rare plus.
FW Kai Havertz (Mountain, 64′), 5 — Replacing Mount was less effective and had a bigger impact than what he had from the start at Dortmund. Cleverly pokes Sterling’s slot instead of shooting and looks energetic in general, but misses a great opportunity to get the ball to Mudryk unmarked.
FW Mykhailo Mudryk (Madueke, 64′), 5 — As always, always going ahead and wanting to make something happen, but couldn’t find the spark needed. More awareness from Havertz would give him a late chance to score, unleashing a furious volley in Chelsea’s final attack.
DF Trevoh Chalobah (Azpilicueta, 84′), N/A — A belated replacement for Azpilicueta, who was basically stationed in defence as the Blues pushed forward in mixed numbers.
MF Conor Gallagher (Chilwell, 84), N/A — Entered the last field to replace Chilwell when Potter retired. Almost stole the equalizer in injury time, but was excellently saved by Bazunu.
