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This is more than a blip
Chelsea’s diabolical start to the season can surely no longer be explained away as merely a blip. Shaky in defence, traditionally such a Mourinho strongpoint, all three of Terry, Ivanovic and Cahill look suspect, while Matic’s substitution after only coming on at half time is a damning verdict all of its own. Meanwhile in attack Chelsea look toothless, they struggled to create anything of note in this game, with Hazard, Oscar, Fabregas and Falcao all disappointing. With seemingly no area of the team performing well, Chelsea appear in real trouble after their worst start to a season for 37 years.
Terry’s return can’t stop the rot
John Terry returned to the Chelsea side, but he couldn’t restore a sense of order to their defence. While for much of the match the skipper looked nowhere near as culpable as Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic for many of the mistakes made by the defence, he was totally schooled by Sadio Mane for Southampton’s second goal. The captain just couldn’t fix what is a growing concern for Jose Mourinho after a terrible start to the season.
Chelsea vs Southampton player ratings
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Pelle the real deal
Graziano Pelle has looked excellent for Southampton this season and he gave Chelsea a torrid time at Stamford Bridge. Not only did he score his fifth Premier League goal of the season, in just eight appearances, as he finished a great counterattack, but he also set up Davis’ equaliser with an excellent headed assist. Southampton will hope they can hold on to him for some time as along with Mane they have a potentially fearsome striking duo.
Willian on song again
There might have been questions about Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas’ form recently, but nobody can question Willian’s recent efforts, the Brazilian knocking in his fourth consecutive goal from a free kick. He has now scored against Maccabi Haifa, Newcastle, Porto and Southampton. His first half goal got Chelsea going well in the first half before Southampton fought back to win comprehensively. Seemed a strange choice to be subbed in the second half.
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