A much-changed Chelsea moved seven points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after thrashing bottom-side Southampton 5-1, who had captain Jack Stephens sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair.
The Blues made seven changes for the trip to St Mary’s and still produced a fine attacking display that will only increase talk of a potential title challenge this season as they moved second.
Three players brought in – Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke – all scored in the first half.
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Sky Sports Soccer Special pundit Mike Dean delivers his verdict on Southampton defender Jack Stephens’ sending off
Disasi’s seventh-minute header was, however, quickly cancelled out just four minutes later as Joe Aribo swept home past Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who made his Premier League debut.
But Southampton’s mistake-laden season continued as goalkeeper Joe Lumley’s sloppy pass was cut out by Madueke who set up Nkunku to roll into an empty net in the 17th minute – a ninth Saints error leading to a goal in the Premier League this season.
Madueke then curled in a third in the 34th minute before Saints’ night went from bad to worse five minutes later as skipper Stephens pulled Cucurella’s hair at a Saints corner and was sent off for violent conduct following a VAR review at the pitchside monitor.
Chelsea then completely dominated proceedings and finally added a fourth through Cole Palmer’s 77th-minute tap-in.
Substitute Jadon Sancho added a late fifth for his first Chelsea goal as Enzo Maresca’s side made it seven games unbeaten in all competitions and next go to London rivals Tottenham on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Southampton, meanwhile, are now seven points adrift from safety.
Sunday 8th December 4:00pm
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Free-scoring Chelsea continue to impress
Cole Palmer (left) and Jadon Sancho both scored in Chelsea’s win at Southampton
In all competitions, Chelsea have scored 57 goals in 22 games this season, which is already seven more than they scored in 2022-23 (50 in 50 games). Their current goals-per-game ratio of 2.6 is their best in a single season in their entire history.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have scored five or more goals in two away Premier League games this season (6-2 vs Wolves, 5-1 vs Southampton), the first time they have done so twice in a season since 2014/15. Their xG total in the win at Saints was the highest on record (2008-09 onwards) by a team in an away Premier League game (5.29).
Are Chelsea title contenders?
Christopher Nkunku celebrates scoring Chelsea’s second
“We’ve got our Chelsea back” sang the away end late on as they also serenaded head coach Maresca, who in turn acknowledged their support by applauding back.
The mood around Chelsea is different these days and some may well believe they are fully in the title race.
This impressive performance, albeit against a 10-player bottom side, will only louden those whispers as Chelsea took advantage of Liverpool’s slip-up at Newcastle.
Chelsea certainly have the depth to go the distance. Maresca has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, shown by his much-changed side as they strolled to a dominant victory that saw them have 26 shots at goal.
The Blues look incredibly confident right now and are a very entertaining watch.
Palmer scored his ninth Premier League goal of the season
Tougher tests await them, however, with Sunday’s trip to London rivals Tottenham providing a much better yardstick of where they are at.
But if they pass that test then Maresca’s side have a very favourable fixture run as they face just one top-half team – Brentford at home – until they go to Manchester City on January 25, live on Sky Sports.
Chelsea could well be serious title contenders come that trip to the Etihad.
Maresca loving Chelsea chants
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca speaking at his post-match conference about the away-end songs:
“It was a very good feeling, especially because you can see that they are happy, that is our target.
“We work every day to keep them happy and tonight was a very good feeling, especially the one that they can see that Chelsea’s back. This is an important thing.
“I’m very happy with the five we scored. I’m not happy with the first 15, 20 minutes, where we struggled. The reason why we struggled is because we prepared the game to press them man to man and the first 15, 20 minutes we were not pressing them man to man.
“After 15, 20 minutes we adjust that and the game was much better. For sure we could score more but five goals they are enough.”
Martin: Stephens red a moment of madness
Southampton head coach Russell Martin speaking at his post-match conference about Stephens’ red card:
“I don’t think anyone will be as disappointed as Jack. I haven’t got to sit down and talk with him about that at all. He will be hurt more than anyone and it’s changed the game for us, which is disappointing.
“I think they have to describe it as violent conduct; it’s not violent really but there’s no other explanation for that really. It’s a moment of madness that’s really cost us and Jack.”
On the full-time boos: “When they see such a big scoreline and a couple of the goals we concede, I understand it [the jeers].
“It’s football, it’s emotive, people feel so much about it, it’s why it’s such a special sport in this country and so big. I understand it but I feel really proud of the players, some of the football we played at 11 v 11 was amazing.
“For an hour with 10 men we’ve dug in so deep, there were some big performances. I’m proud of them for that and I’m grateful for that because that’s not easy in that circumstance.”
