Chelsea 4-2 Southampton – Player Ratings

Chelsea cruised into a terrific 4-2 victory over Southampton to put a huge pressure on Tottenham Hotspur, who’ll have to win against Crystal Palace away tomorrow if they wish to close the gap back to four points from the top.

Eden Hazard opened the scoring for Blues, and despite the visitors’ equalizer soon after, Chelsea climbed their way back in-front before half-time as Gary Cahill headed in the hosts’ second from Marcos Alonso’s neat pass.

Diego Costa ended his five-game goal drought with a clean header on the second half, and added one more to that after a lovely pair of one-twos with Hazard and Pedro, earning himself the man of the match award.

Ryan Bertrand still had the chance to head in a consolation goal and he very well did that, scoring a nice consolation goal right at the death to make the scores 4-2.

Starting Eleven

Thibaut Courtois – 6 – Didn’t have much to do with the goals, and he can only blame his defenders who basically shut down in the two successful attempts for goal. His way-ward pass almost caused some big trouble but he eventually saved the shot himself real well.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 7 – Solid game from the Spaniard all in all. His poor clearing header eventually led to Southampton’s first-half equalizer, but he made amends for that with his good display in the rest of the game. Subbed off for Terry five minutes before full-time.

David Luiz – 7  – Good game from the Brazilian overall. Won a fair amount of headers and played a very safe and secure game. Shame for the final minute goal.

Gary Cahill – 8 – Some fans weren’t as happy to see him starting once Nathan Ake finally stepped in for him against Spurs last weekend, but his goal was a great proof why he’s still regarded as one of the league’s best centre-halves. Great header from Alonso’s assist was a big goal considering it was scored right at the end of the first half.

Victor Moses – 7 – Good display from the wing-back, who was strong with his dribbling upwards and confident in his defensive duty.

N’Golo Kante – 8 – Great game from the PFA’s Player of the Year. He completed a superb run all the way from the midfield to the right hand post where his low cross was almost turned in for an own goal by the Saints. Got booked on the first-half but played very carefully after that and still won the challenges he’s expected to win.

Nemanja Matic – 7 – Didn’t strike the same kind of a goal he did against Spurs but his game was nevertheless very good and he made a good impact for the victory. Went close though in the end with his long-range effort. Didn’t mark Cedric properly and let the Portuguese throw in a cross that was well met by ex-Blue Ryan Bertrand for Southampton’s second goal.

Marcos Alonso – 7 – Great game from the Spaniard. He was strong and wise at the back, but also influential attacking-wise, especially with his determined heading assist for Cahill’s 2-1 goal. Had a powerful strive from range well saved by the Southampton keeper.

Cesc Fabregas – 8 – His decisive contribution in Chelsea’s 4-2 win over Spurs earned him a place in today’s starting line-up, and he certainly took the chance he was given. A great assist for Costa’s long-waited goal and despite getting booked, the Spaniard played a very good game.

Diego Costa – 10 – MOTM – What a stunning comeback! He returned to the line-up having clearly noted himself that he shouldn’t be taking the starting role for granted and played with a whole new attitude in today’s match. He was very professionally patient to wait with his pass for Hazard that led to the opening goal. Could’ve scored a staggering goal at the end of the first half but Gary Cahill jumped in front of his bicycle kick offer to head in himself. He however got what he wanted on the second half when he nodded in Fabregas’ neat cross, and continued to score his second five minutes before full-time from Pedro’s lovely assist. Full ten from the big man tonight!

Eden Hazard – 9 – Sweet, sweet finish for his opening goal. A great back-pass from Costa was well met by the Belgian who scored a very same looking goal against Man City few weeks back. Had a chance for a second a bit later on but scuffed it, and then another chance where he could’ve taken a shot but decided to look for a pass – without reaching his target. Overall he was sublime and beat Southampton defenders for fun. Subbed off late on for Willian.

Subs:

Pedro – 7 – Came on for slightly over 10 minutes and his fresh feet were a good addition to Chelsea’s game. Went close with a shot from the edge of the area before assisting Costa’s second goal with great style.

John Terry – 6 – Came on for around five minutes to get a huge applause ahead of his departure from the West London club, and took part of enjoying Costa’s second goal – but also Bertrand’s consolation strike.

Willian – N/A – Not enough time for him to really contribute to the game.

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