The Blues headed into the Premier League tie looking to build on their 2-1 win over Leicester. Chelsea went a man down after less than 30 minutes of that game but still held out for three points.
Southampton, meanwhile, kicked off at the Bridge 13th in the Premier League having picked up one win from four so far this term.
As a result, a Chelsea victory seemed very likely this weekend. Byt, when all was said and done at St Marys’,
Chelsea started well and created several chances, all of which came through Raheem Sterling, who opened the scoring after 22 minutes.
Chelsea’s lead did not last long, however, with Romeo Lavia smashing in an equaliser 28 minutes in from the edge of the box.
That’s some way to open your account for a new team! 💥
Roméo Lavia puts Southampton level after Raheem Sterling’s opener 😇
A brilliant strike. pic.twitter.com/SKAjrM5cD9
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 30, 2022
Chelsea then struggled to regain their dominance and Southampton were able to take the lead in first-half injury time via Adam Armstrong.
The Saints have turned this around! 😱
The hosts go 2-1 up just before half-time courtesy of a great team move finished off by Adam Armstrong ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/C3rObKlwGO
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 30, 2022
This had very little impact, though, which led to Tuchel making a triple sub after 65 minutes. Those changes also did not improve Chelsea and they were forced to head home without a point.
Southampton player ratings
Gavin Bazunu (5) – Made a couple of decent saves.
Kyle Walker-Peters (6) – Was a threat down Chelsea’s left flank all game.
Armel Bella-Kotchap (6.5) – Won all of his duels and made some key tackles.
Mohammed Salisu (6) – Nearly scored 72 minutes in but was denied by a goal-line clearance. Was ok defensively but didn’t have that much to deal with.
Romain Perraud (7.5) – Made a good interception to stop the initial cross for Sterling’s opener but couldn’t back up in time for the second ball. Got the assist for Southampton’s second and was a real threat down the left all evening.
Ibrahima Diallo (4) – Had a very poor first half, giving the ball away several times and failing to have much of an impact defensively.
James Ward-Prowse (5) – His passing was decent but he offered little else apart from his set-piece threat.
Romeo Lavia (6.5) – Excellent strike for Southampton’s equaliser. Taken off after 61 minutes.
Mohamed Elyounoussi (6) – Should have scored Southampton’s third but was denied by a Cucurella clearance.
Adam Armstrong (7) – Great finish for Southampton’s second goal.
Che Adams (5.5) – Fairly quiet night for the striker, but he pressed well and managed three key passes.
Substitutes
Joe Aribo (4) – A quiet sub outing.
Moussa Djenepo (3) – Hardly touched the ball.
Lyanco (N/A)
Chelsea player ratings
Edouard Mendy (4) – Perhaps could have done better for Lavia’s goal.
Cesar Azpilicueta (4.5) – Gave away a corner and then cleared it poorly, which led to Southampton’s goal. Off after 65 minutes.
Thiago Silva (5.5) – Not his best showing but made a clever goal-line clearance to stop a third Southampton goal.
Kalidou Koulibaly (5) – Fairly average showing from the defender who didn’t do much wrong.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (4.5) – Could have had an assist if Sterling didn’t slow his run. Taken off at half-time.
Jorginho (4.5) – Poor attempt at a tackle in the build-up to the Saints’ second. Struggled to keep up with the pace of the match before being subbed with 25 minutes to play.
Mason Mount (6) – Played Sterling, who should have done better, in early in the match. Good pass to Sterling for the opening goal.
Marc Cucurella (5) – Made a great clearance to deny Southampton a third. Had little impact going forward.
Hakim Ziyech (4.5) –Did not offer enough attacking threat for Chelsea, managed four crosses, none of which reached their man.
Kai Havertz (4) – Another very quiet night for the German. He had one shot all game and failed to complete any of his dribble attempts. Off after 65 minutes.
Raheem Sterling (6) – Had a good chance 13 minutes in but scuffed his shot. Was put through on goal 21 minutes in but hesitated and the chance was lost. He got his goal just a minute later, though.
Substitutes
Mateo Kovacic (5) – Was better than Jorginho when he came on.
Ben Chilwell (3) – Did little of note.
Christian Pulisic (3) – Was brought on to play at RWB and had little impact from there.
Armand Broja (4) – Added some life to Chelsea’s attack as soon as he came on but unable to make much of a difference.
Fan reaction
Big chance for Sterling, not enough power on the shot. Brilliant pass by Mount. #SOUCHE
— Chels HQ (@Chels_HQ) August 30, 2022
Sterling’s that guy man. 3 goals In 2 games una. Keep telling me Tuchel can’t coach an attack. Go on. Sterling’s proving it was all nonsense from you lot
— Sean Quinn (@quinner12344) August 30, 2022
Mendy’s hands are gone…
— Mod (@CFCMod_) August 30, 2022
The worst thing about this is you are just sitting there, waiting for Southampton to get their third instead of waiting for Chelsea to get an equaliser.
— Uber Chelsea FC (@UberChelseaFC_) August 30, 2022
Expert view
Excellent patience shown from Sterling to pick his moment to beat Bazunu from close range after being found by Mount. #CFC https://t.co/Qv5qgpExYv
— Adam Newson (@AdamNewson) August 30, 2022
Raheem Sterling’s stats vs. Southampton:
👕 20 apps
⚽ 9 goals
🅰️ 4 assistsAnother goal against the Saints to add to the collection. 💫 pic.twitter.com/mU6JC8ORi7
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 30, 2022
Is a great goal by Mendy started the season really bad with few mistakes already
— José enrique (@Jesanchez3) August 30, 2022
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