Chelsea struggled to get going but eventually sprung into life to comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Saint Mary’s.
Shane Long gave the hosts the lead before Jan Bednarek doubled their advantage on the hour mark.
Olivier Giroud‘s introduction at that point turned the game on its head as the Frenchman’s brace sandwiched Eden Hazard‘s effort to complete the revival.
Here are our Chelsea player ratings.
CHELSEA (3-4-2-1)
Thibaut Courtois – 7: Made a fine save from Long’s mishit which was dipping under the bar. Had to make a couple of smart saves towards the end as well.
Andreas Christensen – 6: Did well to catch up to Long on the break in the second half without giving away a foul. Didn’t put a foot wrong
Gary Cahill – 4: Struggled against Long’s pace. At fault for the second goal.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 4: His lack of pace was exposed as Ryan Bertrand galloped past him to set up Tadic for the opener. Most of Southampton’s attacks were down his side.
Marcos Alonso – 6: Incredibly escaped a red card as Mike Dean failed to spot his horrendous challenge on Long. Superb ball in for Giroud to score.
N’Golo Kante – 6: Tried to force the issue when Chelsea were down and seemingly out. Covered a lot of ground but didn’t make a telling contribution at either end.
Cesc Fabregas – 6: Put in a decent enough shift without standing out. Could’ve kept the ball better. Had a few shots that didn’t trouble Southampton’s goal.
Davide Zappacosta – 4: Should’ve offered Azpilicueta more support. Spent plenty of time in the opposition’s half without making an impact. Subbed on the hour mark.
Eden Hazard – 7: Was quiet for long periods in the game, occasionally popping up with a shot to test the keeper. Took his goal excellently and was involved in the winner.
Willian – 7: Looked the most threatening but was let down by his team-mates for most of the game. Great work down the left to lay it on a plate for Hazard to equalise.
Alvaro Morata – 4: Never got on the same page as Hazard and Willian. Barely in the game and when he did have a couple of shots, they were wayward. Hauled off with an hour played.
Eden Hazard scored the equaliser.
SUBS:
Olivier Giroud – 8: Conte couldn’t have asked for more of an impact from his substitute. Sparked the comeback with his first and completed it as well.
Pedro – 5: Was sent on to offer more penetration down the right but Chelsea’s best attacks were still down the other side.
