A James Ward-Prowse free-kick was enough for bottom of the table Southampton to beat Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. The Blues failed to find the net again as pressure continues to mount on Graham Potter. Chelsea legend César Azpilicueta was stretchered off the pitch after a ten-minute delay late in the game after seemingly suffering a horrific head injury.
Kepa Arrizabalaga- 6/10
Will Kepa feel he should have done better with Ward-Prowse’s free-kick goal? It was hit with power but was a good height for the Spaniard to save. Somewhat redeemed himself later in the game making a good stop to deny Stuart Armstong from close range.
César Azpilicueta- N/A
How Azpilicueta played is not important today. The Chelsea legend seemed to suffer a horrific head injury. The Spaniard has won every major trophy possible for Chelsea and every Blues fan will be hoping his injury is not as serious as it looked.
Benoît Badiashile- 6/10
An average performance from the Frenchman today. Some particularly sloppy passes put Chelsea under unnecessary pressure early in the game. Defensively Badiashile wasn’t tested too hard, but he did manage to make an impressive three successful tackles.
Kalidou Koulibaly- 5/10
Being booked in the fourth minute of the game was not the start Koulibaly would have wanted to the game. The experienced defender captained the Blues today but was removed at half time following a difficult 45 minutes, and the fact he was on a booking.
Ben Chilwell- 5/10
Not the day for Ben Chilwell going forward. The English fullback attempted six crosses with none of them finding a Chelsea teammate. A sound defensive performance, but did play a very sloppy pass which set Southampton away on a counterattack.
Enzo Fernández- 6/10
The heart of Chelsea’s midfield, the Argentine had the most touches of the ball out of any player on the pitch. Defensively he made five tackles and was a dominant passer in the middle of the park. Despite this, there were moments he was caught in possession or gave the ball away in a poor manner.
Mateo Kovačić- 5/10
Despite completing seven out of seven long balls, the Croatian just did not have the impact he is capable of in midfield today. Kovačić struggled to affect the game both in attack and defence.
João Félix- 4/10
Despite his best efforts today was just not João Félix’s day. The Portuguese international struggled to find the right pass at times and was sloppy on the ball. His corners in particular today were dreadful, too often failing to beat the first man.
Mason Mount- 4/10
Back into the starting side, but another disappointing day for Mount. It just seems like his confidence is completely gone and he is far less involved in the game than he should be. He was subbed off early in the second half.
David Datro Fofana- 6/10
Some positive signs today from the young striker. His tenacious attitude when dribbling made sure he kept the ball in difficult situations, completing two dribbles in just 45 minutes before he was subbed off. He will hope to find his first Chelsea goal in games to come.
Noni Madueke- 6/10
Another Chelsea young signing who showed some positive signs in a very negative game. Madueke was fouled three times in his 60-minute appearance and looked like one of the few players who was lively on the ball.
Subs
Raheem Sterling- 7/10
How Raheem Sterling has not got on the scoresheet today remains a mystery. The English winger twice saw shots bound for the back of the net blocked by Southampton defenders. Extremely unlucky not to score but certainly helped give Chelsea more attacking edge when he was introduced.
Wesley Fofana- 7/10
Brilliant to see Wesley Fofana get some more minutes in the tank as he returns from injury. The French defender looked impressive in the second half. He was brought on for Koulibaly and outshined the veteran defender – the two will be battling each other for a spot in Chelsea’s Champions League squad.
Mykhailo Mudryk- 3/10
Everything Mudryk touched today seemed to go wrong. Dispossessed two times, a 42% pass accuracy, and a last-minute shot that fired wide. A bad day for the Ukrainian.
Kai Havertz- 7/10
Another player introduced from the bench who made a positive impact. Havertz could have had two assists with passes to Sterling, if not for goal-line heroics from Southampton.
Connor Gallagher- N/A
Trevoh Chalobah- N/A
Graham Potter- 3/10
Graham Potter’s darkest day at Chelsea so far? The Blues looked like they had no way of beating a team who sit bottom of the table in the Premier League. The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge is beginning to turn, and Potter looks like he is running on borrowed time.