Chelsea made seven changes but lost little of their spark as Southampton were brushed aside on Wednesday night.
Axel Disasi got the ball rolling, with Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho completed the rout, with Saints captain Jack Stephens sent off in the first half for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair at a corner.
Chelsea close the gap on Liverpool to seven points, but don’t tell Enzo Maresca that the Blues are in a title race.
Here’s how Enzo Maresca’s side rated at St. Mary’s...
Handed a Premier League debut and chance to put pressure on Robert Sanchez. No chance for the goal. Tidy enough on the ball and made brilliant save with his feet to stop Fernandes making it 3-2.
Malo Gusto 7
Back in at right-back but Southampton got plenty of joy down his side in the early exchanges. Picked up an assist late on with pass to Sancho.
Axel Disasi 6
Opened the scoring with a near-post header. Some sketchy distribution early on but settled and read crosses well.
Tosin Adarabioyo 6
Another who cut out a few low balls in his own six-yard box. Hit the bar with looping header, then post with fierce strike.
Marc Cucurella 6
Saw Southampton captain Jack Stephens sent off for a tug on his hair.
Moises Caicedo 7
Had a bit of a field day picking his moments to press as Southampton dallied at the back.
Enzo Fernandez 7
Yet another assist for the Argentine, whose corner made Disasi’s opener.
Noni Madueke 7
Fine response to being dropped against Aston Villa. Good pressure to win ball and then set-up Nkunku’s goal, before smartly taking third goal. Should really have added at least one more, though.
Cole Palmer 7
Couldn’t believe he hadn't got in on the act against ten men but was finally alert when Nkunku’s tackle turned assist.
Joao Felix 6
Delicious switch of play made Palmer chance. Has a strange habit of dragging his shots to the near-post.
Christopher Nkunku 8
First Premier League start since the opening day and added his 12th goal of the season. Couldn’t miss it, to be fair. Played a part in Palmer goal, too.
Substitutes
Jadon Sancho (Madueke 72’) 7
Powerful finish for the fifth.
Renato Veiga (Cucurella 79’) N/A
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Palmer 79’) N/A
Unused: Sanchez, Badiashile, Colwill, Lavia, Neto, Jackson
