Chelsea cruised to a 4-0 win over struggling Southampton in the Premier League, extending their strong record against teams at the bottom of the table with 12 wins in 15 matches.
Southampton, having beaten Ipswich Town 2-1 in their last league match, had the chance to secure back-to-back away wins in the Premier League for the first time since June 2020. Despite Chelsea being out of form, the Saints failed to capitalise, and by half-time, the game was almost beyond them. Enzo Fernández set up Cole Palmer twice, but Palmer missed the first chance and then fired straight at Aaron Ramsdale, still unable to end his seven-game Premier League goal drought. Chelsea broke the deadlock from the resulting corner when Tosin Adarabioyo’s header fell to Christopher Nkunku, who turned it in at the back post.
Southampton’s only real chance came when Filip Jörgensen saved Paul Onuachu’s header. Chelsea then doubled their lead through Pedro Neto, who finished past Ramsdale after a clever run opened up Southampton’s defence. Before the break, Chelsea added a third goal, with Neto delivering a perfect corner for Levi Colwill to score his first goal of the season.
After the break, Chelsea remained in control but lacked sharpness in front of goal, with several chances missed. Fernández created another opportunity for Nkunku, but his header went off target. Palmer then missed another chance, sending a bouncing ball high over the bar. Jadon Sancho set up Neto, but he miscontrolled in a good position. Finally, Chelsea made it 4-0 with a counter-attack that ended with substitute Tyrique George passing to Marc Cucurella, who scored.
The late appearance of 17-year-old Shim Mheuka rounded off a good night for Chelsea, who moved back into the top four, at least for now. After conceding nine goals to Chelsea in two Premier League games this season, Southampton will be glad to see the back of them. Their goal difference took another hit, but it likely won’t matter as they remain at the bottom of the table, 13 points from safety.
