Southampton Stunned Chelsea:
Southampton 2 Chelsea 1
J. Rodriguez (23), J. Terry (33)
R. Lambert (35)
Chelsea sit in third, just a point above Tottenham and four behind Manchester City. However, the away side also have a congested fixture list to contend with, meaning they are likely to name a heavily rotated squad here – this is their first of four games within the next week, including an FA Cup tie with Manchester United on Monday. It'll be interesting to see whether the Blues can overcome this hectic run-in, starting with a win against the Saints here. Only time will tell!
Line
Ups:
Southampton:
Boruc; Clyne, Hooiveld, Yoshida, Shaw; Rodriguez, Schneiderlin, Cork, S.Davis,
Puncheon; Lambert Subs: K.Davis, Fonte, Fox, Forren, Ramirez, Ward-Prowse, Guly
Chelsea:
Cech;
Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Terry, Bertrand; Mikel, Lampard; Moses, Oscar, Marin;
Torres Subs: Turnbull, Cole, David Luiz, Ramires, Hazard, Benayoun, Ba
The Blues and the
Saints, led by John Terry and Rickie Lambert respectively,
In 5th
minute Chelsea have their first chance to cause the Saints problem as Moses
receives the ball free on the right wing. He overhits the cross badly though
and the opportunity goes begging. Disappointing from the Nigerian.
In 9th
minute Rodriguez goes on a winding run, bursting past the helpless John Terry
before forcing Bertrand and Azpilicueta further and further back. He checks
onto his right but can only shoot tamely into Cech's arms. An excellent run but
a disappointing finish.
In 23rd
minute Southampton go ahead with a lovely goal from Jay Rodriguez! The home
side get what they deserve after a flowing move, started down the left by Shaw.
The left-back plays into Lambert, who moves the ball into Rodriguez. The
forward plays a smart one-two with David and finds himself through on goal,
where he duly tucks the ball past Cech into far corner. An excellent goal and
well-deserved, 1-0 to the Saints!
10 minutes later Johnb
Terry Chelsea captain thunders a header past the helpless Boruc and the Blues
are leve on corner.
In 33th minute Lambert curls
the ball up and over the Blues wall and into the top corner. An excellent free
kick and the away side find themselves behind once more.
Chelsea's top-four testimonial are in doubt after they fell
to a shock defeat to Southampton on Saturday, with Mauricio Pochettino's men
dragging themselves towards safety.
Comments