Chelsea restored their seven-point lead over Tottenham at the top of the Premier League with a 4-1 win over Southampton.

Buoyant from their FA Cup semifinal victory on Saturday, the hosts got off to an excellent start with Eden Hazard putting them ahead on five minutes after excellent work from Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa. The Belgian should have added a second shortly after when he blazed a good chance over and Chelsea were left ruing that miss when former Blue Oriol Romeu equalised from a corner. The visitors then threatened to add to their goal before Chelsea roused themselves and regained the lead on the stroke of half-time through a Gary Cahill header.

Costa eased the nerves further eight minutes after the break when he nodded home a Cesc Fabregas cross and added some gloss by finishing off a wonderful move involving Pedro. Another ex-Chelsea man, Ryan Bertrand, scored for Southampton in injury time but the three points stayed at Stamford Bridge

Positives

The forceful reaction to quell Southampton's period of concerted pressure in the first half was key to swinging momentum back in their favour. Diego Costa's return to form also could not have come at a better time.

Negatives

The total inability to keep a clean sheet remains a concern and keeps threatening to undermine good work at the other end. The nerves when facing set pieces were also evident.

Manager rating out of 10

8 -- The restoration of Costa and Hazard to the starting XI by Antonio Conte was a no-brainer though the introduction of Fabregas in a more advanced role was curious but effective. The decision to bring on John Terry as a late substitute was intelligent from both a tactical and public relations perspective.

Player ratings (1-10, 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Thibaut Courtois, 7 -- Left stranded for both goals, there was little else for him to do apart from claim a few high balls.

DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 7 -- Partially culpable for Southampton's first goal, he responded by leading the fight back by pressuring the ball back all the way to Fraser Forster in the visitors' goal. Played solidly from then on.

DF David Luiz, 7 -- Won several aerial battles and used the ball well generally. Was caught chasing shadows at times in the first half but gathered himself to command his area.

DF Gary Cahill, 8 -- Has assumed Terry's mantle of scoring goals at crucial times with his header arriving at the best possible moment. Defended well against Southampton's dizzying movement.

MF Marcos Alonso, 8 -- Was a huge influence in attacking areas with his overhead kick and header from the subsequent corner resulting in Cahill's goal. Kept linking well in the second half and saw a well struck shot saved.

MF Victor Moses, 7 -- Less influential than Alonso, he was still a positive outlet down the right flank. Occasionally found himself outnumbered in defence.

Diego Costa ended a five-game league drought with a second-half brace, a huge boost to the struggling striker's confidence.

MF Nemanja Matic, 7 -- Had moments in the first half when he struggled to cope with the touch and movement of the opposition. Regained his bearings to make his mark in the second half.

MF N'Golo Kante, 8 -- Was deservedly booked for a scything challenge but was otherwise his usual effervescent self. Made one incredible run that carved through the Southampton defence that belied his reputation as purely a tackling midfielder.

FW Cesc Fabregas, 7 -- Played in a more attacking role, he made up for his lack of pace with huge effort and graceful touch. Played a deliciously tempting ball from which Costa scored.

FW Eden Hazard, 8 -- Scored the opening goal and was a menacing presence all evening long. Rediscovered his understanding with Costa to electric effect.

FW Diego Costa, 9 -- Two goals and an assist, this was the Costa of the first half of the season. Hungry and effective, it bodes well for the run in.

Substitutes

FW Pedro, NR -- A typically busy performance, he played a significant part in Chelsea's fourth goal.

DF, John Terry, NR -- Played an exquisite cushioned pass under pressure to prove there's still life in the old dog yet.

FW, Willian NR -- Brought on for the turning Eden Hazard, he barely had a touch in his short time on the pitch. 

Source:

by PHIL LYTHELL

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