Chelsea’s nightmare start to 2023 continued with a damaging and deserved 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge to Premier League relegation-threatened Southampton.
The Blues were vociferously booed from the field at both half-time and full-time after a disjointed performance bereft of almost any attacking cohesion. Bottom-of-the-table Saints, meanwhile, produced a brave, commanding display under caretaker manager Ruben Selles and took the points through James Ward-Prowse’s superb first-half free kick.
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Following on from Wednesday’s unfortunate Champions League defeat at Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea manager Graham Potter made seven changes to his starting XI but saw no positives in his side’s collective display. The incision and intent undone by poor finishing in Germany were conspicuous by their absence against a Saints side who bossed the first period and defended heroically after the break.
Though a spate of attacking substitutions improved the Blues’ play — with Raheem Sterling particularly impactful — a hefty stoppage for an injury to Cesar Azpilicueta broke up the late stages of the contest and any faint hopes of a late-season surge for Champions League qualification look baseless for Potter’s side on this evidence.
Positives
David Fofana showed some promise in the forward’s first start and defender Wesley Fofana made a welcome return from injury. But, beyond that, there was nothing to cling to on a wretched day for the Blues except the belief that, surely, the only way is up from here.
Negatives
Almost everything. Little urgency, less cohesion, no apparent understanding of a game plan. A bulging, talented squad on paper is not yet translating into anything approaching a team once it hits the field. Azpilicueta’s departure — which prompted 12 added minutes — ensured a sombre end to an already miserable afternoon.
Manager rating out of 10
3 — If Wednesday’s unfortunate defeat represented at least a tactical step forward, this was a substantial reversal against a Saints side perceived prematch as perfect fodder. With so many new players at his disposal, Potter may be suffering from paralysis by analysis and the need to assess each newcomer on the job. So many questions, but no satisfying answers as yet.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Kepa Arrizabalaga, 5 — Called into action straight away with a fine close-range block to deny Paul Onuachu, a feat he later repeated from Adam Armstrong. By no means the first — or last — goalkeeper to be beaten by a Ward-Prowse special, but in retrospect will wonder about the management of his wall for Saints’ winner.
DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 4 — Restored at right-back, the captain showed plenty of endeavour to get up and down the right flank, but the 33-year-old looked heavy-legged throughout. Blazed wastefully into the side-netting with one of Chelsea’s few early openings. Suffered a nasty clash late on and was stretchered off after a lengthy stoppage.
DF Benoit Badiashile, 5 — Given a let-off inside three minutes when dispossessed inside his own area by Onuachu, only for Kepa and Kalidou Koulibaly to snuff out the danger. Grew into the game and produced a solid display thereafter.
DF Kalidou Koulibaly, 4 — Made a hectic start to proceedings. Alert early on to clear Armstrong’s goal-bound effort, but then picked up a booking for a high challenge just moments later, prompting Potter’s decision to replace him with Wesley Fofana at half-time.
DF Ben Chilwell, 4 — Identified as a potential weak point aerially, a move which almost paid off inside 10 minutes when Onuachu’s header dropped just past the far post. Little impact going forward and a generally off-key display.
