Chelsea 3-1 Southampton: 5 talking points as Ben Chilwell stars in thrilling victory for Blues | Premier League 2021-22

#3 Ward-Prowse deserved to get sent off

Ward-Prowse was sent off for an early bath.

James Ward-Prowse was sent off in the 77th minute against Chelsea for a cynical challenge on Jorginho. That left Southampton to play with a numerical disadvantage for the final quarter of the game.

Initially, referee Mike Dean only brandished a yellow. But he was asked by the other officials to consult a VAR for a possible red-card offence. Following a quick review, it was indeed red for Ward-Prowse.

Replays showed that the 26-year-old had rammed into the Chelsea midfielder from behind with his studs up. So there was little debate about the red-card decision.

Having only brought the Saints level with a neat penalty minutes earlier, the Southampton captain received his marching orders. That turned the night sour for the visitors, as Chelsea pounced on the opportunity to take all three points on the night.

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#2 Ben Chilwell packed a punch for Chelsea

Ben Chilwell rounded off the win for Chelsea with a spectacular volley.

Ben Chilwell came into the match knowing that this was a great opportunity for him to reclaim his spot in the side. Tuchel had started him at the left-back spot ahead of the in-form Marcos Alonso, who appears to have re-established himself in the XI.

The former Leicester City man grabbed the chance with both hands. Chilwell impressed a great deal, leaving his manager with a happy selection conundrum going forward.

Highly adventurous and full of energy, Chilwell always looked to get in behind the Southampton defence, especially in a lively first half.

However, the second period threatened to derail his evening. He conceded a penalty to Southampton for a foul on Ward-Prowse, who levelled proceedings from 12 yards.

But it was the only sore note on an otherwise brilliant outing for him. Chilwell wrapped up the proceedings in the 89th-minute with a superb volley that had crossed the line before McCarthy pushed it out.

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#1 Chelsea back to winning ways despite 'unlucky' Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku is now without a goal in five games for Chelsea.

For the first time in four games, Chelsea have ended up on the winning side, cutting manager Thomas Tuchel some slack.

They had beaten Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup only on penalties, before suffering back-to-back losses to Manchester City and Juventus in the league and Champions League, respectively.

The reigning European champions were seemingly heading for another stalemate. But Ward-Prowse's red card shifted momentum back in Chelsea's favour, and the Blues capitalised on the same to go atop the league table.

It wasn't all rosy for Chelsea, though, as Romelu Lukaku fired another blank, the fifth game in a row he has now gone without scoring.

Make no mistake: Romelu Lukaku wasn't poor by any means. He played a big role in the build-up by dragging defenders away from Werner, and linking play together.

But his main job is to score goals, something he hasn't had much luck with in the last few outings. He even had the ball in the back of the net, but it was ruled out. Lukaku then hit the post in the build-up to Chilwell's goal. Perhaps the international break couldn't have come at a better time for the Belgian to rediscover his mojo.