Chelsea
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Thibaut Courtois – 6/10
The Belgian stopper had a few saves to make in the course of the game but was not really tested by the Saints attackers.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6/10
A typical solid performance in defence from the Spaniard, who is adapted very well to a centre-back role. He didn’t put a foot wrong and will be glad to record yet another clean sheet.
Gary Cahill – 6/10
The Englishman has had tougher days in a Chelsea shirt but this wasn’t one of them. He didn’t have much work to do apart from heading clear a few crosses.
David Luiz – 7/10
The Brazilian has been instrumental in Chelsea recording four back-to-back clean sheets in the league. He sat in the centre of the back three and cut out any threat that came into the Chelsea box.
Victor Moses – 8/10
One of Chelsea’s brightest sparks in recent weeks, Moses put in an excellent performance both in defence and in attack. He shielded the right-flank with solidity and moved up with intent. The Nigerian also had a couple of strong efforts which were parried by Forster.
Marcos Alonso – 7.5/10
The Spaniard has been a revelation for Conte and has quickly cemented his role in the left wing-back position. Like Moses, he too moved forward with positive intent while also sticking to his defensive duties.
N’Golo Kante – 7/10
The Frenchman made a number of good interceptions in midfield to prevent the Saints from breaking through. He also passed the ball well and supported in attack whenever he could.
Nemanja Matic – 8/10
It was often too easy for Matic to move around in midfield with no Southampton player attempting to close him down. Enjoyed a bit more freedom going forward but was mindful of any danger that the opposition posed.
Pedro – 6/10
The Spaniard showed great pace when Chelsea were on the counter-attack. Although, he could not conjure up any meaningful threat to the Southampton goal.
Eden Hazard – 9/10
The Belgian opened the scoring with a fine finish that went through the goalkeeper’s legs and grabbed the assist for Costa’s goal as well. It was another superb performance from Hazard who has now scored in three consecutive league games for the first time since joining Chelsea.
He also netted his fifth of the campaign, which is one more than he managed in the whole of last season.
Diego Costa – 7/10
Costa scored his eighth league goal of the season with a fantastic curling shot from the edge of the penalty area. The Spaniard should have had more goals to his name after he was guilty of letting a number of good opportunities slip. He also worked hard when to track back when his team were on the back foot.
Substitutes
Willian – N/A
Replaced Pedro for the final 10 minutes or so to help Chelsea see out the three points.
Branislav Ivanovic – N/A
Ivanovic returned from injury to replace Moses for the final few minutes.
Michy Batshuayi – N/A
The Belgian came on for Costa to provide fresh legs as Chelsea looked to close the game
