Against this Southampton, 45 minutes are enough: Chelsea easily smash Saints

Without a hitch, Chelsea put an end to a two-match losing streak, smashing the sorry Southampton 4-0 and proving that the Saints can slowly but surely start preparing for the Championship already in February. Although Cole Palmer was a bit indisposed, Christopher Nkunku and Pedro Neto stepped up, noting a goal and an assist apiece, all before the break, while the third goal was scored by Levi Colwill. In a much less interesting second half, Chelsea found the net "only" once through Marc Cucurella, who set the final score.

As if the Blues underestimated the last-placed Southampton, they did not open the game well. They hardly created chances, giving the visitors hope to survive Stamford Bridge. In addition, Cole Palmer was far from his usual level, wasting two colossal opportunities in the first half.

Yet, his first miss brought Chelsea a corner after which Christopher Nkunku broke the deadlock to Tosin Adarabioyo's assist in the 24th minute. The Frenchman proved his excellent display with an assist 13 minutes later, as Pedro Neto made it 2-0.

Then it was Portuguese's turn to assist, this time to Levi Colwill in the penultimate minute of the first period, for Chelsea's massive lead at the break - 3-0.

Conversely, the Saints had a single notable attempt in the 32nd minute over Paul Onuachu, whose header Filip Jorgensen superbly stopped.

Chelsea player's odd daily routine: watching a cartoon?!

Given that the match was practically over already before the break, the rhythm was way lower in the second 45 minutes, while Enzo Maresca got a perfect opportunity to give more playing time to players from the bench such as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyrique George and, at the same time rest some of the key starters.

And the 19-year-old George turned out to be the Italian's excellent choice, as the youngster noted an assist for Marc Cucurella in the 78th minute, as the Spaniard made it 4-0.

Tonight's convincing triumph ended Chelsea's recent poor spell and helped them leapfrog Man City in the fourth Premier League position, though the battle for the ultimate place that books the UEFA Champions League will be harsh until the last round.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 27

Tuesday

Brighton - Bournemouth 2-1 (1-0)

/Pedro 12 pen, Welbeck 75 - Kluivert 61/

Crystal Palace - Aston Villa 4-1 (1-0)

/Sarr 29, 71, Mateta 59, Nketiah 90+1 - Rogers 52/

Wolverhampton - Fulham 1-2 (1-1)

/Gomes 18 - Sessegnon 1, Muniz 47/

Chelsea - Southampton 4-0 (3-0)

/Nkunku 24, Neto 36, Colwill 44, Cucurella 78/

Wednesday

22.30: (2.10) Brentford (3.50) Everton (3.80)

22.30: (1.52) Man.Utd. (4.20) Ipswich (6.25)

22.30: (4.20) Nott.Forest (3.50) Arsenal (2.00)

22.30: (3.30) Tottenham (4.05) Man.City (2.10)

23.15: (1.55) Liverpool (4.50) Newcastle (5.50)

Thursday

23.00: (1.65) West Ham (4.00) Leicester (5.25)

***odds are subject to change***