5 Things Learned: Chelsea 0-1 Southampton | Premier League

Chelsea were defeated 1-0 in the Premier League against Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

Graham Potter made six changes to his Chelsea side that suffered a 1-0 defeat in midweek in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund for this contest.

There was an early scare for the hosts when Benoit Badiashile allowed Kamaldeen Sulemana in behind, the Ghanaian’s effort was saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga, and the rebound effort by Stuart Armstrong had to be cleared off the line by Kalidou Koulibaly.

The visitors continued to push after coming out the brighter of the two teams, eventually they found the lead, a splendid free-kick from none other than James Ward-Prowse hit the back of the net.

It was a dismal first half effort from the Blues, and the Stamford Bridge let them know as they booed them off at the break.

A turnaround was needed for the west London side, both Wesley Fofana and Raheem Sterling came on to replace Kalidou Koulibaly and David Datro Fofana after the interval.

There was more energy from Chelsea in the second half, but there was still very little created, in the 64th minute, Potter opted to make two more changes, bring on Mykhailo Mudryk and Kai Havertz for Mason Mount and Noni Madueke.

The Blues continued to push, Sterling had two big chances, but was denied on both occasions, one of which was swept off the line.

Chelsea’s search for a late equaliser was to no avail, Conor Gallagher’s strike on goal was saved by Gavin Bazunu and the Blues came up short.

Here are five things Absolute Chelsea learned from Saturday’s loss in the capital.

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1) Graham Potter is in a dangerous position

Despite having been in the job for just over five months, the 47-year-old is on very thin ice. The team were booed off at half-time after an extremely poor effort. Understandably, the fanbase are not happy with the recent performances and results, it is not good enough, Potter has to get this side playing again, otherwise his position could be in serious danger.

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2) Chelsea pushed in the second half, but it was not enough

The first half display was unacceptable, the play from the hosts was flat and underwhelming, they were unable to take control of the game. Ultimately, it lost them the match. In the second half the performance was improved, but the Blues failed to mount a comeback.

3) Individuals need to step up

The Blues are going through an extremely difficult period at the moment, so players need to step up and start performing. Too many of Chelsea’s top players are not turning up in what are must win games. Sterling set a good example coming off the bench at half-time of what they need, he brought pace and energy to the side and was unlucky to not get a goal.

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4) Creativity problems in the first half, finishing problems in the second half

Chelsea chances in the opening 45 were few and far between, the Blues were struggling to retain possession and get forward. While the level was upped in the second half, Potter’s side lacked the finishing touch, much like in their European clash in midweek. Sterling had massive chances he failed to make the most of, and Conor Gallagher also was superbly denied by Gazunu.

5) Resting players a mistake

With the position Chelsea are in they cannot be resting players. While Reece James has only recently come back from injury and Thiago Silva has played a lot of games recently, these two players are key to the team. The Blues may be playing the side who sit 20th place in the Premier League, but they’re recent form has been appalling and they must win games like these so they need their top players involved.