How Hazard And Costa Paved The Way For Chelsea’s 2-0 Triumph Over Southampton

Chelsea entered into the top 4 and sit just one point behind Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool after they secured a 2-0 win at St. Mary’s with 22 points in 10 games. Chelsea were without captain John Terry as they stuck to the new Conte’s 3-4-3 formation with Hazard, Costa and Pedro leading the front line as Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta were the three men in defense. It was the same starting line-up that dismantled Manchester United last weekend.

The Blues found themselves in front after just 6 minutes when Eden Hazard cut back inside from the right onto his left foot and smashed the ball through Saint’s keeper Fraiser Forster to give Chelsea an early lead.

Southampton played some good football and were dominant for most of the game but were unable to muster a goal in front of a well-disciplined Chelsea team.

Hazard looked bright throughout the game as he forced Forster into another save with about 10 minutes to play. So did Diego Costa as he tried to beat Forster through his legs again but this time the English keeper was able to keep out the 28 year old striker.

Chelsea went into the break with a 1-0 lead and the second half began more or less the same way. Southampton keeping the ball for long periods but not able to penetrate enough to trouble Courtois.

Southampton found themselves two goals down when Diego Costa curled a superb shot past Forster as he bent the ball from outside the post into the far corner 10 minutes after the restart. A peach of a strike from the Brazilian born forward which made him top scorer of the league with eight goals, one better than Aguero.

Costa could have had a double but his finish was wayward when after Hazard crossed in a low ball after a patient build up.

Claude Paul’s Saint’s, who went five games without defeat in his previous league matches couldn’t make it six in a row as the Chelsea goal wasn’t really threatened. Charlie Austin missed an equalizing opportunity when he headed wide from a Davis’ free-kick. They also struck the post as Davis’ header looped onto the top of the crossbar.

In the latter stages, Chelsea were denied a third when Moses’ shot was saved by Forster. Southampton finally put the ball beyond Courtois but Austin was flagged for offside and rightly so when he lifted the ball beyond the Belgian.

The visitor’s managed to hold on, being well in shape at the back and constantly pressurizing the Southampton midfield and defense when in possession. This could be a statement to other major teams in terms of a title race on the cards.

Related Posts

Manchester United Want The 18-year-old Argentine Whizkid

Manchester United Want The 18-year-old Argentine Whizkid

Manchester United seems to be making strides in their pursuit of Boca Juniors’ rising star, Aaron Anselmino. According to Sport Witness, Ole’s story suggests that the club has set their…

Read more
Manchester United Want The 16-year-old Argentine Sensation

Manchester United Want The 16-year-old Argentine Sensation

Manchester United News: In the buzzing world of European football, Manchester United’s radar is locked onto Franco Mastantuono, a rising Argentine star, despite the looming shadows of Real Madrid and…

Read more
Viktor Gyokeres

Is Viktor Gyokeres Moving To Arsenal Or Chelsea?

Viktor Gyokeres, the 25-year-old standout from Sporting CP, has become the center of attention for Arsenal and Chelsea in their upcoming transfer battles. According to reports from Correio da Manhã…

Read more
Arsenal Has Come Up With A Big Deal For Ethan Nwaneri

Arsenal Has Come Up With A Big Deal For Ethan Nwaneri

In recent news, Ethan Nwaneri, a rising talent in English football, has garnered attention from top clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City. Reports from Football Insider suggest that Arsenal is…

Read more
Is Trent Alexander-arnold Moving To Real Madrid From Liverpool?

Is Trent Alexander-arnold Moving To Real Madrid From Liverpool?

Real Madrid‘s interest in Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a hot topic lately. Recent reports suggest that Los Blancos are eyeing the talented defender for a transfer, but any move…

Read more
Liverpool Set To Offer €25m To Sign The PSV Winger

Liverpool Set To Offer €25m To Sign The PSV Winger

Liverpool is gearing up to potentially secure Johan Bakayoko, the winger from PSV Eindhoven, in a summer transfer deal worth €25 million. The Reds have had their eye on Bakayoko…

Read more