5 key things we have learned from Chelsea’s victory over Southampton: Chelsea returned to winning ways with a 6-0 victory over Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium, thanks to Thomas Tuchel.
Marcos Alonso sent a shot through Fraser Forster’s legs after 8 minutes, giving Chelsea the lead.
After 15 minutes, Mason Mount doubled the advantage, slotting the ball past Forster and into the far corner.
After 22 minutes, Timo Werner made it 3-0 with a fantastic run that included around Forster and scoring from a tight angle. When 31 minutes, Kai Havertz scored into an empty net after Werner’s strike deflected off the post and dropped at the feet of his fellow German.
After 50 minutes, it was 5-0, with Ngolo Kante’s effort barely being juked by Forster into Werner’s path, who tapped in comfortably.
After Forster denied Christian Pulisic and Werner, Mount scored his second goal of the game.
A much-needed victory for the Blues, who will now attempt to avenge a 3-1 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
1. Mason Mount is vital
Mason Mount showed why he’s an important player for Chelsea tonight, scoring two goals and putting up an all-around strong effort. When he’s in form, he’s the driving force behind Chelsea’s attack, propelling the club forward at will.
Mount has struggled at times this season, but his talent and influence on the pitch are undeniable, and Chelsea is a far better club with him on board.
2. Top four is almost secure
Last weekend’s thrashing by Brentford at home, followed by Tottenham’s massive win the next day, left a four-point gap between the North London club and the Blues, with Arsenal also closing in.
Fortunately, the result today, along with Arsenal’s two losses in a row, means that, unlike the previous two seasons, Chelsea will not have to play a tense final day of the season to try to earn Champions League football. A significant step forward in what has been a challenging season for the Blues.
3. Chelsea are down but not out against Real Madrid
The Blues’ defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday night was a painful outcome, with poor individual performances costing them dearly.
Today’s game, on the other hand, reminded everyone of Chelsea’s quality. Southampton may not be on the same level as Real Madrid, but this win provided them a much-needed boost after two consecutive home defeats.
It will be difficult to come back from a 3-1 deficit, but an early goal might make things extremely interesting.
4. The Blues look far better with a natural left wing-back
Marcos Alonso isn’t the best defender in the world, but he provided something that was lacking in the first leg against Real Madrid: a left-footed player on the left side of the defense.
Cesar Azpilicueta began on the left side of defense on Wednesday night, although he is right-footed and finds it difficult to get into offensive situations, especially at his age. Alonso scored today and moved into attacking areas with ease throughout the game, and whether you like him or not, he might play a key part in the second leg.
5. Timo Werner could be useful in the second leg
Due to his dismal goalscoring record at Chelsea, Timo Werner has received his fair share of criticism. He played with more confidence and belief today than he has in previous weeks, and he was able to add to an already lopsided scoreline by scoring some confidence-boosting goals.
Werner’s speed might challenge the Madrid defense on Tuesday night, which, although winning at Stamford Bridge, could be vulnerable to the German, who created so many difficulties during last season’s clash against the Spaniards. He has a great case to start at the Bernabeu now that he has scored goals.
