The England winger should have scored more as he ran riot against the struggling hosts, as the Blues moved second in the Premier League
Chelsea strolled to a fourth consecutive win in all competitions as they demolished 10-man Southampton 5-1 in the Premier League on Wednesday night. Enzo Maresca's side made easy work of Russell Martin's struggling side, having 26 attempts over the course of the game as Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho got the goals.
It took just seven minutes for the London side to open the scoring when Enzo Fernandez's pinpoint cross from a corner was headed home by Disasi. However, the pair did not cover themselves in glory four minutes later as Kyle Walker-Peters skipped past Fernandez and set up Joe Aribo for the equaliser.
The hosts caused problems for Chelsea as they kept hold of the ball and put the defence under pressure. They made things too easy at the other end, though, gifting the Blues a goal as Madueke seized goalkeeper Joe Lumley's weak pass and passed to Nkunku to restore their lead.
Then, after Madueke scored a fine and well deserved goal of his own, the Saints lost a defender when Jack Stephens stupidly pulled Marc Cucurella's hair late in the first half, resulting in a straight red card.
Chelsea were in full control in the second period but had to wait until the 76th minute to score again. A bright burst forward ended with Cole Palmer tapping into an open goal as Nkunku's effort rolled towards the line to make it 4-1, before substitute Sancho blasted in from a Malo Gusto pass in the dying embers.
The result takes Maresca's men second in the Premier League on goal difference ahead of Arsenal.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from St Mary's Stadium…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Filip Jorgensen (7/10):
Pulled off a few excellent saves to stop Southampton's lively attack.
Malo Gusto (7/10):
A strong defensive display at right-back and his passing was sensible, picking up a late assist.
Axel Disasi (7/10):
Got into a great position to head in from close range but lost his man on occasion when Southampton got forward.
Tosin Adarabioyo (6/10):
Hit the woodwork twice but still looks weak at the back.
Marc Cucurella (6/10):
The victim of Stephens' hair pull, he had long quiet spells but some bright moments going forward.
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Enzo Fernandez (6/10):
Perfect delivery for the opener but put in a weak challenge for the equaliser.
Moises Caicedo (7/10):
Some fantastic passes to create danger for the Saints' shaky backline.
Cole Palmer (7/10):
Put in a few good deliveries and peppered Lumley's goal with shots, finally getting his goal late in the game.
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Noni Madueke (8/10):
Pounced on Lumley's pass and teed up Nkunku for Chelsea's second before a fine finish of his own later in the half. Should have scored more.
Christopher Nlunku (6/10):
Wasn't heavily involved but took his moment when it came thanks to Madueke's good work and was key to the fourth goal.
Joao Felix (7/10):
A decent display with an assist, but couldn't hit the target with his efforts.
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Jadon Sancho (6/10):
Did well to stay onside and fire home his first Chelsea goal.
Renato Veiga (N/A):
Came on for the last 10 minutes and hardly got a touch.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (N/A):
Didn't have time to impact the game.
Enzo Maresca (7/10):
Will be concerned by the danger Southampton caused but will be delighted with the way his side strung passes together and took their chances.