EPL 2017/18: Southampton 2-3 Chelsea: Player Ratings
Goal Scorers: Tadic (21'), Bednarek (60'), Giroud (70', 78'), Hazard (75')
It looked like any other game for Chelsea, as Conte stuck to his famous 3-4-3 system at the back. And it clearly wasn't working, again, no surprises there.
Southampton, a team fighting to stay alive in the Premier League, drew the 1st blood as Tadic scored early on and then, Bednarek scored his 1st league goal to double the lead.
It looked as if the Blues would lose this game, but Conte then sent out Giroud as soon as the home side scored the 2nd goal, which was very interesting because Conte doesn't make any changes until the 80' usually.
Well, it looks like he finally understood that was not working. Only if he understood this a bit earlier, things could have been different for his side.
Chelsea then came back from behind and scored thrice in 9 minutes to take the lead. Here are the player ratings from the game.
Southampton
Alex McCarthy
Alex couldn't be blamed for the 3 goals he conceded. His players were caught sleeping as Chelsea were on the attack and the visitors made the best of this.
Cédric Soares - 7/10
After a horrible game last week, Soares was back to his best this week. Soares was full of energy and on a mission to prove himself once again.
Jan Bednarek - 6/10
Despite getting his 1st goal in his debut, Bednarek couldn't inspire his team to go all the way. He would have hoped for the outcome to be in his favour. But nonetheless, he looked strong in his first game.
Wesley Hoedt - 6/10
Another debutant this afternoon, Hoedt's ball found Højbjerg which eventually put Saints ahead in the 21st minute. Hoedt showed character and determination on the field and has potential to replace Van Dijk.
Maya Yoshida - 6/10
Yoshida got the better of Morata for most parts of the game today. He was brilliant and tracked Morata, so as to not allow the attacker any space whatsoever.
Ryan Bertrand - 7/10
The former Chelsea player once again had a great game against his former club. Bertrand set up the first goal for Tadic with a wonderful pass and was also impressive throughout the game.
Oriol Romeu - 6.5/10
Another former Chelsea player who had a good game this afternoon. Romeu was impressive in the first half but went missing after the break.
James Ward-Prowse - 7/10
Ward-Prowse also had a good game despite the result. He found Tadic with a long ball, who then raced away for the goal only to be denied by Courtois. Had that goal gone in, things would have been very different.
Dusan Tadić - 7/10
Tadic did well to open the scoring for his side, giving an early lead. He was impressive and full of energy in the game.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg - 8/10
The midfielder had a great game in the middle of the park at St Mary's today. His ball found Bertrand, who then set up Shane Long for a wonderful finish.
Shane Long - 7/10
Long was involved in most parts of the game this afternoon. He was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet but, did get involved in the 2 goals his side scored indirectly.
Substitutes:
Charlie Austin - 5/10
Coming on with just a little over 10 minutes remaining, Austin couldn't really get going.
Joshua Sims - N/A
With 7 minutes remaining, Sims came to see out the game.
Manolo Gabbiadini - N/A
He came on during stoppage time.