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The momentum keeps building at Chelsea under Antonio Conte.
The Blues secured a fourth successive league win to move up to fourth in the table standings courtesy of goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa on the south coast.
Here, Sportsmail’s SAM CUNNINGHAM rates the players from Sunday’s match…
Should he have kept out Hazard’s goal? The shot was low and hard and straight at him but the ball went through Forster’s legs. Did better to get down for the Belgian’s shot close to half-time and surpassed that with the save he made from Costa with his legs. Fumbled a few.
Woeful attempt at a block on Costa’s effort from outside the area. Turned his back and allowed the striker to pick his spot. Poor.
Incredible clearance sliding back toward his own goal with Hazard waiting to finish.
The goals conceded were harsh on the centre-back who put in yet another assured display, but could not keep Chelsea out single-handedly.
A solid performance and was subject to a few biting challenges from players at his former club. Just back from injury and subbed late on.
Key part of Southampton’s midfield that dominated possession for large swathes. Couldn’t find a breakthrough and he was hooked just after the hour.
Pivotal in the holding role in front of Southampton’s back four, in possession and without the ball. Worked hard.
He was at fault for Chelsea’s opener, not tracking Hazard then allowing the Belgian to turn him too easily before scoring. A looping header deflected off Luiz and hit the bar.
Turned Alonso inside out in the opening five minutes in a lovely display of skill. Low free kick tested Courtois.
A few nice runs but not as effective as he has been in recent weeks. His team-mates have come to expect better.
Worked hard and showed some nice touches for the first hour. Had a few half-chances with headers and had a goal ruled out for offside.
Puel should not be disheartened by this performance. They lost the game but Southampton dominated it for large spells and had a few half chances gone their way the score could’ve been very different.
Tidy save to push Tadic’s awkward free kick around his left post. Relatively untroubled.
Azpilicueta has taken to Conte’s three-man defensive system better than anyone and this was another expert display.
Surprisingly well organised right at the centre of Chelsea’s three-man defence. Great game for the often volatile Brazilian.
On the left of the back three and kept Chelsea’s defence tight and always in control.
Played the final pass to pick out Hazard in space to score the opener. Had a powerful shot spilled by Forster and another forced a brilliant save. Defended well.
Involved in the great team build-up to Hazard’s goal. Played Costa through on goal. Another Chelsea player looking rejuvenated back to his best under Conte.
Tough afternoon for Alonso as Southampton targeted his flank. Occasional foray forward had limited success.
Not one of the Spaniard’s more memorable performances. One driving run through the middle almost set up Hazard.
Should have scored when Matic played him through on goal in the first half. What a strike, however, to put Chelsea two ahead, curling in from 25 yards.
Fine turn and finish through Forster’s legs for his goal. Almost beat him with a low shot from the edge of the box. Set up Costa.
A firecracker on the touchline similar to those going off on the horizon celebrating Diwali outside St Mary’s. His players’ performance on the pitch reflected that.
Controlled the game without the need to brandish cards all the time. Didn’t get a major decision wrong.
Hazard is starting to look back to his scintillating best. The goal he scored was his fifth this season already, surpassing the four he scored in his dismal last season.
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