Chelsea continued their fine form in the Premier League away from home with an emphatic 5-1 win over 10-man Southampton at St Mary’s to narrow the gap to league leaders Liverpool to seven points.
The Blues wasted no time, taking the lead in the seventh minute when Axel Disasi’s header from Enzo Fernández’s corner found the net. Southampton, however, responded swiftly as Kyle Walker-Peters set up Joe Aribo for an equalizer just four minutes later. Defensive frailties soon cost the hosts, with Joe Lumley’s poor clearance gifting Noni Madueke the opportunity to assist Christopher Nkunku, who calmly restored Chelsea’s lead.
Madueke extended the advantage before halftime with a composed finish after cutting into the box, and Southampton’s woes deepened when captain Jack Stephens saw red for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair.
The second half was one-way traffic as Chelsea pressed relentlessly. João Félix and Tosin Adarabioyo hit the woodwork before Palmer tapped in a selfless assist from Nkunku in the 77th minute. Jadon Sancho sealed the rout late on with his maiden Chelsea goal.
The result propels Chelsea into second place and gets people talking about a title challenge, while Southampton stay bottom, struggling to escape relegation with just five points so far this season.
