In Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Southampton, two players were singled out for criticism. After Raheem Sterling’s initial goal, the Saints came from behind to win all three points thanks to goals in the first half from Romeo Lavia and Adam Armstrong.
Five minutes after Sterling gave Chelsea the lead, Lavia scored from the edge of the box in response to a corner. Lavia had the opportunity to take a touch and score the equalizing goal as he got closer to the French midfielder. Both he and Ibrahima Diallo were lurking outside the box, with only Sterling covering the two of them. As his team defended the corner, former Southampton defender Francis Benali questioned Sterling’s location.
Benali told BT Sport that Lavia had “a lot of time to take that touch.” The corner from [James] Ward-Prowse isn’t the finest, but it goes straight to Lavia, and you can see where Sterling is standing. We advised getting between the two so you can go and attack whatever player the ball goes towards. Lavia has that room and time, and nobody really stops him. He finishes well, bringing Southampton back to parity.
Southampton made a break through the middle of the field for their second goal, and Armstrong was able to find space in the area and beat Edouard Mendy. The hosts were able to move through the Chelsea midfield far too easily, according to former Chelsea winger Joe Cole. They are rushing bodies forward, which is terrific “Added Cole. “I think Armstrong beats Jorginho far too easily. He makes a run from behind knowing that the center backs must cross, and he finishes well with his left foot.
Following Sterling’s clinical finish in the 23rd, Southampton scored twice. After Mason Mount’s deft run and cutback, the England star found himself in front of goal, where he shimmied Saints goalie Gavin Bazunu and scored.
Reece James was noticeably absent from Chelsea’s defense; Thomas Tuchel claimed the full-back was sick and unable to travel. After Ruben Loftus-Cheek was replaced before halftime, the German coach’s injury woes persisted.