By CFC Unofficial (Debs) (Chelsea 6 Maribor 0Champions League) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia CommonsChelsea FC would travel to St. Mary’s to take on Southampton FC, just two days removed from their boxing day derby victory over West Ham. The two teams would take part in a battle of the top four, as the Saints moved into fourth position after Friday’s fixtures. Jose Mourinho would make use of his deep squad, rotating Andre Schurrle in for Willian on the right-wing. We’d also see Filipe Luis and John Obi Mikel feature in the starting XI at left back and defensive midfield respectively.
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It would be Southampton who started the game on the front foot, much to the delight of the home fans. For the first few minutes of the match, Chelsea didn’t look like themselves, giving away possession much too easily.
Around the eight minute, Chelsea finally hit their stride. Through the usual playmakers, Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard, the Blues earned three corners in a row, but Southampton did well to clear their lines,
Southampton were first off the mark in the 17th minute, through Sadio Mane. John Terry made a rare mistake by stepping high too late, this allowed Mane to sneak past the back line, and get a one on one opportunity with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The Senegal international made no mistake about the finish, and sent the homes fans into an uproar.
Fabregas once again made himself a nuisance on the left flank, nearly creating a chance for Schurrle, but none of his attacking efforts had paid off to this point.
Chelsea would then have another sustained period of possession, but had nothing to show for it. To Southampton’s credit, they were playing inspired defense, and worked hard to keep the Blues from getting an equalizer.
Just as the additional time was being broadcast to the crowd, Hazard had brought one back for Chelsea. Diego Costa did well to hold up a pass, while seemingly being fouled, which fell to Fabregas. As usual, the Spaniard picked the right pass and found Hazard darting down the left flank. The young Belgian cut inside onto his stronger foot, and beat Fraser Forster far post, to tie the game at one.
What a difference a goal can make. If Hazard doesn’t score, Chelsea are wondering what changes need to be made to break down the defense. Now with an equalizer, they will be asking how they can go in front, and secure a crucial road victory.
After the break Willian would come on for Schurrle, who didn’t really seem to get himself going in the first half.
The second half began where the first half left off, with teams looking to get forward and take control of the game. Dusan Tadic was playing the role of creator against the Saints, playing a couple of dangerous balls in the Chelsea third.
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Similar to the first half, Chelsea again had a nice sustained period of possession, but couldn’t grab the go ahead goal. The Blues brought wave after wave of attacks, but had nothing to show for their efforts.
As the game progressed with the score still locked at one, it almost appeared as if Southampton would be content with a draw. Forster was warned by the official to not waste time in the closing stages of the game.
Jose Mourinho on the other hand, was pulling no punches. The Chelsea boss chose to bring on Didier Drogba for John Obi Mikel, clearly as attack minded substitution.
Southampton would try to leave it late though, and got themselves back in the game during the dying stages. The Saints put a sudden attack on the Chelsea defense which seemed to catch them off guard. The Blues were able to sort themselves out though, and launch a counter of their own.
Midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin was sent off for his second yellow card, and Mourinho wasted no time by brining on Loic Remy in an attempt to snatch a late win.
With four additional minutes, Chelsea gave everything they had, but ultimately could not find the back of the net, even with the man advantage. The Blues would leave St. Mary’s with an entertaining draw. The good news for Chelsea fans is that Manchester City dree with Burnley, so the Blues will retain their three point lead atop the league table.
MOTM: Eden Hazard – Hazard put on another good display today for Chelsea, scoring the equalizing goal in the dying minutes of the first half.