Chelsea player ratings at Southampton: Spoils are shared

Chelsea drew against Southampton 1-1 on Saturday morning in a game where possession was dominated, as usual. However, individual mistakes and a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal cost the Blues two integral points. The first half seemed to be dominated by the away side in ever facet of the game besides where it matters most: goals. Out of nowhere, Southampton found itself up 1-0 after a goal by Takumi Minamino. Changes were made at halftime though and eventually Thomas Tuchel’s side got on the scoresheet thanks to a penalty won and put away comfortably by Mason Mount. At the end day, Chelsea will be ruing not being clinical as its top four position may be gone by the end of the weekend.

Here are the player ratings from the Blues’ trip to St Mary’s Stadium:

Edouard Mendy (Goalkeeper): 6/10

Edouard Mendy returned to the starting XI after being on the bench for the previous two games and didn’t have much do to throughout the game. I believe he could have done much better on the goal, but didn’t look confident in coming out and couldn’t track Minamino’s movement, which lead to poor goal being conceded.

Cesar Azpilicueta (Centerback): 6.5/10

Cesar Azpilicueta remains ever present in this back three and today was no different. He was more conservative today than usual as he didn’t venture forward as much. For me, he was the best centerback on the field for the Blues and it’s a shame a clean sheet didn’t reward his defensive effort.

Kurt Zouma (Centerback) 6/10

Kurt Zouma started his first Premier League game today under Tuchel and just like Antonio Rudiger, I feel he was poor defensively and partly at fault for the goal. From set pieces and corners, he is always a threat and almost had goal today, but must play better to have any chance remaining in the starting XI when Thiago Silva returns.

Antonio Rudiger (Centerback): 6/10

Rudiger found his place in Tuchel’s side from the start, but for me, he has been the worst centerback we’ve had. You can say that is harsh as we haven’t conceded many goals, but he always has a mistake in him. Several giveaways and bad touches gave Southampton chances they didn’t deserve, his passing was best part of his game. Overall though, his performances must improve against the top teams the Blues are facing in the coming weeks.