Southampton were made to pay for a poor defensive display, as they were beaten 4-2 by Premier League title-chasing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
Claude Puel's men made a nightmare start by falling behind to Eden Hazard's opener after only five minutes. Oriol Romeu offered the visitors a way back by scoring at his old stomping ground, only for Gary Cahill's header to restore Chelsea's lead on the stroke of half-time against the run of play.
A second-half double from the excellent Diego Costa put the game out of Southampton's reach and Ryan Bertrand's late header was no more than a consolation effort for Puel's men.
Positives
For half an hour in between Romeu equalising and Cahill's strike Southampton were the better team, which says a lot considering their opponents are chasing a league and FA Cup double. They were certainty not disgraced against the run-away leaders. James Ward-Prowse continues to ooze confidence after his England call-up last month and some of Saints' attacking play was a joy to watch.
Negatives
Despite a lot of positives going forward, especially in the opening 45 minutes, Southampton were a shambles at the back. Fans will be hoping this is not a glimpse into the future, with injured captain Virgil van Dijk constantly linked with a move away this summer. Southampton have had a good record against the so-called "big six" in recent seasons, but Puel has struggled in those fixtures.
Manager rating out of 10
5 -- Why Puel signed free agent Martin Caceres only to refuse to use him despite Southampton's obvious defensive deficiencies is a mystery. It was also a big call to drop Nathan Redmond, whose pace would surely have caused Chelsea problems, in favour of the unpredictable and under-performing Sofiane Boufal.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Fraser Forster, 4 -- Was too slow to get down for Hazard's opener and, barring one save to deny N'Golo Kante, carried himself nervously all night. No longer fills his defence with confidence.
DF Cedric Soares, 5 -- Linked up with the attack neatly when Southampton were on top in the first half and supplied the cross for Bertrand's late goal, but was kept on the back foot by the lively Marcos Alonso.
DF Maya Yoshida, 4 -- Was caught flat-footed for Chelsea's first goal and could not handle the aerial threat.
DF Jack Stephens, 4 -- Has not disgraced himself in his breakthrough season, but struggles to handle combative strikers. Was bullied by Costa.
DF Ryan Bertrand, 5 -- Should have done more to stop Costa towering above him for the match-clinching third goal. Partially made amends by scoring himself against his ex-employers.
MF Steven Davis, 5 -- Was uncharacteristically sloppy in possession and continually gave the ball away. Was given a masterclass by Kante.
MF Oriol Romeu, 6 -- The Chelsea flop loved scoring against his old club. Picked up his usual yellow card to take his tally for the season to 11.
MF James Ward-Prowse, 7 -- Has clearly been perfecting his set-piece delivery during Southampton's 10-day break between matches.
MF Dusan Tadic, 6 -- Asked questions of the Chelsea defence with some clever touches.
MF Sofiane Boufal, 6 -- Showed some silky skills in the first half while still hanging onto the ball for too long. Faded in the second period before coming off.
FW Manolo Gabbiadini, 6 -- Played his part in the equalising goal and kept Chelsea's three-man back line honest with his subtle movement.
Substitutes
MF Nathan Redmond, 4 -- Should have started.
FW Shane Long, N/R -- Could not get into the game.
FW Jay Rodriguez, N/R -- Made no impact.