Cole Palmer woeful as Christopher Nkunku stars – Chelsea ratings vs Southampton
Chelsea had Christopher Nkunku to thank as they comfortably swept aside a relegation-bound Southampton 4-0.
Enzo Maresca was criticised for his decision to start Nkunku, but the Italian was vindicated after the French striker scored and assisted against the Saints.
The former RB Leipzig striker opened the scoring in the 24th minute, stooping low to head past Aaron Ramsdale from a Tosin Adarabioyo flick-on.
Nkunku turned from scorer to provider 12 minutes later, perfectly laying the ball into the path of Pedro Neto, as the Portuguese winger netted his third Premier League goal of the season.
It was then Neto’s turn to assist his teammate, the former Wolves winger swung in a delightful cross from a free-kick, picking out Levi Colwill who headed home in the 43rd minute.
Youngster Tyrique George came off the bench to set-up Marc Cucurella for Chelsea’s fourth goal in the 78th minute.
Enzo Maresca watches his Chelsea side dismantle a dismal Southampton
Filip Jorgensen – 6
Made a stunning save from a Paul Onuachu header, a quiet night for the goalkeeper with Southampton offering little, earned his place despite Chelsea fans wanting to see Djordje Petrovic play in goal when he returns in the summer.
Malo Gusto – 7
Maresca was told to start Reece James by Glenn Hoddle, but the French defender was confident on the right-side against the lively Kamaldeen Sulemana, keeping the Ghanaian winger quiet.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 8
A noted leader in the dressing room, marshalled the Chelsea defence like a veteran.
Levi Colwill – 8
Dealt with Southampton’s attacking threats early on, whilst scoring a goal of his own.
Moises Caicedo off-the-pace for Chelsea
Marc Cucurella – 8
Strong performance from the Spaniard, capped off with a goal late-on.
Moises Caicedo (off for Amougou 82′) – 6
Booked in the second half and was not at his usual level, but the Saints were unable to capitalise.
Enzo Fernandez (off for Mheuka 90′) – 7
Composed on the ball and dominated Southampton’s midfield.
Pedro Neto – 8
A goal and an assist in a good performance from the former Wolves winger, though could have had more with more clinical finishing.
Pedro Neto puts in a lively performance for Chelsea
Cole Palmer – 5
Spared his blushes thanks to Nkunku’s goal, having failed to set-up the Frenchman for an easy tap-in.
Jadon Sancho (off for George 82′) – 7
Seemed to enjoy the dynamic movement of Neto ahead of him, and could have had an assist, had the Portuguese forward not stumbled over the ball.
Christopher Nkunku (off for Acheampong 82′) – 9 – Player-of-the-Match
Nkunku was dreadful against Aston Villa, but recovered to score the opener for his side, bravely heading past Aaron Ramsdale from a corner.
Substitutes
Tyrique George (on for Sancho 68′) – 7
Came off the bench to assist Cucurella for Chelsea’s fourth goal.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (on for Neto 68′) – 6
Helped dictate the tempo, but did little as the game was all but over after the former Leicester man was brought on.
Josh Acheampong (on for Nkunku 82′) – 6
Came on to help guarantee a Chelsea clean-sheet.
Mathis Amougou (on for Caicedo 82′) – 6
Made his debut after joining in January from St Etienne, not on the pitch long enough to influence proceedings.
Shumaira Mheuka (on for Fernandez 90′) – 6
17-year-old making his debut, almost scored in his brief cameo off the bench.