After being eliminated this past week from the Champions’ League, Chelsea still have the Premier League to play for. It was not going to be an easy game playing against Southampton, who are willing to do anything to finish in the top four teams.
Early in the first half, in the 11th minute, Chelsea took the lead after a cross by Branislav Ivanovic from the right side found an open Diego Costa, who simply headed the ball in. Southampton showed poor defending skill, leaving Costa wide open to finish the cross.
Just eight minutes after Chelsea’s goal, Nemanja Matic brought down striker Sadio Mane inside the box in a controversial call. Whilr it looked to be a clean tackle, Matic ended up making contact with Mane before he touched the ball. Dusan Tadic took the penalty kick down the middle and beat Thibaut Courtois who touched the ball with his feet as he dove to his left.
Southampton dominated the rest of the first half and had several opportunities to score, but were denied with spectacular saves by Courtois. In the second half, Chelsea had control of the game but were not able to convert any chances, and an entertaining game finished with honors even.
With this draw, Chelsea are still the leaders of the Premier League by six points ahead of Manchester City. For Southampton, a draw at Stamford Bridge is not a bad result, and they currently sit 6th with 50 points.
Chelsea will visit Hull City, while Southampton will host Burnley next weekend.
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Clive Rose