Chelsea back in top four with Southampton win

Chelsea’s three-game losing streak was ended by an emphatic victory over Southampton, the bottom team in the Premier League, at Stamford Bridge, regaining their status in the top four.

In the 24th minute, Christopher Nkunku headed in Tosin Adarabioyo’s flick-on following a corner to start the Blues’ opener.

Pedro Neto beat Saints goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale with a low finish on goal after twelve minutes from Nkunku.

Chelsea added a third just before halftime when Neto’s wide free-kick was headed in the top corner.

Marc Cucurella completed a strong counter-attack with a well-drilled finish in the 78th minute through substitute Tyrique George.

Chelsea, which hosts Manchester City and Newcastle on Wednesday, are now fourth in the Premier League.

This win was a must-win for Chelsea.

After starting the season with 18 wins from 26 matches in all competitions, the Blues had won just three of their past 12 before their match with Southampton.

However, they always looked better than the battling Saints, with Nkunku being especially impressive because they had numerous chances to create.

While the French forward starred, key man Cole Palmer continued to stutter.

Much has been written about Chelsea’s top scorer, who has now gone seven matches without a goal.

He wasted two magnificent chances in the first half when Aaron Ramsdale saved one and dragged one wide. He blasted a cut-back over the bar after the restart and Ramsdale blocked his free-kick.

So while there were plenty of positives for Chelsea supporters, some will continue to worry about Palmer’s lengthening goal drought.

Filip Jorgensen, who was responsible for Aston Villa’s late winner against the Blues last time out, was also chosen by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

The 22-year-old Swedish keeper struggled to stop a Paul Onuachu header with the score goalless despite making a fine diving save.

No Premier League team has ever scored nine more points than Southampton at this point.

The south coast club are still one win or three away from breaking Derby County’s lowest Premier League points total record of 11 set in 2007-08, which was set at 11 in 2007.

They never looked like getting a result against Chelsea, creating no big chances outside of Onuachu’s powerful first-half header.

Southampton, who trailed 3-0 at the break, were booed at half-time by some of their own supporters.