Southampton Aug 31 (BUS): Chelsea’s falter start to the season continued as they suffered a 2-1 loss to Southampton on Tuesday despite giving them Raheem Sterling an early lead.
Sterling scored in the 23rd minute with his third goal in two matches, but Chelsea’s lead did not last long.
Romeo Lafia equalized after five minutes with a powerful shot from outside the area.
Adam Armstrong then turned the match upside down in first-half stoppage time – finishing in fine form to wind up with a superb pass by the hosts, Reuters reported.
Chelsea, who lost at Leeds United in their previous away game, were unable to make a big impression in the tireless Saints in the second half despite possessing plenty.
Southampton’s win lifted their tally to seven points from five games, the same as Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea’s total.
“We knew it was going to be a tough night tonight,” Armstrong said.
“Nights like this we won’t forget. It was disappointing on Saturday (against Manchester United), we had some chances. This is football. We dug deep tonight.”
Chelsea started well and advanced when Kai Havertz played at Mason Mount who sent in a low cross for Sterling whose initial effort was hampered.
But the former Manchester City striker collected the loose ball with his back to goal and cleverly worked some space before firing past Saints goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.
Southampton didn’t flex quickly on his front foot and when the ball was cleared to Lavia, he took a touch before firing past Edward Mendy.
Southampton advanced with a silky move that saw James Ward-Prowse link up with Roman Beraud, who played a pass in the direction of a fallen Armstrong.
His powerful shot took a touch of Kalidou Koulibaly before flying high past Mendy.
Southampton’s intensity after the break limited Chelsea’s chances and there were wild celebrations at the final whistle.
The defeat left Tuchel with plenty to think about with Chelsea already falling back on pace.
“We started well in almost all the matches, but it is clear that we are fighting for our focus and consistency in the matches,” the German said. “We struggled to find answers and find a way back if things didn’t go our way.”