Southampton unexpectedly defeated Chelsea at Stamford Bridge because to a signature free-kick from James Ward-Prowse, who extended Chelsea’s poor trend under manager Graham Potter.

In the last seconds of the first half, Ward-Prowse scored the game’s lone goal by looping a shot from the edge of the penalty area over the Chelsea wall and into the corner.

Chelsea now has two victories in their past 14 games across all competitions as a result of the outcome.

Southampton, who is now without a manager, will be hoping it will serve as a catalyst for their efforts to climb out of the bottom two.

Before Ward-goal, Prowse’s the visitors had an outstanding start in west London and twice came within inches of scoring. Kamaldeen Sulemana shot straight at Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Kalidou Koulibaly then stopped Stuart Armstrong’s follow-up attempt.

Raheem Sterling’s introduction at halftime gave the Blues’ lifeless forward line new energy, but Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ critical stop prevented the England international from tying the score midway through the second period.

Minutes later, Romain Perraud followed suit by making an outstanding goalline clearance to stop a Sterling header from finding the back of the net, preventing Potter’s squad from scoring for the sixth time in 2023.

When Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta was hurt late in the second half after being caught in the face by Southampton replacement Sekou Mara, there was a protracted pause in play.

Although he was conscious as he left the field, the 33-year-old required oxygen treatment before being taken off on a stretcher.

Observations on the Chelsea vs. Southampton game and the other Premier League contests on Saturday
Visit our Southampton website to access the greatest Chelsea articles right away.
Blues fail to score once more.
Chelsea will once again be perplexed as to how they failed to score against a team that had kept only one clean sheet in the Premier League all season before to Saturday after their shortcomings in front of goal were exposed in Wednesday’s 1-0 Champions League loss at Borussia Dortmund.

David Fofana, a January acquisition for the Blues, was given his entire debut by Potter in an effort to spruce up the front line, but the 20-year-old Ivorian failed to make an impression and was replaced at halftime.

In fact, the home team found it difficult to create any significant chances until around halfway through the second half, and when they did, the visitors foiled them with some amazing last-ditch defending.

After Maitland-Niles, Perraud, and Romeo Lavia all denied the former Liverpool and Manchester City player from point-blank range, Sterling in particular will be shaking his head in astonishment.

Late in the game, Southampton’s Gavin Bazunu denied Conor Gallagher’s attempt, ending the Blues’ hopes of tying the score.

Azpilicueta’s apparent catastrophic injury made Potter’s wretched afternoon much worse, and after the final whistle, the home crowd booed him.

Before the game began, supporters observed a minute of silence in honor of Christian Atsu, a former Chelsea winger who was discovered dead over two weeks after the Turkish earthquake.

Excellent Saints earn valuable victory
Once the club’s negotiations with Jesse Marsch broke down in the middle of the week, interim manager Ruben Selles made no secret of his desire to take over as Saints’ permanent manager. This performance will have greatly increased his chances of succeeding Nathan Jones.

Benoit Badiashile’s errant touch gave Sulemana a clear chance at goal, but Arrizabalaga blocked the Ghanaian’s attempt, and Armstrong’s follow-up shot was directed straight at Koulibaly as Saints pressed Chelsea high up the field.

Paul Onuachu missed Ben Chilwell’s inswinging delivery with a header as well, despite being in a decent position.

In the end, Ward-Prowse curled in his 17th direct free-kick in the Premier League to give Southampton the victory. Only former England captain David Beckham, with 18 goals, has better success in the top division.

In the second half, Adam Armstrong had a chance to give the Saints a two-goal lead but was stopped by Arrizabalaga’s extended leg.

Southampton achieved their first league double against Chelsea in 35 years with the victory. With a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in 1988—a game in which a 17-year-old Alan Shearer made his league debut—they last accomplished that feat.

Despite winning on Saturday, they are remain at the bottom of the standings, while Chelsea are in 10th.