Saints v Chelsea player ratings

Chelsea came on strong in the second half in what turned out to be a resounding triumph at St Mary’s. Here’s how we rated the players in their 3-0 victory.

Petr Cech: 7
Made a couple of decent blocks in a performance that was above criticism. Positionally sound and kicked well too.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
Tigerish display even though he seemed to be slightly less than fully fit. Tenacious in defence and a willing runner in attack.

Gary Cahill: 8
Faultless. Made a few vital blocks and interceptions in an athletic showing. Did really well.

John Terry: 8
See above. His partnership with Cahill continues to look better and better. Reads the game brilliantly and his ability to start attacks from the back is crucial.

Ashley Cole: 7
Made one brilliant tackle as he tracked back in the first half and was defensively impressive. Not so involved at the other end but was not needed and is a master at recognising when he needs to remain cautious.

John Mikel Obi: 6
Another steady display but not at his authoritative best. Always provides cover and a screen for his centre-backs and played with his usual discipline.

Ramires: 7
One magnificent run which saw him slalom past four challenges almost brought a stunning first-half goal, and it was a typically bustling display from the Brazilian. Still prone to giving possession away though.

Juan Mata: 6
Didn’t do a great deal wrong and was clearly aggrieved at being taken off when the game was beginning to open up and his quality could have made a difference. Gave plenty but it wasn’t his day.

Eden Hazard: 9
A magnificent pass set up the third goal and his level of performance never dipped below superb throughout the match. His contribution was only overshadowed by the incredible effort from Oscar, whose appearance changed the course of the game.

Andre Schurrle: 6
Quiet and ineffective in attack. Unlucky with a decent early strike but otherwise unable to affect play in the final third and was taken off early in the second half.

Fernando Torres: 9
Ran himself ragged and on another day could easily have ended up with a hat-trick. Two fine first-half runs almost produced goals and he created countless more openings. Showed the confidence to take players on in all areas of the pitch and scored Chelsea’s first away league goal by a striker in 13 months when he carefully headed home the opener.

Willian: 8
His stunning strike settled the nerves for Chelsea but his contribution was equally as important as Oscar’s, even if his compatriot stole the headlines somewhat. Has amazingly quick feet and a frightening burst of speed and showed both throughout.

Oscar: 9
Only on for 40 minutes, but the brilliant Brazilian managed to score one goal and create the other two. Combined class with direct running and a willingness to break from deep. Took his goal well, but was rightly booked for diving.

Southampton
Had a really good spell in the latter stages of the first half and immediately after the restart before being ground down by Chelsea’s relentless quality. Adam Lallana continues to look a wonderfully gifted player and seems the most likely of the Saints’ England hopefuls to make the World Cup squad.

Man of the match:
Oscar

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