Olivier Giroud came off the bench and scored twice as Chelsea came from two goals down to win 3-2 away to Southampton. Dusan Tadic fired the Saints into a first-half lead, before Jan Bednarek netted on his Southampton debut to double the scoreline. Frenchman, Giroud came off the bench and pulled one back with a trademark header, and Eden Hazard levelled shortly after. Antonio Conte’s side claimed all three points through Giroud, whose left foot effort nestled into the bottom corner for Chelsea’s third. A superb comeback from the Blues, here’s who impressed in the 3-2 win:
Thibaut Courtois – 6
Could do nothing about either goal, and made a number of good saves to limit the scoreline, particularly from Shane Long’s effort.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
Struggled in the build-up to Southampton’s first, with Davide Zappacosta leaving him a lot of work to do. A much improved second half, however.
Andreas Christensen – 6
Calm and composed with the ball as usual, and coped well with the threat of Long going forward.
Gary Cahill – 5
Misjudged the flight of the ball for Southampton’s second as Bednarek was left unmarked. Comfortable at times, however.
Davide Zappacosta – 5
Not the best of displays to suggest why he should start over Moses. Failed to get back quick enough for the first, and was replaced after an hour.
N’Golo Kante – 7
Typical performance from Kante, as he controlled the midfield. Just need his teammates to match his standards.
Cesc Fabregas – 6
Always looked a threat going forward, and came close in the first half with a deflected effort.
Marcos Alonso – 7
Perhaps lucky to remain on the pitch after a horrible challenge on Long. Brilliant cross for Giroud for the Blues’ first.
Willian – 7
Set up Hazard for the equaliser, and looked great in attacking situations.
Alvaro Morata – 5
Didn’t offer too much as a striker, and was constantly beaten offensively by Yoshida. Rightfully taken off for Giroud.
Eden Hazard – 7
Always promising going forward, and equalised for Chelsea. It is imperative for the Blues’ future that they keep the Belgian this summer.
Substitutes
Olivier Giroud – 9
See what happens when he plays longer than ten minutes? Chelsea’s saviour, and his introduction completely changed the game. Deserves to start over Morata going forward.
Pedro – 6
Came on and helped the Blues turn the game around. Should be handed a start against Burnley on Thursday.
Victor Moses – N/A
Late substitute, and didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
