Paul Merson singles out Chelsea player as rare positive from Southampton defeat

Add as preferred source on Google

Paul Merson thinks that Raheem Sterling was a rare positive for Chelsea in their weekend defeat at home to Southampton.

Chelsea’s disappointing season continued on the weekend with a 1-0 home loss against Southampton, which only piles even more pressure on to a side in poor form.

James Ward-Prowse scored the only goal of the game with a trademark free-kick just before half-time.

The fixture was overshadowed by a head injury to Cesar Azpilicueta, who was stretchered off during the second period. Of course, the entire Chelsea family will be sending their best wishes to the Blues captain.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson wasn’t impressed with Chelsea in his post-match analysis.

However, he did think Sterling was a rare positive for the defeated hosts:

“Sterling came on, different game. Sterling was willing to go the other way, willing to make runs… He had two good chances both off the line,” Merson told Sky Sports News (5:40pm, 18 February).

Sterling, who’s had injury problems in 2023, returned to action as a half-time substitute against the Saints.

The 28-year-old attacker ignited something into the Blues forward line during the second-half and had his chances to equalise. However, the team really need someone to start scoring because the record in front of goal is horrendous right now.

Graham Potter’s side stay 10th in the Premier League table following Saturday’s result, but any hope of a European finish continues to drift away with each result.

It’s now just three points collected from the last four league matches. There was the midweek defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, too.

Next, Chelsea travel across London next Sunday to face rivals Spurs.

Despite the fact it’s only mid-February, the Blues season looks like it’s hanging by a thread.

Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.