On Wednesday night, Chelsea’s rotating XI defeated bottom-placed Southampton 5-1 at St. Mary’s.
Although coach Enzo Maresca claims the Blues are not in a title race, their recent form suggests otherwise.
Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, and Jadon Sancho all scored to help Maresca’s team win.
Despite Chelsea’s domination, Southampton temporarily regained optimism as Joe Aribo canceled out Disasi’s opening following a brilliant assist from Kyle Walker-Peters.
However, their defensive issues soon resurfaced. Fourth-choice goalkeeper Joe Lumley’s misplaced pass allowed Madueke to set up Nkunku for Chelsea’s second.
Madueke added a third with a stunning solo effort before Southampton’s night unraveled further.
Captain Jack Stephens was sent off for a needless pull on Marc Cucurella’s hair, leaving the Saints a man down. From there, Chelsea took full control.
Palmer capitalized on a rebound to net Chelsea’s fourth, and Sancho rounded off the rout with a thunderous strike late on, marking his first goal for the club.
