Chelsea Thrash Southampton 5-1 to Extend Unbeaten Run

Chelsea extended their unbeaten Premier League streak to six matches with a dominant 5-1 victory over Southampton at St Mary's Stadium, delivering a performance that underscored their attacking prowess and the Saints' ongoing struggles at the foot of the table.

The Blues took an early lead through a header from Axel Disasi, but Southampton quickly responded, equalizing just minutes later with a well-taken finish from Joe Aribo. However, it was all downhill from there for the hosts. Chelsea soon regained control, with Christopher Nkunku seizing on a mistake by Southampton goalkeeper Andy Lumley to put his side back in front. Noni Madueke then curled a stunning effort into the bottom corner, and Chelsea were firmly in the driving seat.

Things worsened for Southampton before half-time when defender Jan Bednarek was shown a red card for a foul on Marc Cucurella, leaving the home side with just 10 men for the second half. Chelsea made full use of their numerical advantage, and despite some strong saves from Lumley, they added two more goals to their tally. Cole Palmer scored the fourth with a cool finish, and Jadon Sancho marked his first goal for the club with a clinical strike to complete the rout.

The result leaves Southampton struggling at the bottom of the Premier League table, with only 3 points from their opening 14 matches. The Saints face a daunting trip to Aston Villa next, having now become the seventh team to lose 11 of their first 14 games in a Premier League season. Historically, all of the teams with such a poor start have been relegated.

Chelsea, on the other hand, continue to impress under Enzo Maresca. Their 5-1 victory marks the second time this season they've scored five or more goals in an away match, having previously defeated Wolves 6-2. It’s also the first time Chelsea have achieved this feat twice in a season since the 2014-15 campaign.

The Blues’ attacking play has been nothing short of sensational this season, with their 5.29 expected goals (xG) tally for the match setting a new record for the highest xG in an away Premier League game since records began in 2008-09. Chelsea have now scored 57 goals in 22 games across all competitions this season — already surpassing their total of 50 goals for the entirety of the 2022-23 campaign. With a current goals-per-game ratio of 2.6, this is their best attacking return in a single season in their history.

With the win, Chelsea have risen to second place in the Premier League, just behind Liverpool. Their next challenge comes in the form of a London derby against Tottenham, where they will look to continue their impressive form and push further up the table.

Meanwhile, Southampton’s task looks increasingly bleak as they search for answers to their relegation battle.