Graham Potter’s torrid start as Chelsea head coach plumbed new lows after James Ward-Prowse’s superb free-kick earned managerless Southampton a shock 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
Ward-Prowse dealt the decisive blow in first-half stoppage time with his 17th successfully converted free-kick as he closes in on David Beckham’s record of 18 in the Premier League.
Pressure is mounting on Potter, who witnessed his side improve during the second period but fail to breach a stubborn Saints rearguard under interim boss Ruben Selles.
Substitute Conor Gallagher was denied by Gavin Bazunu’s outstretched fingertips deep into stoppage time.
Southampton remain bottom of the Premier League but this result will provide their survival hopes with a timely shot in the arm as Selles provided the perfect audition to be appointed the permanent successor to Nathan Jones.
Chelsea’s attack was strengthened in January, but the Blues have now only scored twice in their last six games and stay 10th in the table, 10 points off the top four.
