Chelsea moved back into the top four by ending their three-match losing run with an emphatic win over the Premier League’s bottom club Southampton at Stamford Bridge.
Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring for the Blues in the 24th minute when he headed in Tosin Adarabioyo’s flick-on following a corner.
Twelve minutes later, Nkunku set up Pedro Neto who beat Saints keeper Aaron Ramsdale with a low finish when through on goal.
Just before half-time Chelsea added a third as Levi Colwill rose highest to nod in Neto’s wide free-kick.
In the 78th minute substitute Tyrique George set up Marc Cucurella who rounded off a fine counter-attack with a drilled finish.
Dominant Chelsea move fourth in the Premier League table, two points clear of Manchester City and Newcastle who play on Wednesday.
Before the match about 100 Chelsea fans protested against the club’s ownership with banners and chants of “Todd Boehly out”.
Chelsea were desperate for this win.
After starting the season with 18 wins from 26 matches in all competitions, the Blues had won just three of their past 12 before their match with Southampton.
But they always looked better than the struggling Saints with Nkunku particularly impressing as they created numerous chances.
While the French forward starred, key man Cole Palmer continued to stutter. Much has been written about Chelsea’s top scorer, who has now gone seven matches without a goal.
He missed two glorious chances when one-on-one in the first half with one effort saved by Aaron Ramsdale and another dragged wide. After the restart he blasted a cut-back over the bar and had a free-kick kept out by Ramsdale.
So while there were plenty of positives for Chelsea supporters, some will continue to worry about Palmer’s lengthening goal drought.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca also chose to play goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen who was at fault for Aston Villa’s late winner against the Blues last time out.
The 22-year-old Swedish keeper had little to do although he did make a fine diving save to deny a Paul Onuachu header with the score goalless.
Late on, Chelsea gave Premier League debuts to 19-year-old midfielder Mathis Amougou and 17-year-old forward Shumaira Mheuka.
