How Chelsea's players rated in their 2-0 victory over Southampton

By Jake Jackman

Chelsea managed to continue their good league form with a win against Southampton away from home. It wasn’t an easy game on paper as the hosts had been playing well recently, but Chelsea made it look easy and they are beginning to develop into a very good side under Antonio Conte. Eden Hazard and Diego Costa now look like the two players that fired Chelsea to the league title in the 2014/15 campaign. If the Blues continue to play like they did on Sunday, they could be title challengers once again. Here is how their players rated on Sunday:

Thibaut Courtois – The Belgian goalkeeper was solid against Southampton and dealt with everything that came his way. Chelsea were the dominant force, which meant it was a relatively quiet match for the Belgian, but he finished with another clean sheet. 6

Cesar Azpilicueta – Although he is having to adjust to a new role, the defender was impressive on Sunday and played his part in another Chelsea clean sheet. He was arguably the best of the three centre defenders as he finished with nine successful tackles and never looked like putting a foot wrong. 8

David Luiz – There was a slight change in role for the Brazilian on Sunday as he was asked to step forward ahead of his centre back partners and prevent Southampton from getting time on the ball in the midfield. This tactical move from Conte worked and the home side failed to create many clear openings. Luiz was solid and impressed with his ability to launch attacks from deep. 7

Gary Cahill – He did what was required and helped Chelsea to a clean sheet. Although he did little to catch the eye, he has recovered well from his poor form a month ago and looks to be a fixture in Conte’s team. 6

Victor Moses – It has been an incredible resurgence for Victor Moses at Chelsea. He was very good against Southampton in both halves of the pitch. The Nigerian international finished the match with three successful tackles and four completed dribbles. He also earned the assist for Eden Hazard’s goal. This performance will have strengthened Moses’ position as a starter. 8

Ngolo Kante – The Frenchman delivered another good performance and he is beginning to establish himself as a key player for Chelsea. His passing has developed a lot since his move to Chelsea and that was evident on Sunday with the midfielder having a 92% pass success rate. 7

Nemanja Matic – He is another Chelsea player that looks reborn under Antonio Conte and he put in a good performance on Sunday. During the match, he made two tackles and won three aerial duels. There were rumours linking him with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer, but he was kept by Conte and that is now looking like an inspired decision. 6

Mikel Alonso – The Spaniard’s signing was met with an underwhelming response, but he has allowed Conte to move to a 3-4-3- formation. He was excellent in the air, winning seven aerial duels and a further four tackles. Alonso will need to work on his decision making on the ball in order to secure his spot in the starting eleven. 7

Pedro – He was the least impressive of Chelsea’s attackers and could be replaced by Willian in the coming weeks. The former Barcelona man tried hard, but wasted any chance that came his way. His work rate off the ball will have pleased Conte as he completed three tackles during the game. 6

Diego Costa – The Spanish international has been excellent this season and is showing the form that fired Chelsea to the league title in the 2014/15 season. His movement was very good and he is regularly getting in the right positions. Costa scored the second goal in what was a superb individual effort, taking the ball off Eden Hazard before firing past Fraser Forster from range. 8

Eden Hazard – The Belgian is once again establishing himself as one of the best players in the league. He was involved in everything good about Chelsea and appears to be revelling under Antonio Conte. Hazard managed to score the opener before assisting the second. Southampton couldn’t deal with the Belgian attacker all afternoon and it is safe to say that he is back to his best. 9

Willian – He is facing a battle to get back into the first team, but he was bright after coming on against Southampton. In the long run, I expect him to replace Pedro in the starting eleven as he is better in both halves of the pitch and would improve the team. 6

Branislav Ivanovic – The defender wasn’t on the pitch for very long and therefore couldn’t make an impact. N/A

Michy Batshuayi – It has been a disappointing spell for the striker since moving to Chelsea as he has been unable to break into the first team. This was another match in which he wasn’t given enough time to make an impact. N/A

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