Saints are fighting for a deserved win against Chelsea

Southampton came from behind to claim their second win of the fledgling Premier League season and cruise past a Chelsea side lacking cohesion and cutting edge at St Mary’s.

But another former Manchester City player equalized moments later, with Romeo Lavia firing a superb effort past Edouard Mendy after Chelsea failed to get a corner right.

Southampton were the better team from then on and scored what proved to be the winner before the break when Romain Perraud picked out Adam Armstrong and his effort deflected off Kalidou Koulibaly and into the net.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side move up to seventh place as a result of the deserved victory, level on seven points with Chelsea but above them on goals scored.

The Saints’ summer signings are a success

Southampton are often a breeding ground for young players looking for a break in the top flight and appear to have recruited another gem in Lavia, who spent two years at City after leaving Anderlecht, before joining the Saints this summer.

Another astute signing, 20-year-old German midfielder and defender Armel Bella-Kotchap provided the foundation for an impressive Southampton performance that earned them their first win against Chelsea in three years and their first at St Mary’s since March 2013.

Chelsea had been the better team early on and capitalized through Sterling, but a slight mix-up saw César Azpilicueta put the ball back for a corner and it was only cleared to Lavia – the 18-year-old Belgian he tapped before shooting. once past Mendy from the edge of the area.

The home side were outplayed in terms of possession in the first half but looked much more efficient with the ball after Lavia’s equalizer and a quick move led to Armstrong putting them ahead in stoppage time of Perraud.

That Lavia, the first player born in 2004 to score a Premier League goal, had to be substituted shortly before stoppage time will be a concern for Hasenhuttl as the youngster is already proving to be integral part of your team.

Bella-Kotchap, who made a great save from Sterling early in the game, and Mohammed Salisu were formidable at the heart of Southampton’s defense and gave Chelsea little hope of finding a way back.

At the other end, Marc Cucurella stopped Southampton from extending their lead with an instinctive block from Mohamed Elyounoussi’s header and Thiago Silva cleared Salisu’s shot off the line as the home side continued their opener encouraging campaign.

More to follow.

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