Closed Southampton 0-3 Chelsea

[MHL 47 378]

Just got back from the game, floods all over the place.

I thought we had a bright first 15mins in the first half, then Southampton pressed in midfield and we kept on getting the ball stuck in the centre of the pitch. Encouraging signs defensively though, just like Jose's first spell if we are threatened people are putting their bodies in the way with blocks, tackles etc. Long may that continue.

The subs definitely changed the game, they provided width with an end product. What I mean is Schurrle provided width but with no positive outcome for us when he did get it. As soon as the subs came on there was a decernable end product, either an assist or a decent cross/cut back. Both Willian and Oscar stretched, committed and beat their markers/full backs. While one stayed wide the other came in towards the centre. Great second half and the second half of the half was particularly impressive. Energy and concentration was excellent, particularly considering the 4 games in 9 days we've played.

Jose gave Michael Essien the last 10mins, nice touch and Essien gave, what I took to be a final farewell wave after the final whistle. If this was his last game farewell to 'The Bison', one of the most powerful players I've seen.

Nice little song sang to the home fans as they were streaming out in their droves with 5-10 minutes to go - "oh when the saints, go marching out, oh when the saints go marching out....................."

[DROGBAtheGOAT 29]

I think it is critical that we get rid of Mata before he becomes a cancer to the team. Did anyone pay attention to his attitude on the bench? He was pouting and trying to bring the team spirit down. Maybe we can transfer him to the MLS and make a bid for Michael Bradley.

[bluephoenix 1,126]

Awesome New Year ! woke up to see the scoreline and made up my day

[Gaëtan 16]

MOTM for me: Oscar... two assists, one goal. In a nutshell: decisive and class. It's just pity he dives when it was 0-0...

In another register, I'm very impressed by the performance of hazard. During the third goal, we can see his defensive and offensive contributions. He began as a defender and finished by an assist for Oscar (All after 80 minutes)

With Mourinho, he becomes a complete player!! It's very positive for the future

(Sorry for my poor english guys)

[bluephoenix 1,126]

can someone post the oscar dive ? Was it really that disgraceful ?

Looking all over the internet our win is marred by the Oscar dive by and large so...

[edetarod 2,155]

can someone post the oscar dive ? Was it really that disgraceful ?

Looking all over the internet our win is marred by the Oscar dive by and large so...

wait till you see MOTD

[cchuka 99]

Whats going on with Shurrle tho

[Special Juan 27,517]

Let's not get to ahead of ourselves about the Oscar dive, it was a dive and no worse than what you see from nigh on every PL game or any other country for that matter. More is made because it's us and Jose and the fact we won and they want to blacken the result with this one isolated incident.

I have another story to tell, we deserved this three points, we battered them second half and Southampton had no reply.

[cchuka 99]

Mou's subs paid off BIG time

I still feel bad for Mata though

[Chelsea Legend 11 4,062]

What's more important? A strong bench or a good striker?

Not easy to answer

[robdog 2,084]

Whats going on with Shurrle tho

killer New Year's Party? That is my only suggestion

[StrategiC 73]

Mikel deserves a shout-out for his performance today.

[Liquidator 5,176]

Sky sports resident div Paul Merson apparently said Oscar should have been sent off for the dive

[Laylabelle 9,405]

Maybe he should've..but he wasnt.Didnt result in a penalty or anything that changed the score.Stupid moment to dive at but least didnt cost us and Jose didnt just shrug it off

.Ref didnt buy it at least whereas Ashley Young goes swimming a lot

[Jase 43,479]

Although Southampton haven't been in form, this was an impressive 3-0 win nonetheless and thank gawd we got the win in the end after squandering countless of chances (again!) in the first half. Gotta also credit the defence for the win after producing some heroic blocks against these lots and heck, Efan Ekoku even said we are one of the best teams in the Premier League history in throwing our bodies in the away and blocking shots (he cited early 90s Arsenal as the other team great at doing this).

[kellzfresh 7,229]

Sky sports resident div Paul Merson apparently said Oscar should have been sent off for the dive

I wonder how many red cards their beloved ashley young, and bale would have by now.

[Laylabelle 9,405]

Exactly it is a problem that needs to be tackled but considering it doesnt seem to be much of a card issue whoever does it cant just do it for one player and not others

[Starman60 1,343]

Well I am a happy camper 10 points out of a possible 12 over the xmas games. If I was offered that before the Arsenal fixture I would have been very pleased.to take it. But the most pleasing thing is the past performances. We've upped our game and seemed to have found that extra gear we needed to find.

I think the end of January sees us play City... Could be a defining game in our season, but for now I'm happy.........Well done Lads :blue scalf: