Chelsea Held.
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Chelsea has been on formidable form right now, winning 6 of their last 7 games and have only drawn the other. They take on Southampton on the day with Southampton playing at home.
They started the game brightly and Alonso had a wonderful chance to put Chelsea ahead with a lovely half volley in the 5th minute but his effort was narrowly wide. That would have been a wonderful goal.
Chelsea conceded their second goal under Thomas Tuchel in the 33rd minute when a brilliant Redmond's pass went through the defence and found Minamino. His composure on the ball was admirable because he first faked the shot before side-footing his effort into the empty net after he left Azpilicueta and Mendy for the dead on the floor. What a calm finish. Chelsea has now gone behind for the first time under their me coach.
Chelsea almost responded in the 39th minute when Alonso lifted a freekick into the box and it found Zouma who expertly nodded the ball but the goalkeeper was alert to keep the ball out at his near post for a corner kick.
The half time ended with Southampton going into half time with a lead, with the only real attack they had against Chelsea even though Chelsea dominated the game. They had great attacking intents but nothing came out of it.
The second half started with Tammy Abraham taking to the bench and Hudson Odoi taking his place. It's possible he had a niggle in the first half.
Timo Werner was played through and he had a chance at the edge of the post in the 51st minute but his effort was good enough for the side netting.
Hudson Odoi found Mason Mount in the box and Danny Ings hacked him down right in the box. There was no doubt as to if that was a penalty. It was a clear one. Mason mouth stepped up and converted in the 54th minute by sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. He stepped up and duly performed well. Chelsea draw level and the game is 1-1.
In the 57th minute, the impressive Mason Mount was fouled by Ward Prowse and the freekick was given. Nothing came out of that freekick anyway.
In the 71st minute, a brilliant ball came into the box after Chelsea cleared the initial corner kick, it fell to Vestergaard and his effort was kept from going in by the crossbar. A huge sign of relief for Chelsea there.
Salisu also blocked Hudson Odoi's effort from inside the box from going across the goal for a corner kick. Chelsea trying everything to get ahead after that initial scare from Southampton.
A double substitution for Chelsea in the 76th minute and the substitute, Odoi substituted also. Chelsea introduced Jorginho and Ziyech and Southampton also introduced Tella for the goalscorer, Minamino.
Reece James wasted a glorious chance in the 84th minute when Mason Mount found Reece James in the box and he blasted it over, shockingly.
Chelsea was unable to get the needed win to extend their advantage over Liverpool but a draw after being a goal down isn't a bad one and their unbeaten run is still intact under Tuchel.
Chelsea couldn't find the cutting edge and that extra phenomenal effort required to get the winner and Southampton held on and showed their character on the day. Fair results for both teams.
Thank you for your time.
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