EPL: Chelsea thrash Southampton to climb to second in the table

Jadon Sancho opened his Chelsea scoring account as the Blues cruised to a dominant victory over Southampton, capitalizing on defensive lapses to secure a resounding win.

Sancho rounded off the scoring in a comprehensive performance, with goals from Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, and Cole Palmer putting Chelsea firmly in control.

Southampton’s Joe Aribo briefly levelled the match at 1-1, but the Saints’ repeated errors ultimately sealed their fate.

Chelsea’s dominance was evident early on as Axel Disasi capitalized on a failed clearance from Southampton goalkeeper Joe Lumley, heading in Enzo Fernandez’s corner from close range.

However, Southampton responded quickly, with Aribo turning in a pinpoint Kyle Walker-Peters cross to equalize.

The hosts’ momentum was short-lived as Lumley’s misplaced pass handed Christopher Nkunku an easy finish into an open net, restoring Chelsea’s lead.

Noni Madueke then added a third with a sublime solo effort, dribbling past Ryan Manning and slotting into the far corner.

Southampton’s troubles deepened when captain Jack Stephens was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair, reducing the Saints to 10 men.

Chelsea capitalized further, with Cole Palmer netting his ninth goal of the season after Nkunku’s shot was blocked.

The relentless visitors could have scored more, as Tosin Adarabioyo hit the woodwork twice and Joao Felix missed a glaring header.

Finally, substitute Sancho latched onto a through ball from Malo Gusto to finish clinically in a one-on-one, sealing Chelsea’s emphatic victory.

The win moves Chelsea into second place, overtaking Arsenal, while Southampton remain rooted to the bottom of the table, with their defensive frailties on full display.