Sancho

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.

Southamptonโ€™s Joe Aribo briefly levelled the match at 1-1, but the Saintsโ€™ repeated errors ultimately sealed their fate.

Chelseaโ€™s dominance was evident early on as Axel Disasi capitalized on a failed clearance from Southampton goalkeeper Joe Lumley, heading in Enzo Fernandezโ€™s corner from close range.

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

The hostsโ€™ momentum was short-lived as Lumleyโ€™s misplaced pass handed Christopher Nkunku an easy finish into an open net, restoring Chelseaโ€™s lead.

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

Southamptonโ€™s troubles deepened when captain Jack Stephens was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurellaโ€™s hair, reducing the Saints to 10 men.

Chelsea capitalized further, with Cole Palmer netting his ninth goal of the season after Nkunkuโ€™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 Chelseaโ€™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.