Stephens sees red as Saints suffer drubbing defeat to Blues 

Southampton captain Jack Stephens received his second red card of the season after pulling Marc Cucerella’s hair, leaving his side to be battered by the in-form Chelsea side. 

The Saints had shown signs of improvement after the international break, putting in a valiant performance against the league leaders Liverpool and being held at Brighton after a controversial VAR decision. 

It was an end-to-end start of the game, but Chelsea would draw first blood, as Enzo Fernández’s corner met the towering header from Axel Disasi to open the scoring for the Blues. 

The lead wouldn’t last long, as four minutes later, Kyle Walker-Peters danced his way past Malo Gusto, and drove in a cross for Joe Aribo, who coolly slotted it in to draw the Saints level. 

But Southampton would once again be the authors of their own downfall, as a slack pass out from goalkeeper Joe Lumley gifted Nkunku the easiest goal he will ever score – Southampton’s ninth error leading to a goal already this season. 

Maresca’s side would see a flurry of chances in the following 15 minutes, but Noni Madueke was the only man able to slot his curling effort into the far post. 

Things went from bad to worse for the Saints, as a moment of madness from captain Jack Stephens saw him pull the hair of Marc Cucerella when lining up for a corner.  

After referee Micheal Oliver checked the VAR screen, he gave the Saints skipper a straight red for his acts, and received resounding boos throughout St Mary’s. 

Ten-man Saints were left defending for their lives throughout the rest of the match in order to limit the damage they had already suffered. 

However, their defensive efforts could not stop Cole Palmer grabbing his eight goal of the season, and Jadon Sancho securing his first goal for the Blues since arriving in the summer. 

Southampton’s style benefits opposition yet again 

The second goal Southampton conceded came from an all too well-known error at the back, as Joe Lumley gave the ball directly to Christoher Nkunku, who tucked it away with little pressure.

This was the ninth time this season that a Saints error had led to a goal, four more than any other team has conceded. 

A lot of questions arose before the season as to whether Russell Martin would stick to his signature style of play or adapt it to ensure survival. 

But Martin has stayed dedicated to his playstyle, and while he has received plaudits from Pep Guardiola, it has also made the Saints the victims of their own demise, as they’ve struggled to translate their convincing performances from the Championship into the Premier League against tougher opposition. 

Blues extend their purple patch 

Chelsea have continued their unbeaten run throughout November into the new month, as this victory extends their streak to seven games. 

The win also carries the Blues into second in the table, as they jump above Arsenal on goal difference. 

With just two losses all season, Maresca’s side seem to have planted themselves well within the title race, but the Argentine manager claims that despite their high position and strong performances, they should not be considered title contenders.