Chelsea v Southampton LIVE – Reaction as Chelsea thrash Southampton 4-0 to go fourth

That’s it from us after a big win from Chelsea, thanks for following along!

“First of all, I was focused on the game so I didn’t know about outside,” Maresca said.

“The only thing I can say at this moment is that I think the fans have to trust (us) because we are in the right process, we are in the right direction.

“I said many times that since we start, I think we have been in the top four or Champions League spots for most games of the season.

“That means we are in the right direction, the club is in the right direction, and especially, I think they have to trust the players because the players are doing a huge effort every day to bring this club where this club has to be, that’s in the Champions League.”

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Maresca says the race for Champions League qualification will be “up and down” between now and the end of the season.

On Palmer’s bad run in front of goal: “All of them go through bad moments. It’s normal.

“You cannot expect every game to be like last season.”

“This month and a half is when I’ve been pushing the players even more.

“It’s normal to go through some bad moments. It’s about how we react and believing in what we have to do.

“The fans have to trust the players.”

Maresca on Nkunku’s performance: “I’m happy with him but I know he can give more.

“We have to understand that he’s not a nine and not a winger. He’s an attacking midfielder but we use Cole there.”

Enzo Maresca talking to TNT Sports: “We all needed that. The fans needed that so we are happy.”

“We are not experienced like the other teams.

“We have to learn and to play like men in the difficult moments.”

Pedro Neto is asked whether he is enjoying playing as a central striker: “To be honest, a lot, I don’t have to run back as much!”

Colwill on Pedro Neto playing as a striker: “He’s an amazing player. He’s playing out of position but the best players can do that and do it really well.”

Speaking to TNT Sports straight after the game, Chelsea defender and goalscorer Levi Colwill praised team-mate Christopher Nkunku.

The attacker scored tonight but has had a difficult run of form of late.

“I know how much he wants it and I know how much he cares. Today it was a reward for staying in there, digging deep, and I’m so happy he scored.”

Well that went as many would have expected. Southampton started well, and could have even taken the lead through Paul Onuachu, on a couple of occasions.

But they failed to take their chances and Chelsea made them pay. Goals for Nkunku, Neto, Colwill and Cucurella, but Cole Palmer was left frustrated as 22-year-old’s goal drought continues.

Enzo Maresca can sleep easy tonight knowing his side have won in the league for the first time in over three weeks.

Nkunku is taken off for Josh Acheampong and Mathis Amougou comes on for his Chelsea debut as a replacement for Caicedo.

Chelsea have another, and it was something of a self-destruction from the Saints. They had a corner, which fell to Ryan Manning, who attempted a frankly silly shot. It was intercepted, given to Malo Gusto, who had nothing but grass to run into. He played in George inside the box, who found Cucurella, who made no mistake with the finish.

The game feels slightly dead as a contest and a spectacle. Perhaps new changes can breathe some life into this one?

Tyrique George and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall come on for Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto

Jadon Sancho, who has been largely anonymous til here, took the ball down with a wondrous touch, turned, and ran at the Southampton backline. He played through Neto who was 1-on-1 with the keeper from the edge of the box but fumbled his touch and killed the opportunity.

Both teams seem content with both scoreline and result. Chelsea are not pushing too hard for another, whilst Southampton haven’t been able to change anything from their perspective.

The game has entered a lull you feel it may not come out of.

Despite the scoreline, it has not been an easy night for Cole Palmer. The team has done well but the Englishman has had another off night, til now. You can sense his frustration in the stands, and Enzo Maresca is trying to raise his spirits by clapping on his attempts and passes.

Levi Colwill bags Chelsea's third on the day before his 22nd birthday 🙌🥳

📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/SXSQt5kRPr

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 25, 2025

Enzo Fernandez for Chelsea in the first half vs. Southampton:

◉ Most passes in final third (14)
◉ Most duels won (5/5)
◉= Most possessions won (4)
◉ Most chances created (3)
◉= Most fouls won (2)

While only Marc Cucurella (3) made more tackles (2). 👍 pic.twitter.com/EsUz5lIjAV

— Squawka (@Squawka) February 25, 2025

A miserable half for Ivan Juric’s side. They have been put to the sword here. And it could have been even worse. Maresca, conversely will be thoroughly pleased. Chelsea had won two in ten in the league before today, and if all stays the same, this will be a much needed win.

A miserable half for Ivan Juric’s side. They have been put to the sword here. And it could have been even worse. Maresca, conversely will be thoroughly pleased. Chelsea had won two in ten in the league before today, and if all stays the same, this will be a much needed win.

A miserable half for Ivan Juric’s side. They have been put to the sword here. And it could have been even worse. Maresca, conversely will be thoroughly pleased. Chelsea had won two in ten in the league before today, and if all stays the same, this will be a much needed win.

Well Chelsea have their third, and that may be enough to sink the Saints. Another set-piece, this time a free kick, which Neto delivers and Colwill gladly gets on the end of. A true bullet-header.

Chelsea have, after missing chances in the first 25 minutes, suddenly become very clinical and look dangerous from every foray into the opposition half.

Pedro Neto doubles Chelsea's lead 🔥

📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/jsNpzxhAIu

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 25, 2025