Chelsea

Chelsea player ratings: Stellar Raheem Sterling not enough to rescue Blues from Southampton humiliation

Krishan Davis
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Raheem Sterling Chelsea 2022-23
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Raheem Sterling's stirring performance wasn't enough to save Chelsea from a humiliating home defeat to Premier League basement boys Southampton.

James Ward-Prowse's first-half free-kick consigned Chelsea to a humbling 1-0 defeat to bottom club Southampton on Saturday.

There was an air of inevitability as the set-piece dead-eye stepped up to strike the ball after Cesar Azpilicueta foolishly fouled his man on the edge of the box on the stroke of half-time, and he made no mistake.

Chelsea launched a second-half onslaught and Raheem Sterling saw two efforts cleared off the line, but the hosts could not muster an equaliser.

Here are GOAL's Chelsea player ratings from Stamford Bridge...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Kepa Arrizabalaga (6/10):

    Called into action very early but made a strong double save. Given no chance by Ward-Prowse for the winner.

    Cesar Azpilicueta (5/10):

    Committed the cardinal sin of giving a foul away on the edge of the box against Saints and brutally punished by Ward-Prowse. Should know so much better. Took a very nasty blow to the face late on and required lengthy treatment from paramedics.

    Kalidou Koulibaly (5/10):

    Walked a disciplinary tightrope after a very early yellow and subsequently hooked at half-time.

    Benoit Badiashile (6/10):

    Could have been punished for an early error but recovered and was staunch again.

    Ben Chilwell (5/10):

    Given a rough ride by the towering Paul Onuachu and unable to provide attacking thrust.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Enzo Fernandez (6/10):

    Another metronomic performance, but could do more in an attacking sense if we're being harsh.

    Mateo Kovacic (5/10):

    Unable to bring his usual busyness and energy to the game on his return from injury. Became frustrated and talked himself into a yellow.

    Joao Felix (6/10):

    Always looked to get on the ball between the lines but afforded little space by Saints.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Noni Madueke (6/10):

    Another sprightly performance and was Chelsea's most threatening player but eventually faded.

    David Datro Fofana (6/10):

    Toiled and had some good moments, but not much came off for him. Hooked at the break.

    Mason Mount (5/10):

    Worked hard but on the fringes of the game and missed a decent headed chance.

  5. Subs & Manager
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    Subs & Manager

    Raheem Sterling (7/10):

    His introduction made a huge difference and he came so close to scoring twice, denied by some last-ditch Southampton defending.

    Wesley Fofana (7/10):

    Looked uber confident on his return from injury and signs of a good partnership with his compatriot Badiashile.

    Kai Havertz (6/10):

    Twice looked to be the provider for Sterling but really, REALLY should have shot on one such occasion.

    Mykhailo Mudryk (5/10):

    Didn't look confident with his ball carries and lashed a late volley wide.

    Trevoh Chalobah (N/A):

    On late for the stricken Azpilicueta.

    Conor Gallagher (6/10):

    Forced a late save but should have scored from the angle.

    Graham Potter (4/10):

    He chose to rest some of his star players and that backfired here. Chelsea not only failed to win a must-win game, they were beaten by the weakest side in the league on paper. Simply not good enough.