Southampton vs. Chelsea score: Blues battered by cohesive Saints side for second straight away defeat

Chelsea fell to their second-straight away defeat in Premier League action as Adam Armstrong's goal in first-half stoppage time proved the difference in a 2-1 Southampton result at St. Mary's.

The Blues appeared to be totally disjoined, especially through the second half as Thomas Tuchel attempted to pull any available strings to inspire a comeback. That fell short, and Chelsea once again are left to pick up the pieces as they head back to Stamford Bridge.

Kai Havertz was given another start up front despite early struggles, and he failed to inspire confidence moving forward. Hakim Ziyech, potentially on the move before the deadline, was also deployed up front, and his creativity kept the Blues ticking over, but ultimately there was little service afforded to Raheem Sterling for the England international to build on his match-opening goal.

Southampton, meanwhile, played with cohesion and ruthlessness as they pressed Chelsea in possession throughout the 90 minutes. Romeo Lavia's equalizer was a brilliant hit, as the Belgian picked up his first Saints goal on a day when he provided far more than just that one moment in time. Armstrong's winner on the stroke of halftime was befitting of Chelsea's scatter-brained performance, left all alone on the penalty spot for an easy finish.

The Chelsea defense on that 2nd Southampton goal...???? #SOUCHE pic.twitter.com/jCldrAn7mq

— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) August 30, 2022

The Blues fall to eighth in the Premier League table with the defeat, jumped by Southampton who leap into seventh. Sterling's goal gives the former Man City forward three on the young season, and he'll be asked to put even more on his shoulders with others around him faltering.

The Sporting News followed the Southampton-Chelsea match live, providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happened.

MORE: Raheem Sterling's brace rescues 10-man Chelsea against Leicester City

Southampton vs. Chelsea final score   1H 2H Final Southampton 2 0 2 Chelsea 1 0 1

Goals: 23rd min — CHE — Raheem Sterling28th min — SOU — Romeo Lavia45+1 min — SOU — Adam Armstrong

Southampton vs. Chelsea post-match analysis Chelsea need a midfielder, not another defender

While Todd Boehly backs up the Brinks truck for more defenders in the shape of Wesley Fofana and Josko Gvardiol, the biggest Chelsea need lies elsewhere.

On the pitch, it's clear that the quartet of Thiago Silva, Kalidou Koulibaly, Trevoh Chalobah, and Cesar Azpilicueta seem to have the central defensive unit covered, slowly improving in their communication and cohesion.

Instead, it's another central midfielder that the Blues require. Jorginho appeared off the pace yet again, as the Italian sent passes awry and was bullied off the ball. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, replaced after halftime and seen with ice on his knee, was replaced by Mateo Kovacic who put in yet another solid shift, but he can't be the only one to usher the team forward against a heavy press. A certain Declan Rice lies just across London, but he apparently yet caught Boehly's eye...

Remarkable that Chelsea’s hierarchy have given the green light to such a level of investment but haven’t stumbled across a player by the name of Declan Rice.

— Jamie Wilkinson (@jamiewiIkinson) August 30, 2022

Injuries are causing problems in the middle as well, as Loftus-Cheek is the latest to go down.

Thomas Tuchel on Ruben Loftus-Cheek:

"Hamstring injury, next midfielder out. No one left. Recommendation for Kovacic was 20 minutes. I also don’t understand why we are in this situation regarding injuries, all players in midfield. Need to find solutions."

[via @btsportfootball]

— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) August 30, 2022

Blues stuck with little direction under Thomas Tuchel

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has remained defiant throughout the Blues' struggles, both through preseason and into the young campaign. He continues to deploy his classic three-at-the-back system, only diverting today out of necessity in the absence of an ill Reece James.

He reverted back to the formation in the second half with Chelsea trailing, and it failed to inspire a turnaround. Tuchel remained faithful in a struggling Kai Havertz, handing his fellow German yet another start, but all Havertz managed to produce was a host of misses and poor take-ons. He failed with a big first-half chance from a tight angle that was essentially passed into the goalkeeper's chest, while his second-half opportunity saw him blaze a wide-open header over the bar.

Meanwhile, talented players like Christian Pulisic and Armando Broja continue to wait for their opportunities to shine. Both were introduced in the second half, but by that point, the entire Chelsea squad was suffering from a collective bout of frustration. Want-away winger Hakim Ziyech was afforded a chance and contributed a solid first-half performance, but even he succumbed to the second-half static.

It's no longer clear whether Tuchel is the man to continue at Chelsea, as his stubbornness seems to be taking a toll on the roster.

New Southampton signings provide bite to Saints midfield

Southampton haven't spent big in the summer transfer window, but have brought talent aboard in various key positions. A number of those new arrivals shined against Chelsea.

20-year-old goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, plucked from the Man City youth side and immediately slotted into the starting lineup, was excellent. His positioning in particular was deadly to the Chelsea attackers who consistently found the Ivorian waiting wherever they chose to shoot.

A pair of midfielders also made their presence known, including Romeo Lavia, another Man City youth product. The 18-year-old scored his first Southampton goal to level the score, but contributed much more than that. He was ever-present in midfield, and did not back down physically from some of the world's best players. After tiring, Joe Aribo came on in his place and picked up where Lavia left off, although his passing accuracy could still yet improve.

Finally, young defender Armel Bella-Kotchap looked up to the challenge despite also being just 20 years old. The former Bochum man produced a number of critical challenges, including a spectacular sliding stop to prevent Raheem Sterling from getting a shot off early with the deadlock yet to be broken. Southampton have done the business this summer, and the youngsters are proving their worth.

Southampton vs. Chelsea live updates, highlights, commentary FULL-TIME: Southampton 2-1 Chelsea

Five minutes of stoppage time come and go without any dangerous moments, despite heaps of pressure. Edouard Mendy even came up for a corner and the Blues still couldn't produce anything. It's the end of a totally uninspiring performance from Chelsea, who fall for the second time this season.

Southampton appeared to be more cohesive, more motivated, and more composed throughout the 90 minutes. Chelsea players, meanwhile, appeared to be simply 11 men on the pitch all wearing the same color.

88th min: Chelsea pouring numbers forward but so far Southampton are holding firm. Ziyech is fouled by Djepo on the touchline to give the Blues a free-kick. It's defended well. Saints will need to weather the late storm to earn all three points here today, as five minutes of added time are announced.

82nd min: Chelsea miss another chance as Sterling sends a deep cross to the far post, and Broja jumps first to it with Pulisic also there. It's saved by Bazunu.

Pulisic is then booked for a professional foul. He was dispossessed for laziness and booted the ball away in frustration.

78th min: Cucurella gives up a foul in midfield with an elbow in the back of Che Adams. Chelsea look like a complete mess. Passes awry, late to challenges, and defensive mistakes. The substitutes look like they're pressing. The commentator calls it "disjointed."

Chelsea have been getting worse as this game goes on.

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) August 30, 2022

73rd min: Chance, Southampton! Another Southampton corner requires a goal-saving intervention! It was Cucurella last time, and now Thiago Silva makes his presence known. He's positioned on the line next to Mendy, and he stops a free header to Salisu.

66th min: Kai Havertz can add another big miss to his tally, receiving a wide-open header but blazing it over the crossbar. The cross from Azpilicueta was just a hair long, but Havertz should have put that on target.

That's his last kick of the game as Christian Pulisic is set to come on to replace the German. It's part of a triple change, with Armando Broja and Ben Chilwell also entering. Jorginho and Azpilicueta exit.

Chelsea move to a back three with Pulisic and Chilwell wing-backs. Kovacic holding the fort in midfield.#SaintsFC

— Jacob Tanswell (@J_Tanswell) August 30, 2022

58th min: Another Chelsea attack fizzles out as Havertz meekly enters the penalty area and is shepherded away by a defender. He finally does find a cut pass to Ziyech centrally, but the Moroccan scuffs his hit. Adding insult to injury, the flag eventually goes up.

Is it a bird, is it a plane no it’s Kai Havertz offside

— Conn (@ConnCFC) August 30, 2022

Lavia is down injured and will be forced off. A tough end to a wonderful performance from the Southampton midfielder. Joe Aribo comes on in his place, another summer signing.

56th min: Chelsea want a penalty as Perraud brings down Sterling in the penalty area, but Michael Oliver waves play on. Replay shows that there's contact from Perraud, but the Chelsea man was looking for the foul and made it look far worse than it really was.

52nd min: Chance, Southampton! The Saints come so close to a third, but Marc Cucurella is there for a miracle clearance! Another dangerous Perraud cross falls to Mohamed Elyounoussi all alone on the edge of the six-yard box. With all the time in the world, he goes for the diving header, and hits it right down the middle. Edouard Mendy appears to have had it covered, but Cucurella flings his body in to block it before the ball reaches the goalkeeper. Elyounoussi had plenty of time to settle and pick out a better shot, but rushed it.

VAR has a look for a potential hand-ball, but the check is over without intervention. In the immediate aftermath, Lavia earns a yellow for hacking down Raheem Sterling.

49th min: It's been a frenetic start to the second-half. Both teams are battling hard with each other physically, challenging every ball. Ziyech delivers an excellent ball into the penalty area but there's nobody there to meet it.

46th min: Chelsea making a change at halftime, bringing on midfielder Mateo Kovacic for Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The back-four formation will presumably remain, as it's a like-for-like change. No sign yet of Christian Pulisic, despite the poor performance of Kai Havertz in the first 45 minutes. Hakim Ziyech provided a few bright moments to earn his place.

HALF-TIME: Southampton 2-1 Chelsea

There's a naughty one from Che Adams on the stroke of halftime as he kicks the ball into the face of Jorginho, but no punishment is given as the teams head into the tunnel.

Chelsea started the match so well, but Southampton capitalized on a number of Blues mistakes and pulled into a lead just before the break. It's yet another disappointing half from Chelsea, and we'll see who Thomas Tuchel turns to in the second half.

Meanwhile, at Everton...Chelsea target Anthony Gordon scores his second of the young season.

Anthony Gordon has more goals this season than Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech combined.#EFC

— bet365 (@bet365) August 30, 2022

45+1 min: GOAL, SOUTHAMPTON! Southampton take the lead on the final kick of the first half! Diallo easily bypasses Jorginho, and Adam Armstrong capitalizes on a defensive calamity! Armstrong is left all along in the center of the 18-yard box, and his finish is a simple one as he collects the cross from Perraud and deposits it moments before halftime.

Watch in the USA:

Adam Armstrong gives Southampton the lead over Chelsea just before halftime! #SaintsFC

????: @peacockTV #SOUCHE pic.twitter.com/1k3yx2gdzj

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 30, 2022

Watch in the UK:

The Saints have turned this around! ????

The hosts go 2-1 up just before half-time courtesy of a great team move finished off by Adam Armstrong ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/C3rObKlwGO

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 30, 2022

Watch in Australia:

Southampton ???????????????????? ???????? Chelsea to take the lead ????

Adam Armstrong ends his goal drought right before half-time!

Stream #PLGoalRush LIVE, or on demand after, here ???? https://t.co/zOj9gmr8fd#OptusSport #PL pic.twitter.com/as0FK0Q6HZ

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 30, 2022

42nd min: The St. Mary's crowd is having a go at the Chelsea players as the Blues are repeatedly forced to pass back to the goalkeeper by some hard and effective Southampton pressing.

36th min: Southampton are making a game of this, and Adam Armstrong has a pair of chances go begging. On the first, he nips the ball off Azpilicueta but fails to take the split-second shot, and his pull-back for arriving reinforcements is blocked. Moments later, Armstrong gets another chance and this time does manage to register an effort, but it's easily into the waiting arms of Bazunu.

Now Ziyech is hacked down by a physical Armstrong tackle, and he's receiving treatment, appearing to be in a great deal of pain. He's back on his feet eventually and appears ok to continue after the water break.

33rd min: Raheem Sterling is left limping after James Ward-Prowse catches the Chelsea forward on the heel. Sterling wins a foul and makes his way gingerly to his feet, but there's no further punishment for the Saints captain.

28th min: GOAL, SOUTHAMPTON! What a response for Chelsea! Azpilicueta puts a dangerous change out for a corner, and Saints take advantage of the set-piece. Ward-Prowse's delivery is cleared only to the feet of Romeo Lavia at the top-right corner of the 18-yard box. The Belgian touches to his right and rifles a vicious hit that flies by Koulibaly and beats Mendy to the near post. His first goal for the club!

Watch in the USA:

Level on the South Coast!

Romeo Lavia collects the clearance and fires it home from just outside the box. #SaintsFC

????: @peacockTV pic.twitter.com/UP4rCCMddm

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 30, 2022

Watch in the UK:

That's some way to open your account for a new team! ????

Roméo Lavia puts Southampton level after Raheem Sterling's opener ????

A brilliant strike. pic.twitter.com/SKAjrM5cD9

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 30, 2022

Watch in Australia:

18-year-old Roméo Lavia's first #PremierLeague goal is ????????????????????????????????! ????

Remember the name! Southampton get level against Chelsea ????

Stream #PLGoalRush LIVE, or on demand after, here ???? https://t.co/zOj9gmr8fd#OptusSport #PL pic.twitter.com/r7hHcBNMd2

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 30, 2022

26th min: Chelsea pushing for another, sprung by Ziyech with a wonderful long switch to open things up for Havertz. The German produces yet another poor finish, hitting from a tight angle right into the arms of Bazunu.

Great touch by Mason Mount to set it up on a tee. I have no issue with Mount's long leash, he was objectively Chelsea's best player last season. No reason to panic over a couple bad games at the start.

Havertz, on the other hand...

— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) August 30, 2022

23rd min: GOAL, CHELSEA! Sterling makes amends just seconds after the earlier mistake! The Southampton defense is carved to pieces by Mount and Havertz, with the former finding Sterling at the top edge of the six-yard box. He's dispossessed at first, but the ball sticks in the ground, and Sterling recovers to hit the loose ball home.

Watch in the USA:

Raheem Sterling scores his third in his last two matches to give Chelsea a 1-0 lead v. Southampton. #CFC

????: @peacockTV pic.twitter.com/2d8hT06ERb

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 30, 2022

Watch in Australia:

Raheem Sterling is on fire at Chelsea! ????

His third goal in the last two games helps Chelsea into the lead at Southampton!

Stream #PLGoalRush LIVE, or on demand after, here ???? https://t.co/zOj9gmr8fd#OptusSport #PL pic.twitter.com/XslhCdtSPC

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 30, 2022

22nd min: Chance, Chelsea! What a poor effort by Raheem Sterling! Chelsea have a two-on-one break, with Sterling supported to his left by Havertz. The England international chooses to go by himself, and his hesitation sees Bella-Kotchap produce a stunning tackle to keep Sterling from even having a hit. He's got to do better there!

16th min: Chelsea looking dangerous up front, but the finishing is poor. First, Raheem Sterling slips through on goal but puts his effort directly at Bazunu, while moments later Ziyech scuffs a horrid shot after good work by Chelsea down the left.

11th min: First time Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is called into action, as Raheem Sterling floats in a cross for Havertz from the right, but the Saints netminder is there to snag the ball out of the air before it reaches its intended target.

4th min: Chelsea do indeed line up in a back four. The full-backs Cucurella and Azpilicueta have both delivered delicious early vertical through-balls down the touchline but wingers Havertz and Ziyech can't handle them. Southampton are pressing the Blues' attackers hard on the ball.

1st min: Referee Michael Oliver gets us under way from St. Mary's! Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is back on the touchline after serving his one-match ban.

7 mins to kick: After flirting with a move to Barcelona this summer, Cesar Azpilicueta is back for his 10th season with the Blues. It's an incredible accomplishment to stay with a top club that long, and the Spaniard earns yet another milestone appearances with today's spot-start in place of Reece James.

Azpi makes his 450th start for the club this evening! ????#SouChe pic.twitter.com/L5Y6zY71jm

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 30, 2022

10 mins to kick: An adorable moment in the tunnel sees a Southampton fan get the best of Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

This young Southampton mascot has mocked César Azpilicueta here! ???????? pic.twitter.com/ahoCKYXvQr

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 30, 2022

22 mins to kick: Chelsea appear to be major players in the transfer window as deadline day approaches. Just minutes ago, Fabrizio Romano reports that a deal for Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana is done, while a surprise big-money big was submitted for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol for a whopping €90 million!

They're also still seemingly in the mix for Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with a deal still yet to be hammered out.

Exclusive: Chelsea are in advanced talks with RB Leipzig to sign Joško Gvardiol! Deal would be completed now but with Gvardiol staying at RB Leipzig, he’d join Chelsea in June 2023. ???????? #CFC

Official proposal submitted today around €90m. Negotiations ongoing on clubs side. pic.twitter.com/3HKoSIjcyN

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2022

60 mins to kick: Lineups are in, and the big news for Chelsea is the continued blows taken by American forward Christian Pulisic. A late illness sees Reece James miss out, forcing Thomas Tuchel into a formational change, but it's Hakim Ziyech — rumored to be on his way out of the club — who's chosen as the additional attacker, with Pulisic still stuck on the bench. On short rest for a midweek game, Tuchel sticks with the struggling German forward Havertz on the other wing instead of calling on the American.

For Southampton, manager Ralph Hasenhuttl makes two changes, bringing in a pair of Frenchmen in Romain Perraud and Ibrahima Diallo.

85 mins to kick: Chelsea have seen a player sent off in two consecutive Premier League matches, with both Kalidou Koulibaly and Connor Gallagher given their marching orders for a second yellow card. The Blues have never seen a player sent off in three consecutive league games, but there's always a first time for everything!

Koulibaly ????Gallagher ????

Chelsea have never had a player sent off in three consecutive league games ????#SOUCHE pic.twitter.com/sIcLekiB7c

— LiveScore (@livescore) August 30, 2022

120 mins to kick: A last-minute bit of team news for Chelsea sees Reece James miss out for undisclosed reasons, with some social media reports suggesting his absence is "precautionary," while others suggest he is ill. The England international reportedly has not made the trip to St. Mary's, leaving Thomas Tuchel with a late wrench in his plans.

This could force Tuchel into a formation change or personnel shift since James's most natural backup Callum Hudson-Odoi was loaned to Bayer Leverkusen.

???? Understand Reece James has not travelled with the rest of the Chelsea squad down to the south coast. Full story w/ @AdamNewson #CFC https://t.co/4AIwrcljNK

— Bobby Vincent (@BobbyVincentFL) August 30, 2022

Southampton vs. Chelsea lineups & team news

Southampton played well overall against Manchester United despite the negative end result, and that could have left Ralph Hasenhuttl tempted to deploy an unchanged starting lineup, yet he does bring in some fresh faces.

Frenchman Romain Perraud comes in at left-back for Moussa Djenepo, while Ibrahima Diallo also enters the midfield fray.

Che Adams has been bright up front this season, first off the bench and then earning a place in the starting lineup, but his misses against Man United were costly. Hasenhuttl could always go back to Stuart Armstrong up front if he believes a change will keep things fresh on a quick turnaround.

Southampton starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Bazunu (GK) — Perraud, Salisu, Bella-Kotchap, Walker-Peters — Lavia, Ward-Prowse — Diallo, Armstrong, Elyounoussi — Adams.

Southampton subs (9): (Lineups released one hour prior to kickoff)

Thomas Tuchel has been forced into a formational change, switching to a 4-3-3 after the late absence of Reece James due to illness. Cesar Azpilicueta comes in at right-back, while Billy Gilmour sees the bench at St. Mary's.

Chelsea get defender Kalidou Koulibaly back from suspension after his one-match ban for being sent off against Leeds United. However, he may not find a place in the side after the positive performance from Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah against Leicester City while down a man.

Connor Gallagher will miss the game after he was sent off against the Foxes, picking up two yellow cards within a six-minute span. That leaves the Chelsea midfield again in flux, as Tuchel looks to find a partner for Jorginho in the middle. Mateo Kovacic could be an option, but he may not yet be risked from the start as he returns from a knee injury. N'Golo Kante remains out after picking up a muscular injury against Tottenham. That leaves Ross Barkley as a potential starter, or Ruben Loftus-Cheek

In the Chelsea attack, Hakim Ziyech is selected alongside struggling Kai Havertz, while Christian Pulisic still cannot find a way into the Chelsea lineup.

Chelsea starting lineup (4-3-3): Mendy (GK) — Azpilicueta, Koulibaly, Silva, Cucurella — Mount, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek  — Ziyech, Sterling, Havertz.

Chelsea subs (9): Arrizabalaga (GK), Chukwuemeka, Chilwell, Ampadu, Kovacic, Gilmour, Vale, Broja, Pulisic.

MORE: Updated list of Premier League top goal scorers for 2022/23 season

Southampton vs. Chelsea live stream, TV channels   UK USA Canada Australia Date Tue, Aug. 30 Tue, Aug. 30 Tue, Aug. 30 Wed, Aug. 31 Time 19:45 BST 14:45 ET 14:45 ET 04:45 AEST TV channel BT Sport 2, BT Sport 5  —  —  — Streaming BT Sport Peacock fuboTV Optus Sport

UK: Tuesday's match between Southampton and Chelsea from St. Mary's will be broadcast in the United Kingdom by BT Sport, with streaming available on BT Sport's web and app platform as well.

USA: The Premier League match can be seen in the United States exclusively on NBC's subscription-based streaming service Peacock.

Canada: Premier League matches can be seen in Canada all season long on fuboTV, the nation's leading streaming service for world-class soccer.

Australia: Australia's sole broadcaster for the Premier League is Optus Sport. 

MORE: Latest table, standings, and races for 2022/23 Premier League season

Southampton vs. Chelsea betting odds, lines, picks & prediction

Odds via DraftKings (USA) & Sports Interaction (Canada)

Southampton are prone to some ugly results over the years under Ralph Hassenhuttl, who does not back down from top-tier opposition. Still, Saints have shown quality in spurts this season, and should have collected points against Man United if not for poor finishing.

These two teams profile similarly, as they struggle through the first 45 minutes before opening up the attack after the break. While it's a lot to expect Southampton to pull out a result against a flawed but improving Chelsea side, the second half should provide excitement.

Pick: Chelsea to win 2nd half (-120 on FanDuel)

Prediction: Southampton 1-3 Chelsea

  DraftKings SportsInteraction SkyBet Southampton win +475 5.22 19/4 Draw +310 4.11 16.5 Chelsea win -165 1.55 8/15 Both teamsto score Y / N -145 / +115 1.68 / 1.94 4/6, 11/10 Over / Under2.5 goals -155 / +115 1.65 / 2.15 6/5, 8/13 Chelsea -0.5 -195 1.56 — Southampton +0.5 +145 2.38 —