Southampton vs. Chelsea score

 Blues battered by cohesive Saints side for second straight away defeat

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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.

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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 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.