Chelsea had been flying after their victory at Tottenhamon Sunday, which felt like a defining moment for Frank Lampard and the evolution of his young team. This was a crash back down to earth, further evidence of a maddening inconsistency.
Southampton’s win was perfectly judged and entirely merited, ignited by a special first-half goal from the 19-year-old Michael Obafemi and driven by their second-half threat on the break. Nathan Redmond scored the goal that made the points safe – he was a thorn in Chelsea’s side – but this was a team triumph, built on the firm central defensive contributions of Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek. The midfielders, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and James Ward-Prowse, were also excellent.