Chelsea roared back into form with a dominant 4-0 thrashing of struggling Southampton, propelling them to fourth place in the Premier League.
After three consecutive losses, Enzo Maresca’s side delivered a statement performance at Stamford Bridge, with Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella all finding the net in an electrifying display.
The Blues had been under pressure following a disappointing run, which sparked protests outside the stadium against owner Todd Boehly’s management. But on the pitch, Chelsea responded in style.
Nkunku opened the scoring in the 24th minute, bravely heading home Tosin Adarabioyo’s flicked effort before colliding with Southampton keeper Aaron Ramsdale. Neto then doubled the lead with a clinical strike, while his pinpoint free-kick allowed Colwill to head in Chelsea’s third just before halftime.
Despite Chelsea’s dominance, Cole Palmer missed a golden chance to end his seven-game goal drought. However, Cucurella sealed the emphatic win in the 78th minute, finishing from a Tyrique George assist.
With this commanding victory, Chelsea boosted their Champions League qualification hopes, while Southampton’s dismal season continued, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table.
