Chelsea continued their strong run of form in the Premier League with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Southampton at St Mary's on New Year's Day.
Both sides had opportunities in an end-to-end first period, but neither could make the breakthrough with the scores level at the interval.
Chelsea took the lead on the hour mark when Fernando Torres converted from close range, before Willian made it 2-0 20 minutes from time.
The Blues were not finished, however, as Oscar added gloss to the scoreline in the latter stages with a cool finish into the bottom corner.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Premier League rivals.
Match statistics:
Southampton:
Shots: 11
On target: 2
Possession: 54%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 13
Chelsea:
Shots: 11
On target: 5
Possession: 46%
Corners: 8
Fouls: 9
Was the result fair?
In truth, it would have been unjust had Chelsea not picked up all three points this afternoon due to their strong second-half performance. Southampton contributed to an enthralling first period and indeed had their share of the chances, but you just got the feeling that they needed to score while on top. They didn't, which allowed Chelsea to take control of the match in the second 45 minutes.
Southampton's performance
Had the Saints taken the lead on their own patch, it might have been a different story. They were arguably the better team for the opening 45 minutes and early stages of the second period, but struggled to match the intensity when Chelsea moved through the gears. They have had a solid campaign thus far, but results have taken a nose dive in the last few weeks, which will be a concern. That said, a top-half finish would still be an excellent achievement.
Chelsea's performance
The Blues were not particularly impressive for the first hour this afternoon, but played some of their best football of the season in the final 30 minutes. Once they took the lead, they were in total control and there was not a single period when Southampton threatened to turn the score around. Boss Jose Mourinho made a big call in the early stages of the second half when he made a double change, but it proved a fine piece of management as substitutes Willian and Oscar were both on the scoresheet.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Oscar: In truth, Chelsea really struggled for invention until the Brazilian was introduced in the early stages of the second period. It was his effort that struck the crossbar before Torres converted from close range, while he assisted Willian for Chelsea's second. As if that wasn't enough, Oscar put his name on the scoreheet in the latter stages with a cool finish.
Biggest gaffe
Oscar might have played a key role in securing the points for Chelsea, but he had a terrible moment in the second period when he fell inside the box under minimal contact from Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis. Referee Martin Atkinson was quick on the scene and produced the yellow card for simulation. It was really poor from the Brazilian international, who otherwise had a terrific game.
Referee performance
As mentioned, Atkinson rightly booked Oscar for diving inside the box, but aside from that, the Englishman did not have too much to do on a windy afternoon on the South Coast. He was sensitive to the nature of the conditions when analysing each challenge, while he was prepared to let the play flow in the correct areas. Overall, neither manager will have too many complaints about his performance on New Year's Day.
What next?
Southampton: The Saints are in FA Cup action next weekend at home to Burnley, before they return to league action with a home clash against West Bromwich Albion on January 11.
Chelsea: Mourinho's side are also in FA Cup action at the weekend as they travel to high-flying Championship side Derby County. Their next league match is on January 11 at Hull City.
Matt Law
