Southampton 1-1 Chelsea: 5 talking points as the Blues drop points away from home | Premier League 2020-21 

#3 Thomas Tuchel shows ruthless side

Southampton v Chelsea - Premier League

Thomas Tuchel was appointed as Chelsea manager late in January and since then, the 47-year-old has largely shown his boisterous side.

However, the German tactician has a history of being ruthless to players who don't follow instructions and he showed this aspect of his personality in the draw with Southampton.

With Chelsea struggling to gain inroads in the first half, Tuchel could be seen screaming at his players, particularly Marcos Alonso who failed to make the most of several presentable openings.

Tammy Abraham was also another spectator in the game, with the England international having just 10 touches of the ball in the entirety of the second half.

A double substitution.😇 1-1 🔵 [76’] #SOUCHE pic.twitter.com/BjnC2edSWv

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 20, 2021

This saw Tuchel take him off for the in-form Callum Hudson-Odoi at the break but rather shockingly, Odoi himself was hauled off for Hakim Ziyech in the 75th minute.

It remains to be seen what these extreme decisions would have on the Chelsea team, but Tuchel showed those unfamiliar with his methods just how ruthless he can be.

#2 Southampton get crucial point against the run of play

Southampton ended their six-game losing run in the league

It seems like eons ago, but Southampton briefly topped the table in November following a victory over Newcastle.

The Saints had started the season in fine form but it has all gone downhill since then for the St Mary's outfit.

They came into this game on a run of six consecutive defeats in the league, with their last win coming in their 1-0 victory over Liverpool at the start of the year.

🗣 "It was a big step forward."Ralph Hasenhüttl's assessment of #SaintsFC's draw with #CFC:

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) February 20, 2021

The contrast in form between the two sides meant that Chelsea were overwhelming favorites to get a win here but a combination of resolute defending and an uninspired Blues attack ensured that the spoils were shared.

On the overall balance of play, perhaps a draw was the right result, as Chelsea did not do enough to get a victory despite controlling the game in its entirety.

This unlikely point could help instill confidence in the Southampton players after a wretched run of form.

#1 Could Marcos Alonso's underperformance pave the way for Ben Chilwell back into the Chelsea set-up?

Marcos Alonso flattered to deceive against Southampton

A serious row with Frank Lampard back in October seemingly ended Marco Alonso's Chelsea career.

The 30-year-old did not appear for the Blues again under Lampard after that 3-3 draw with West Brom, having been taken off at half-time at the Hawthorns.

However, the arrival of Thomas Tuchel has given the Spaniard a new lease of life, with his conversion to a wing-back getting him an extended run of time in the first team.

This was the role in which he played his best football under Antonio Conte, with the result being that Ben Chilwell has seen his playing time reduced.

A poor showing from Alonso against Southampton might put the England international back into reckoning.

Time and again, the former Fiorentina man found himself in space but failed to make the most of it, while his delivery and decision making were also poor.