Three reasons why Chelsea beat Southampton 4-1 | Premier League 2019-20

#2 Saints' lackadaisical defending

Yoshida and Co. were forced to endure a tough afternoon against a patient and potent Chelsea side.

This defeat is Southampton's fifth already this term and after eight games, they find themselves level on goal difference (-7) with Marco Silva's Everton hovering in the relegation zone.

The international break comes at a welcome time after losing three successive league games. The problem which will concern Hasenhuttl most is the manner in which they concede goals. The Saints have now shipped 15 goals in the league and October has just begun. Norwich (21) and Watford (20) are the only two sides who have conceded more. If you look at how they conceded four in this match, it speaks volumes about their struggles.

Abraham's opener was an unorthodox but deft finish by a striker playing full of confidence, despite Yoshida's best efforts. Callum Hudson-Odoi had far too much time to pick out a pass for Tammy though and should have been closed down. Angus Gunn's starting position is far too high and the goalkeeper essentially dares his compatriot to chip him, which he does.

Mount's goal stemmed from a poorly-executed attempt at passing out from the back in the So'ton half and having been given another chance to atone for their error, a weak Jan Bednarek header forward saw an alert Willian retrieve possession before teeing up Mount seconds later.

Space was a recurring theme for Chelsea's third goal - this time Kante striking from distance. Although it took a deflection and wrong-footed Gunn, there were four Southampton players within blocking range of the Frenchman as he shaped to shoot. Yet, none of them closed him down quickly enough or better yet, shut off the passing lane altogether?

The final goal was brilliantly-worked from the visitors but Southampton defenders were caught ball-watching. Batshuayi dropped deep to receive Jorginho's pass, played a slick one-two with Pulisic, whose defence-splitting return ball left their back-line in tatters before the Belgian international slotted his first-time finish through Gunn's legs at his near post.