Timo Werner found his scoring boots once again but it wasn’t enough for Chelsea as they were held to a 3-3 draw by Southampton at Stamford Bridge.
It seemed like the best of days for Chelsea fans as Timo Werner started off strong. A goal was in the offing and a goal did come off his head but was ruled out for offside. The goal did come, though, and Werner was the scorer. The German international weaved and weaved through the flock of players in the Southampton box before driving the ball past Alex McCarthy in goal.
Werner seemed to be on song and despite the Southampton chances coming on the other end, Chelsea were 2-0 up soon, thanks again to the German international, who finally announced himself to the Premier League. Danny Ings, though, pulled one back before half-time, teaming up with fellow forward Che Adams for the goal.
Southampton soon equalised, with the creator of the last goal turning scorer this time around. Again, though, Timo Werner was involved in a goal, this time setting things up for fellow Bundesliga import Kai Havertz. The Chelsea defence faltered towards the end, with Jannik Vestergaard snatching a point for Southampton.
Now, we take a look at how the players fared individually.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 4
Not much to be said about it apart from the fact that Chelsea would be glad to have signed Edouard Mendy and the fans would be eager to watch the new signing come in as quickly as possible. Kepa’s days look numbered and a part of the blame has to be shifted to the lackadaisical defence in front of him as well.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5.5
Chelsea need to phase in Reece James for Azpilicueta. Despite the Spaniard donning the captain’s armband, it is clear to see that he is just not as effective in wide areas anymore. Did his part, but couldn’t match the pace of Southampton attackers.
Andreas Christensen – 6
An average performance from someone who has been bang average at Chelsea, despite being impressive during his loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach. Had some nervy moments at the start and found it tough to handle the movement of Ings and Adams upfront.
Kurt Zouma – 6.5
The more I re-watch it, the more it’s Kepa’s fault. pic.twitter.com/jD47z97a2f
— CFC DUBois (@CFCDUBois) October 17, 2020
The better one of the central defenders on the day, Zouma had his moments as well, with the Frenchman often overwhelmed by the presence of Ings and Adams along with Theo Walcott, who was given a free reign to cut inside and add numbers centrally.
Did have a part to play in Kepa’s error, but it was more of a damning slip from Kepa than a horrendous backpass as is suggested by some. The only central defender who looks assured to an extent at the back and Lampard will be eager to pair him with Thiago Silva.
Ben Chilwell – 6.5
Chelsea have bought a gem of a left-back in Chilwell. His darting runs make for the perfect concoction in attack and his crosses seem to always find a teammate’s head like a cushion. Could have had another assist at the start, if not for Werner’s header being flagged for offside. Defensively, Chilwell still needs time to blend into the setup at Chelsea but promising signs thus far.
Jorginho – 6
Outdone by the Southampton midfielders on the day, Jorginho had an off day in terms of being the anchor in midfield. The Italian international failed to lay the foundation of the build-up attacks, with Chilwell acting more as a connector against Southampton.
N’Golo Kante – 5.5
So poor by Kante here. Gave it away twice in this clip but look at this recovery and footwork by Chillwell pic.twitter.com/sdmN321RKP
— George (@COYBGeorge) October 18, 2020
Looked all over the place in midfield and was genuinely a strange pick, with many expecting Mateo Kovacic to start alongside Jorginho. Needs to step up.
Christian Pulisic – 6
Wasn’t as influential as he normally has grown to be at Chelsea. Completed only 2 of the 6 attempted dribbles in the game and was countered brilliantly by Ryan Bertrand & co.
Kai Havertz – 6.5
His costly error lead to Southampton’s first, but he did nab a goal in the second half to redeem himself and was good going forward. Can still do much better and is still to get going in the Premier League.
Mason Mount – 5
Honestly, there is no sense in fielding Mount out wide and Lampard’s persistence to do so is questionable. Does not offer much except some smooth connecting passes from out wide and doesn’t have the pace to match or outdo the modern full-backs. Needs to play more centrally.
Timo Werner – 9
An almost perfect outing for Timo Werner, who could have had a hat-trick or even more on another day. A brace and an assist, Werner was involved in pretty much every good thing Chelsea had to do going forward. Lampard would be relieved to finally get his main man going and would be eager to see how Werner is able to maintain or even elevate his levels.
Substitutions
Hakim Ziyech – 5.5
Great to have some minutes under his belt and prove his fitness. Will now be raring to start in the next game.
Reece James – N/A
An apt substitution and one that was needed right now. However, that did not stop Southampton from getting a late equaliser.
Tammy Abraham – N/A
Unfortunate to come on at a time Chelsea needed more activity in defence and didn’t have time to help Chelsea in getting a winner back.
