Branislav Ivanovic’s late header saw Chelsea over the line in what could prove to be a crucial 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge last night.
Nobody on the pitch wanted to give up a yard with the stakes at a high, although the visitors’ hopes looked to suffer a dent when Pedro came off injured before the 10 minute mark. Both sides fought for possession and momentum over an end-to-end first-half, with the Blues finding decent space around the 18-yard box and Charlie Austin posing questions for Thibaut Courtois.
It seemed as though an error from either side would be necessary for a breakthrough and Baba Rahman was the unfortunate culprit, when a poorly attempted defensive header was cut out by Shane Long, who chipped the ball into the back of the net just before the halftime break.
Chelsea may have been lucky to not go behind further into the second-half, with penalty shouts from the home supporters going begging after the ball hit Gary Cahill’s arm inside the area. Minutes later though Hiddink’s men would be back on level terms, when Fraser Forster was bamboozled by a floating Cesc Fabregas curler which nestled into the bottom corner.
The equaliser would invigorate the Blues, dominating possession over the last 15 minutes and keeping all of the play inside Southampton’s own-half. Acting captain Branislav Ivanovic would snatch victory for the Londoners at the death, meeting Willian’s corner with a powerful header to cast a shadow over the St. Mary’s spirits.
The win continues an impressive run under the returning Dutch Caretaker for the reigning champions, while Southampton’s will need to regain resolve in their quest for European berth.
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Ivanovic exemplifies blue turning point
Perhaps the most maligned figure in Chelsea’s dreadful start to the season, Ivanovic was regularly being torn to shreds by quicker wingers who would find an easy route into the 18-yard box down the right-side. Yet the Serbian has been a key component of the turnaround under Guus Hiddink, regaining his composure at the back and rediscovering the confidence to overlap and add to the attacking movement, particularly in the last few outings where he has taken up his more natural centre-back role in the absence of John Terry.
Taking up the captain’s armband, apart from heading home what would prove to be the winning goal in the 89th minute, Ivanovic was committed in marshalling the defence and fed the ball from the back with a sharp eye, also cutting out the home side’s attacks with eight clearances. His individual form is reflected in Chelsea’s three-month unbeaten domestic run, yet the 28-year-old will be looking for further redemption before season’s end.
Saints surrender vital result
Having played with the type of pace and creativity that has caused Chelsea so many headaches in the early stages of the game, any attacking momentum dissipated for the hosts, unable to generate a shot on goal from inside the box in the second-half. Graziano Pelle and Sadio Mane had little involvement after their introductions, while the efficient defensive pressure which shutdown forward passing options for the likes of Fabregas was loosened after the Blues drew level, each passing minute making it more evident that Southampton where quickly falling out of the contest.
Koeman will be highly disappointed in his side conceding the winning goal from a set piece, yet it proves that even at their current standing, giving up nearly 70% of the possession late on to Chelsea will result in enough chances to generate a goal.
After Long’s goal today Chelsea had 12 of the combined final 14 shots in the game.
— Chelsea Stats (@ChelseaStats) February 27, 2016
European dream now on the line
The final result is one which may have big impact for both team’s respective campaigns. Now 11 Premier League games unbeaten, the reigning champions have clawed their way back to within five points of sixth spot. Conversely, the defeat leaves Southampton one behind the last European spot with Manchester United still to play.
Qualification for the Europa League is one of the few salvageable achievements left for Chelsea, a completely different reason to Southampton, who will still be haunted by their first round exit from the tournament this season. No matter the motivations, they are two of a number of clubs who are set for an entertaining battle to decide who will occupy the sixth spot come May.
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