Chelsea conceded the most home goals in Jose Mourinho’s career, adding to his self-described “worst” spell as a club manager in a 3-1 loss to visiting Southampton at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues were booed at the final whistle after falling to their worst record at this stage in a season since 1978.
After Willian netted a free kick to put Chelsea up early, Saints took care of business through Steven Davis, Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle.
Mane was especially brilliant, bringing an electricity into the attacking end that Chelsea’s Eden Hazard was sorely lacking.
Willian put Chelsea in front with just under 10 minutes ticked off, bending a gorgeous curling free kick into the left corner.
It gave him four goals in four games, all from free kicks.
Southampton should’ve had a penalty in the 33rd minute when Ramires stepped on Sadio Mane’s foot in the 18.
Mane sprung Ryan Bertrand for a brilliant chance in the 42nd minute, but Asmir Begovic was quick off his line to save the ex-Chelsea man’s shot.
And then Saints found a deserved equalizer. Jose Fonte sent a beautiful cross for Pelle, who chested the ball perfectly for Davis to hammer home.
The second half saw Saints on the front foot, as Mane again crafted a chance that was well-denied by Begovic. Chelsea was a bit rattled for a spell, but escaped unscathed.
Radamel Falcao was cut down by Stekelenberg on a move just outside the six, but had his appeals for a PK denied in a very surprising call. Perhaps a make-up for the earlier Mane non-call.
Mane then found the go-ahead goal, as he took advantage of a horrendous charge from John Terry. Mane turned free with the ball inside the 18 and belted it past Begovic.
Then, Pelle. The Italian forward took advantage of a poor pass by Eden Hazard, plugging the ball past Begovic to make it 3-1 on a break.
Dusan Tadic could’ve well made it 4-1 moments later, but he chose not to pass to an open Davis. Instead, he had his shot blocked out for a corner.
