Chelsea v Southampton LIVE: Result and reaction as Blues hammer Saints in Premier League

Enzo Maresca, for now, has his Chelsea back at least. Whether it will quieten down supporter protest in the medium term remains to be seen.

This is about more than whether Chelsea can be a Champions League club again, even as this 4-0 win over Southampton temporarily put them back into the top four.

That in turn undid the effects of the Aston Villa defeat at the weekend, in the way that seems to keep happening in this season’s wide-ranging race for the top four. No one can seize the moment, so Chelsea aren’t alone there.

The greater question is whether it will undo bigger concerns over Maresca’s team over the past few weeks, not to mention more profound questions over identity.

Read Miguel Delaney’s full analysis from Stamford Bridge:

A good day for Pedro Neto, who got a goal and an assist in the 4-0 win.

Here’s his post-match thoughts:

A comfortable evening’s work for Chelsea as Nkunku, Neto, Calwill and Cucurella all find the net in an easy win.

Back up to fourth for the time being as they reignite a Champions League charge. Southampton, meanwhile, look all but down.

Free-kick won about 25 yards out, dead central. Palmer, desperate for a goal, lines it up and hits the target but Ramsdale goes to his left and pushes the ball away. It was a comfortable height

Mheuka almost scores with his first touch as the young academy striker heads Palmer’s header at goal but Ramsdale catches it!

Four minutes of added time

Good stop by Ramsdale as Fernandez fires a shot at goal after digging the ball out from beneath his feet. He tips it over the bar.

Couple of final changes as Welington is on for Southampton, while Shim Mheuka makes his Premier League debut for Chelsea, on for Fernandez

Palmer lashes at goal again but his shot flies into the side netting. He looks desperate for a goal but his struggles are continuing.

Nkunku subbed off for Josh Acheampong and Mathis Amougou on for his Chelsea debut in place of Caicedo. A couple of teenagers entering the fray for the final stages

Manning sees a shot blocked. It’s just not happened for Southampton tonight (or this season)

Chelsea counter at pace from a Southampton corner. They have a six on three, George gets to the byline, cuts it back to Marc Cucurella and he calmly strokes the finish beyond Ramsdale.

A fourth goal of the campaign from the Spaniard.

The lively George races away down the left and a neat backheel gives Nkunku a shooting chance but it’s blocked by Aribo. Could George have given him the ball a fraction earlier?