Southampton vs Chelsea LIVE: Olivier Giroud’s double inspires Blues fightback to snatch victory from Saints
Follow live updates from St Mary's
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Southampton take on Chelsea needing a win to climb out of the Premier League relegation zone.
But they will host the league champions without defender Jack Stephens, who begins a three-game ban for lashing out at Jack Wilshere last week. Steven Davis is also out with an Achilles problem.
Meanwhile Chelsea remain without defenders David Luiz and Ethan Ampadu, but Ross Barkley is available.
Follow live coverage of the match below.
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load.
The players are on the pitch at St Mary's and kick-off is just moments away!
5' - Chelsea just stroking the ball about at will in these early stages. Southampton keeping their shape well so far though.
No chances for either side yet.
8' - Southampton enjoying a decent little spell here.
First Ryan Bertrand and then Dusan Tadic deliver lovely crosses into the box from the left wing but there's nobody on hand to turn the ball towards goal on either occasion.
13' - Chelsea had the majority of the ball in the opening five minutes but it is Southampton who have been on top over the last few minutes. They're playing with more intensity than their visitors, which is perhaps understandable given what is at stake for both clubs.
16' - Southampton stopper Alex McCarthy is forced into action for the first time as he comes off his line to claim Willian's fizzing cross into the box.
We're still yet to see a shot on target from either side though.
GOAL! Southampton 1-0 Chelsea (Tadic, 21)
Gooooooooooooal!
Ryan Bertrand rounds off a lung-busting run down the left wing with a neat cut-back for Dusan Tadic, who slots the ball home from just outside the six-yard box.
Fantastic assist by Bertrand and a cool finish by Tadic.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments