Chelsea’s miserable 2015-16 season continued as they fell to a stunning 3-1 defeat against a rampant Southampton side at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The hosts took the lead through Willian’s free-kick, but Steven Davis deservedly levelled proceedings just before half-time.
Chelsea thought they should have had a penalty when Radamel Falcao was brought down by Maarten Stekelenburg in the second half shortly before Sadio Mane put the Saints in front after a mistake from the returning John Terry. Graziano Pelle then sealed a victory which piles further pressure on manager Jose Mourinho.
The champions have now taken just eight points from as many matches after conceding three times in a home league game for the first time ever under the Portuguese boss, while Southampton have won three consecutive games and scored 12 goals in the process.
Mourinho had said before the match he would continue to rotate his side as he searches for a winning formula and he did exactly that with four changes as Falcao, Eden Hazard, Oscar and captain Terry were selected.
Former Blues midfielder Oriol Romeu started in place of James Ward-Prowse in the only alteration made by Ronald Koeman.
Chelsea took the lead in the 10th minute after Romeu had been booked for a foul on Hazard out wide.
Willian stepped up and his 30-yard delivery found the far corner after bouncing off the post. It was unclear if the attempt was deliberate, but the Brazilian celebrated scoring for the fourth game in a row.
Virgil van Dijk’s penalty appeal was turned down after Branislav Ivanovic had a hold on his shirt at a corner, before Davis lashed an effort wide as Southampton attempted to respond.
At the other end, Stekelenburg saved Oscar’s curling effort after the playmaker had combined well with Cesc Fabregas in a tightly-congested penalty area.
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