Southampton vs. Chelsea: Score, Grades, Reaction from Premier League

Chelsea came from behind to claim a point at Southampton but could not find a winning strike against a resilient 10-man home team at St Mary's Stadium, drawing 1-1 on Sunday.

Sadio Mane had given the Saints a 16th-minute lead after a mistake by John Terry allowed the forward space before lifting the ball over Thibaut Courtois.

Chelsea hit back through Eden Hazard in injury time in the first half after the Belgium international showed great control on the edge of the area.

The Blues continued to boss the game in the second half, but even the 88th-minute dismissal of Morgan Schneiderlin would not budge a resolute Southampton defence.

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman handed 19-year-old Matt Targett a first Premier League start among four changes to his team.

Jose Mourinho omitted Oscar, Willian and Cesar Azpilicueta from his starting line-up while John Obi Mikel and Filipe Luis returned. Andre Schurrle made his first league start since Oct. 5.

Chelsea held the edge in the opening stages of the game, but the only strike of note was Graziano Pelle's flailing arm to Terry's face. The Blues captain received treatment and got back in action. 

But in the 16th minute, Southampton opened the scoring with their first chance on goal. Dusan Tadic saw Mane running through and lifted the ball over Terry to his team-mate, who raced in on goal before lobbing Courtois.

Chelsea went in search of an equaliser and laid siege to the Southampton half, but the Saints were swift to deny the space for attacking threats such as Diego Costa.

Nemanja Matic became the first player cautioned in the game on the half-hour mark for his foul on Pelle.

Despite Chelsea's dominance of possession, a clear sight of goal was still beyond the Premier League leaders as the Saints maintained their resilience in their own half.

With the home side heading toward the interval with a single-goal lead, there was a late sting in the tail.

Cesc Fabregas spotted a run by Hazard, and a smart pass with the outside of his right boot set the Belgian clear on the left side of the Southampton area.

Hazard weaved his way into the area before finding space to beat Fraser Forster with a curling leveller.

Mourinho brought on Willian for Schurrle for the second period in a move designed to break down Southampton's stubborn rearguard further.

In the 55th minute, Fabregas went down under a challenge from Targett inside the area, but it was the Spaniard who was cautioned for diving even though television replays proved the teenager was fortunate not to concede a penalty.

Koeman brought off Tadic, who was clearly tiring on his return from injury, for James Ward-Prowse in the 59th minute.

The Saints manager made a further change as he sent Florin Gardos for Maya Yoshida moments later.

Schneiderlin earned a yellow card for a foul on Fabregas in the 71st minute as Chelsea continued to probe for a second goal.

Mourinho was looking for another option to get the winner and brought on Didier Drogba for Mikel after 74 minutes.

The Ivorian striker almost set up Costa for an opportunity before a loose Ward-Prowse back pass fell for the Spain forward, who slipped and relinquished the opportunity.

The play remained in the Southampton half, with Courtois not registering a touch for some time, but there was still no way through for the Blues as Fabregas and Hazard attempted to breach the Saints defense.

Two minutes before the end, Chelsea were handed an advantage when Schneiderlin was dismissed for a second booking for a foul on Fabregas.

Ultimately, it did not matter, as Southampton held firm.

Selected Player Ratings

John Terry: A-

He was at fault for the opening Southampton goal when he stepped up at the wrong moment to give Mane space to run into. However, the former England international remains an integral part of Mourinho's first team.

Dusan Tadic: A

He has arguably been one of the best summer signings of 2014. Tadic created Mane's opener with a deft ball and always looked likely to cause further problems for Chelsea on his return to the starting line-up. However, he tired quickly on his return from injury before being replaced in the second half.

Diego Costa: B

Starved of service in the opening period by a resilient Southampton defensive performance, Costa also struggled to find chances in the second half.

What's Ahead

Southampton are at home to another London club in their next Premier League match on New Year's Day, when Arsenal are the visitors to the St Mary's Stadium.

Chelsea are facing a London derby at Tottenham Hotspur on the same day.

Post-Match Reaction