Southampton vs. Chelsea: Winners and Losers from Premier League
Southampton procured a point in unfathomable circumstances on Sunday afternoon, holding onto a 1-1 draw against Premier League title favourites Chelsea.
The home side took the lead through Sadio Mane following an excellent move, but Eden Hazard pegged them back right before half-time with an outstanding solo goal. Chelsea threw everything including the kitchen sink at the Saints in the second half, but they were unable to find a winner.
Here B/R picks its winners and losers from the game.
Winner: Toby Alderweireld, Who Was Sensational... Again
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Ronald Koeman decided to play Maya Yoshida at right-back to cover for the absence of Nathaniel Clyne, rather than push Toby Alderweireld onto the flank.
It seemed an odd decision on paper, but in practice it made sense, as Alderweireld played a sublime game in the heart of the defence. He wasn't able to stop Hazard for the goal, but he otherwise put in a commanding, dominant display.
He switched over to the right later on out of necessity and adapted seamlessly. A great day at work for Toby.
Loser: Andre Schurrle, Who Flunked His Chance... Again
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Every game Andre Schurrle plays nowadays is an audition, as Willian has recovered from a slow start to put in a series of strong showings. The German is very much second choice on the right wing, and when he gets the chance to impress, he has no choice but to do just do that.
That he was hauled off at half-time tells you all you need to know; he didn't look sharp or composed enough on the ball, proving a liability in attack and a source of much frustration.
In a competitive squad in which world-class players lurk in every corner, laying another egg like this is a disaster.
Winner: Sadio Mane, Who Excelled in a Central Role
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Sadio Mane played superbly for three games after joining Southampton, then fizzled out in alarming fashion. It prompted Ronald Koeman to secure the services of Eljero Elia on loan from January 1, but all of a sudden, Mane has rediscovered his form.
The difference is that Mane is now in a central, freer role operating off Graziano Pelle. It's restored Dusan Tadic to his stronger position on the left wing and allowed the Senegal international to tear around.
He's so quick and so agile. His opening goal was absolutely fantastic, lifting a finish over Thibaut Courtois after racing clear.
Loser: Referee Anthony Taylor, Whose Blunder Cost Chelsea
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It's not good to continually slam referees—they have a tough job—but Anthony Taylor made a critical mistake that cost Chelsea on Sunday.
Intentional or not, Matt Targett slipped and brought Cesc Fabregas down inside the area, and the whole crowd held their breath, waiting for the referee to award the penalty. Instead, Taylor brandished a yellow card and showed it to Cesc, intimating simulation.
He was also very inconsistent throughout and kept awarding fouls against Graziano Pelle for simply standing his ground. Those decisions hampered the Saints' chances of playing out from under pressure.
Winner: Eden Hazard, Who Proved His Killer Instinct Again
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All season long, Eden Hazard has been making a decisive impact in games. Cesc Fabregas, Nemanja Matic and Diego Costa take all the plaudits because they're newer storylines, but Hazard deserves recognition.
His goal just before half-time gave Chelsea a way back into the game. Burning Maya Yoshida down the flank and jinking inside, not even two defenders could stop the Belgian getting a goal-bound shot off.
He was excellent throughout. A veritible twinkle toes.
