Raheem Sterling's stirring performance wasn't enough to save Chelsea from a humiliating home defeat to Premier League basement boys Southampton.
James Ward-Prowse's first-half free-kick consigned Chelsea to a humbling 1-0 defeat to bottom club Southampton on Saturday.
There was an air of inevitability as the set-piece dead-eye stepped up to strike the ball after Cesar Azpilicueta foolishly fouled his man on the edge of the box on the stroke of half-time, and he made no mistake.
Chelsea launched a second-half onslaught and Raheem Sterling saw two efforts cleared off the line, but the hosts could not muster an equaliser.
Here are GOAL's Chelsea player ratings from Stamford Bridge…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga (6/10):
Called into action very early but made a strong double save. Given no chance by Ward-Prowse for the winner.
Cesar Azpilicueta (5/10):
Committed the cardinal sin of giving a foul away on the edge of the box against Saints and brutally punished by Ward-Prowse. Should know so much better. Took a very nasty blow to the face late on and required lengthy treatment from paramedics.
Kalidou Koulibaly (5/10):
Walked a disciplinary tightrope after a very early yellow and subsequently hooked at half-time.
Benoit Badiashile (6/10):
Could have been punished for an early error but recovered and was staunch again.
Ben Chilwell (5/10):
Given a rough ride by the towering Paul Onuachu and unable to provide attacking thrust.
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Midfield
Enzo Fernandez (6/10):
Another metronomic performance, but could do more in an attacking sense if we're being harsh.
Mateo Kovacic (5/10):
Unable to bring his usual busyness and energy to the game on his return from injury. Became frustrated and talked himself into a yellow.
Joao Felix (6/10):
Always looked to get on the ball between the lines but afforded little space by Saints.
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Attack
Noni Madueke (6/10):
Another sprightly performance and was Chelsea's most threatening player but eventually faded.
David Datro Fofana (6/10):
Toiled and had some good moments, but not much came off for him. Hooked at the break.
Mason Mount (5/10):
Worked hard but on the fringes of the game and missed a decent headed chance.
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Subs & Manager
Raheem Sterling (7/10):
His introduction made a huge difference and he came so close to scoring twice, denied by some last-ditch Southampton defending.
Wesley Fofana (7/10):
Looked uber confident on his return from injury and signs of a good partnership with his compatriot Badiashile.
Kai Havertz (6/10):
Twice looked to be the provider for Sterling but really, REALLY should have shot on one such occasion.
Mykhailo Mudryk (5/10):
Didn't look confident with his ball carries and lashed a late volley wide.
Trevoh Chalobah (N/A):
On late for the stricken Azpilicueta.
Conor Gallagher (6/10):
Forced a late save but should have scored from the angle.
Graham Potter (4/10):
He chose to rest some of his star players and that backfired here. Chelsea not only failed to win a must-win game, they were beaten by the weakest side in the league on paper. Simply not good enough.