Southampton 1-1 Chelsea: Leaders forced to settle for a point
Southampton became only the fifth side to stop Chelsea winning in the Premier League this season as they proved their first half to the campaign was no fluke.
The Saints have been the top-flight’s surprise package and they will end 2014 in the top five, something few people will have been betting on following a summer of upheaval at St Mary’s.
But Ronald Koeman has not only steadied the ship on the south coast, he has built on the excellent work done by Mauricio Pochettino to make the Saints a real force to be reckoned with.
And they started in confident mood against Jose Mourinho’s side, no doubt buoyed by successive wins over Everton and Crystal Palace.
John Terry needed to be at his best to nip in ahead of Jose Fonte to clear the danger at the far post as the hosts carved out the first genuine opening in the 14th minute, but not even the Blues’ talismanic leader could do anything about the opener just two minutes later.
Sadio Mane got on the end of a lofted through ball and he showed superb composure to lift his effort over the head of the advancing Thibaut Courtois and into the net.
It was fair reward for a bright beginning by the home side, but they were unable to build on that as the visitors gained a foothold in a game of very few chances.
And it was no real surprise when the leaders equalised on the stroke of half-time, although it took a moment of rare quality to force the equaliser.
Critics would say Southampton should have heeded the lesson learned by others this season as Eden Hazard weaved his way into the penalty area, but the home defence allowed him to cut inside from the left and onto his favoured right foot and the Belgian needed no second invitation to roll his shot into the far corner of Fraser Forster’s net.
And Mourinho’s men unquestionably had the better of the second period but, for all their possession and neat build-up play, they were unable to force Forster into a save worthy of the name.
In fact, the most notable moments after the break involved referee Anthony Taylor dishing out cards.
Cesc Fabregas was booked for simulation as he looked for a penalty and, with just two minutes remaining, Morgan Schneiderlin was dismissed after picking up a second yellow card.
Fortunately for the hosts there was not enough time for Chelsea to exploit their numerical advantage as the leaders were forced to settle for a point.
They will still end the year on top of the pile but, just a few weeks after looking as though they would run away with the title, the Blues are now likely to lead Manchester City by only a single point.
Let battle commence in 2015…