Premier League 2018/19: Chelsea v Southampton

Chelsea met Southampton at Stamford Bridge in their first Premier League game of 2019. They were looking to build on away victories over Crystal Palace and Watford and strengthen their position in the top four places. Southampton came into this match fresh from defeat against Manchester City but looking to build on some positive performances under new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Southampton’s shape

Southampton operated slightly differently in this match depending on the game situation. When they had possession of the ball Stuart Armstrong would push higher than his defensive position, which was to the left of a midfield three. This left James Ward-Prowse and Oriel Romeu as the two sitting midfielders providing protection to the Southampton back three.

Even though Armstrong formed part of a midfield three in defensive moments, he was still positioned slightly further forward than the other two. The intention was for him to be able to support the front two of Nathan Redmond and Danny Ings. At times Redmond would drop slightly deeper towards the right side of the midfield in an attempt to negate the attacking threat of Marcos Alonso and Eden Hazard on Chelsea’s left-hand side.

With Southampton keeping two men forward, Chelsea had to always keep an extra defender back in possession, usually a full-back. This limited their attacking threat from wide areas.

Chelsea’s build-up play

Chelsea were put under pressure by Southampton, especially when they passed back to Kepa Arrizabalaga. They were able to play out of the press relatively easily due to the positional superiority they had. With Alonso moving into wide areas unmarked, by the time he was pressed he had time to look up and assess what options were available further up the pitch. The movement of the midfield three provided passing options around the ball which enabled Chelsea to escape from pressure.