DOSE OF THE BLUES FOR HUGHES
FROM glory to destruction in 20 minutes, football can be a cruel sport.
The execution of Chelsea’s bewildering comeback was chilling, but the way Southampton capitulated with victory within their grasp was almost heartbreaking.
Two goals ahead with 70 minutes on the clock, Southampton somehow contrived to throw three massive points away.
Of course, solely blaming the hosts would be unfair on Chelsea as Olivier Giroud inspired a brilliant fightback, with Antonio Conte’s men scoring three late goals to snatch victory.
Saints boss Mark Hughes was angry at full-time, but his ire was directed at Marcos Alonso for scraping his studs down the calf of Shane Long in the first half.
‘I’ve seen Alonso’s tackle on Shane again — it’s a clear red card and clear intent to hurt him,’ raged Hughes. ‘It could’ve broken his leg.
‘There were three officials within five to ten yards, so how each of them missed it is a mystery to me.’
Southampton were full of vibrancy in the early stages and took a deserved lead when Ryan Bertrand teed up Dusan Tadic for a closerange finish.
When Jan Bednarek hammered home James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick on the hour mark, you saw no way back for Chelsea.
But, out of nowhere, they produced a stirring fightback.
Conte must take a share of credit. His decision to bring on Giroud in the 61st minute was a masterstroke.
First, the striker powered in a diving header from Alonso’s cross, then Eden Hazard finished off Willian’s cross to equalise.
Chelsea completed their electrifying riposte when Giroud thumped a volley home in the 78th minute.