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Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel let down by three players in Southampton Premier League draw
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel oversaw his side's 1-1 draw with Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
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Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel couldn’t guide his side to victory against Southampton on Saturday. The Blues went into the match at St Mary’s boasting a 100 per cent record under the German. However, they were forced to settle for just a point instead.
Chelsea fell behind at St Mary’s on Saturday.
Liverpool loan star Takumi Minamino broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, bamboozling the Blues defence to score.
That goal came against the run of play and, in the second half, Chelsea struck to earn a point.
Mason Mount converted a penalty after Danny Ings brought the England international down inside his area.
So Express Sport will now take a look at Chelsea’s worst three performers against Southampton.
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Cesar Azpilicueta
Cesar Azpilicueta has been one of Chelsea’s best performers under Tuchel, with the Spaniard often leading by example.
However, on Saturday, he struggled.
Azpilicueta usually stays on his feet, using his experience to read situations and rarely getting his timing wrong.
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But he was too easily fooled by Minamino, who was always going to move the ball onto his favoured right foot.
It was a bad day at the office for the Chelsea captain and he’ll be looking to fare better next time out.
Mateo Kovacic
In the first half, Mateo Kovacic was in cruise control.
But, as Southampton grew in stature across the course of the 90 minutes, he lost that control of the midfield area.
Southampton duo James Ward-Prowse and Oriol Romeu both outmuscled him and it was no surprise to see his number come up.
Chelsea were never going to hook N’Golo Kante.
So it was left to the Croatia international to be the fall guy instead, with Jorginho subbed on in his place.
Tammy Abraham
Starting up top was Tammy Abraham.
However, the England international was a subdued figure throughout the contest and, like with Kovacic, his substitution was understandable.
Abraham has to score more regularly if he’s to be regarded as one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
And that Tuchel chose to hook him, despite his side needing a goal, speaks volumes.
Timo Werner wasn’t at his best, either, but Abraham - as the club’s main centre-forward - has to do more.