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Chelsea 0 Southampton 0
by Amar Azam
at Stamford Bridge
CHELSEA manager Maurizio Sarri admitted his team needed to learn how to kill teams off after a frustrating goalless draw against Southampton on Wednesday night.
The result provided the relegation-threatened Saints with a much-needed point as manager Ralph Hasenhuttl looks to steer his side from the drop zone. They have picked up seven points in his six matches since taking over from Mark Hughes.
Meanwhile, Sarri was left to ponder on a team display which again showed the lack of cutting edge.
“We have to solve the problems in the last 15 or 20 metres,” said the Italian. “In the last matches we have been in control, everywhere and against every team.
“In this moment it is not easy to score the first goal. The performance was good.”
The news that they have secured the services of Christian Pulisic, the talented Borussia Dortmund frontman, would have been welcomed. However, the United States international won’t feature for the Blues until the beginning of next season. On the evidence of another wayward performance from the Spanish striker Alvaro Morata, in for the injured Olivier Giroud, a change cannot come soon enough.
The first half failed to provide any fireworks. There were numerous occasions when Chelsea fans barely stifled their groans of frustration.
Brazilian winger Willian trudged off with an injury, joining Spaniard Pedro on the sidelines as Sarri contends with a mounting injury list.
Things did not improve much after the break despite the home side dominating possession.
Southampton boss Hasenhuttl was left praising the performance of goalkeeper Angus Gunn, who was making his Premier League debut and helped his side secure their first clean sheet under the Austrian.
Hasenhuttl added: “The main thing is the first clean sheet since I came here, that is maybe also because Gunn was in goal for the first time and he did a fantastic job.”
Chelsea head into Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie against Nottingham Forest, with Southampton also facing Championship opposition, when they travel to Derby County.
