Southampton vs Chelsea
Saturday’s Premier League action kicked off down south, as Southampton played host to Chelsea.
The Blues headed into the tie looking to continue their fine start to life under Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea are undefeated in six outings under the German, winning five and drawing one in all competitions.
Such fine form also saw them move into the Champions League spots earlier this week, though they are still only above 6th by two points.
As a result, a win over the Saints was almost necessary to ensure they maintained a top-four spot this weekend.
And, on paper, a Chelsea win was widely expected. Southampton had a fine start to the campaign and even looked as though they could compete for a European spot.
However, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have since lost five league games on the bounce and slipped down to 13th place.
Minamino impressing
Despite Chelsea looking clear favourites for the game, though, it would be the home side who took the lead.
Chelsea would completely dominate the opening half-hour of the clash. But as has become something of a theme under Tuchel, they struggled to create any clear-cut chances, with their final ball often lacking.
And the Blues were eventually punished for this when Takumi Minamino ran through the center of Chelsea’s backline before sitting down Edouard Mendy and Cesar Azpilicueta to fire Southampton into the lead:
Takumi Minamino with an ice cool finish! ❄️
Despite all the Chelsea possession, Southampton take the lead at St Mary’s! 😇 pic.twitter.com/0ms95CCTpj
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 20, 2021
Said strike was Minamino’s second in just three league starts for Southampton since joining from Liverpool on loan.
And it has also promoted footballing fans to questions the Reds’ decision to loan out the Japanese star:
Why on earth did Liverpool loan out Minamino, better than Firmino
— Brendan (@01BG__) February 20, 2021
I’ll never understand why Liverpool got rid of Minamino instead Origi. Very strange decision.
— Ryan.🇧🇷 (@FavelaFIair) February 20, 2021
That was cool/composed finish from Minamino. Why did Liverpool loan him out?
— Rivaldos bicycleKick (@FCB1mrankhan) February 20, 2021
Not sure why Liverpool allowed Minamino to go out on loan, similar style of play to Firmino surely a good back up option to have at CF/out wide?
— Oscar (@OscarMarrio) February 20, 2021
What goal by minamino. Liverpool why oh why did y’all loan him out. Wow 😳
— yasir said (@PRINCE_YAZ) February 20, 2021
Why did Liverpool loan Minamino out he’s class
— LUFCliam🍥 (@LUFCliam_) February 20, 2021
Minamino is actually class when played why tf did Liverpool loan him
— AJ☔️ (@UtdEvolution) February 20, 2021
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Southampton vs ChelseaSaturday’s Premier League action kicked off down south, as Southampton played host to Chelsea.The Blues headed into the tie looking to continue their fine start to life under Thomas Tuchel.Chelsea are undefeated in six outings under the German, winning five and drawing one in all competitions.Such fine form also saw them move intoFootball (soccer) greatest goals and highlights | 101 Great Goals – Feed