Chelsea player ratings vs Southampton: Three 8/10s but Palmer struggles as Blues run riot

Chelsea ended a run of three successive defeats with a convincing win over bottom club Southampton on Tuesday night.

An impressive first-half display from the Blues ended the game as a contest and the visitors never looked like scoring after the break.

There was a strange atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge early on following a protest against the club's American ownership before kick-off.

Tensions were bubbling after the first 20 minutes passed without a goal, but Christopher Nkunku settled the nerves with a stooping header to give Chelsea the lead.

Pedro Neto slammed a powerful strike past Aaron Ramsdale to double their lead before Levi Colwill rose highest to head home just before the interval.

A late fourth arrived courtesy of Marc Cucurella, who found the bottom corner with a strong finish across goal to put the cherry on the cake.

Express Sport brings you the Chelsea player ratings from tonight's big win...

Filip Jorgensen - 6

Sparked jeers from the home crowd by taking too long to play the ball early on. Pulled off a fine stop to deny Paul Onuachu a point-blank header. Did not have much else to do and came away with a clean sheet.

Malo Gusto - 6

Struggled with the accuracy of his crossing and one-on-one defending in the first half. Improved after the break, getting more involved in the play and putting in some good tackles. Not bad.

Tosin Adarabioyo - 7

Used his physicality to win the ball in key areas and stop Southampton from hitting on the break. Rose highest to flick on for Nkunku to open the scoring. A strong display at both ends of the pitch.

Levi Colwill - 7

Looked assured at the back despite not being tested a great deal. Moved the ball well to help Chelsea build attacks from deep. Got himself on the scoresheet with a bullet header minutes before the break.

Marc Cucurella - 7

Worked tirelessly to help out in attack and defence. Was involved in the build-up to Chelsea's second goal after pouncing on a loose ball. Got in on the act himself with a smart finish across goal in the closing stages.

Enzo Fernandez - 8

Worked hard to make things happen in the final third with some fine passes into the box. Tracked back well to help out in defence when required. The heartbeat of the team.

Moises Caicedo - 6

Helped to keep things ticking in the middle of the park with his accurate passing. Did much of the dirty work that often goes unnoticed. Booked for a foul on Matheus Fernandes in the second half.

Pedro Neto - 8

Doubled his side's advantage with a powerful strike before half-time, making an impressive run to find the space. Sent a delicious chip into the box to set up Chelsea's third goal minutes later. A good display.

Cole Palmer - 6

Struggled to get going, losing the ball with a few misplaced passes early on. Missed two golden chances to score from close range before the break. Saw plenty of action but lacked the end product he has shown for much of the campaign.

Jadon Sancho - 7

Looked lively throughout, using his quick feet to get himself into crossing positions. Showed good awareness in finding space and picking out his team-mates in the final third. A very encouraging performance.

Christopher Nkunku - 8

Showed his poacher's instinct by stooping down low to head home for Chelsea's opener. Turned provider to grab an assist for Neto's goal before half-time. Posed a constant threat and was unlucky not to add to his tally in the second half.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - 6

Did his job by keeping things moving along nicely in the middle of the pitch.

Tyrique George - 7

Looked lively when he came on and was rewarded with an assist, setting up Cucurella for his side's fourth of the night.

Josh Acheampong - 6

Was introduced for the final 10 minutes and did okay without setting the world alight.

Mathis Amougou - 6

Looked a bit nervous on his Premier League debut but had a few nice touches.

Shim Mheuka - n/a

Another league debutant who came on for the last few minutes.