Chelsea 4-2 Southampton: Blues stars rated and slated

14 David Luiz – 7 – A lack of communication at set-pieces annoyed his manager, but the Brazilian shined again at the heart of the Blues defence. Calm on the ball and always provided a reliable source of incisive passing 14 Cesc Fabregas – 7 – The assist king delivered again after teeing up Costa to secure some much needed breathing space. The Spaniard remains one of the league’s finest playmakers when he is given time and space to operate SUB – John Terry – N/A – Not enough time to make an impact 14 14 N’Golo Kante – 7 – The PFA Player of the Year was perhaps fortunate to escape a sending off for two separate late challenges. But the tireless midfielder showed off his running ability in a series of mazy solo dribbles Diego Costa – 8 – Marked his return to the starting line-up with a bang as he notched his 50th and 51st goals for Chelsea. Linked up beautifully with Hazard at times and showed his strength to head in Chelsea’s third of the night Thibaut Courtois – 6 – Could do little to stop Southampton’s goals, but his reluctance to catch the ball at set-pieces did little to settle Chelsea’s nerves. Needs to be more authoritative Marcos Alonso – 7 – The elegant fullback thrived as an attacking force and showed admirable determination aerially to set up Cahill. The former Fiorentina defender has proven to be one of the buys of the season 14 SUB – Pedro – 6 – Replaced Fabregas with a quarter of an hour left and set up Costa to score Chelsea’s fourth of the night 14 Cesar Azpilicueta – 7 – Looked electric at times when given the opportunity to attack space in behind. Has become Chelsea’s defensive leader and his experience should prove to be invaluable in the run-in 14 14 14 Nemanja Matic – 6 – The Serbian endured a more subdued evening following his FA Cup heroics at the weekend. Quietly went about his work without being spectacular Chelsea moved seven points clear at the top of the table after beating Southampton 4-2 at Stamford Bridge.Two goals from Diego Costa, as well as strikes from Eden Hazard and Gary Cahill, ensured Antonio Conte’s side avoided any potential slip-ups against the Saints, to pile the pressure on rivals Tottenham.The Blues will be eagerly watching the action at Selhurst Park tomorrow night, but will pat themselves on the back for a job well done.Click the right arrow, above, to see talkSPORT’s Chelsea player ratings for the Blues’ win over Southampton… 14 Gary Cahill – 7 – Scored a thumping header to give the Blues crucial momentum heading into half time. Looked back to himself despite suffering with illness in recent days 14 Victor Moses – 7 – Came out on top in his battle with Bertrand and continues to prove himself in a fullback role. Wasn’t afraid to get forward and coped well with a dynamic Saints attack 14 14 Eden Hazard – 8 – Chelsea’s key man looked in his element as he ran rings around his markers. Showed a clinical touch to put Chelsea ahead, but will feel he should have added more goals to his game 14 SUB – Willian – N/A – Not enough time to make an impact