Chelsea v Southampton LIVE: Result and reaction as Blues hammer Saints in Premier League | OneFootball

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We can’t solely rely on Cole Palmer - Maresca

Chelsea climbed back into the Premier League's top four with a straightforward 4-0 win against Southampton at Stamford Bridge that edged the visitors a step nearer to relegation.

Around 200 home supporters gathered outside the ground with banners and smoke flares ahead of kick-off to voice opposition to the club's ownership but tensions were eased, temporarily perhaps, as Enzo Maresca's team scored three in the first half to win for only the third time in 11 in the league.

Christopher Nkunku netted his 14th of the season in all competitions, Pedro Neto scored a rare but needed goal in his personal quest for confidence and Levi Colwill headed a third. Marc Cucurella's finish from Tyrique George's cutback completed the rout.

If there was a negative it was that Cole Palmer failed to end what is now a seven-game run without a goal and in doing so missed a glut of presentable chances.