Raheem Sterling Chelsea 2022-23Getty Images

Chelsea player ratings: Stellar Raheem Sterling not enough to rescue Blues from Southampton humiliation

James Ward-Prowse's first-half free-kick consigned Chelsea to a humbling 1-0 defeat to bottom club Southampton on Saturday.

There was an air of inevitability as the set-piece dead-eye stepped up to strike the ball after Cesar Azpilicueta foolishly fouled his man on the edge of the box on the stroke of half-time, and he made no mistake.

Chelsea launched a second-half onslaught and Raheem Sterling saw two efforts cleared off the line, but the hosts could not muster an equaliser.

Here are GOAL's Chelsea player ratings from Stamford Bridge...

  • Benoit Badiashile Kamaldeen Sulemana Chelsea Southampton 2022-23Getty Images

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Kepa Arrizabalaga (6/10):

    Called into action very early but made a strong double save. Given no chance by Ward-Prowse for the winner.

    Cesar Azpilicueta (5/10):

    Committed the cardinal sin of giving a foul away on the edge of the box against Saints and brutally punished by Ward-Prowse. Should know so much better. Took a very nasty blow to the face late on and required lengthy treatment from paramedics.

    Kalidou Koulibaly (5/10):

    Walked a disciplinary tightrope after a very early yellow and subsequently hooked at half-time.

    Benoit Badiashile (6/10):

    Could have been punished for an early error but recovered and was staunch again.

    Ben Chilwell (5/10):

    Given a rough ride by the towering Paul Onuachu and unable to provide attacking thrust.

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  • Chelsea's Joao Felix attempts to hold of Southampton defenders 2022-23Getty Images

    Midfield

    Enzo Fernandez (6/10):

    Another metronomic performance, but could do more in an attacking sense if we're being harsh.

    Mateo Kovacic (5/10):

    Unable to bring his usual busyness and energy to the game on his return from injury. Became frustrated and talked himself into a yellow.

    Joao Felix (6/10):

    Always looked to get on the ball between the lines but afforded little space by Saints.

  • Noni Madueke battles for possession in Chelsea's loss to Southampton 2022-23Getty Images

    Attack

    Noni Madueke (6/10):

    Another sprightly performance and was Chelsea's most threatening player but eventually faded.

    David Datro Fofana (6/10):

    Toiled and had some good moments, but not much came off for him. Hooked at the break.

    Mason Mount (5/10):

    Worked hard but on the fringes of the game and missed a decent headed chance.

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  • Raheem Sterling 2022-23Getty

    Subs & Manager

    Raheem Sterling (7/10):

    His introduction made a huge difference and he came so close to scoring twice, denied by some last-ditch Southampton defending.

    Wesley Fofana (7/10):

    Looked uber confident on his return from injury and signs of a good partnership with his compatriot Badiashile.

    Kai Havertz (6/10):

    Twice looked to be the provider for Sterling but really, REALLY should have shot on one such occasion.

    Mykhailo Mudryk (5/10):

    Didn't look confident with his ball carries and lashed a late volley wide.

    Trevoh Chalobah (N/A):

    On late for the stricken Azpilicueta.

    Conor Gallagher (6/10):

    Forced a late save but should have scored from the angle.

    Graham Potter (4/10):

    He chose to rest some of his star players and that backfired here. Chelsea not only failed to win a must-win game, they were beaten by the weakest side in the league on paper. Simply not good enough.

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