Chelsea’s form in 2023:

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One win in 10 games for Graham Potter’s side.

James Ward-Prowse has now scored 17 direct free-kicks in the Premier League.

One behind David Beckham’s record.

Most direct free-kicks scored in Premier League history:

18 – David Beckham

17 – James Ward-Prowse

16

15

14

13

12 – Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Gianfranco Zola

ONE. MORE. SWING.

Premier League (PL) strugglers Southampton grabbed a stunning 1-0 victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, thanks to a deadly free-kick from James Ward-Prowse, recording a vital three points for just the second time in 12 league matches.

Both sides have endured substandard seasons so far, and whilst it is likely to end in a mid-table finish for Graham Potter’s Chelsea, it looks to be a dire situation for Southampton, who sacked manager Nathan Jones after a bizarre 94-day tenure in which he lost all but one game.

They went into their trip to Stamford Bridge as the PL’s bottom club, managed by interim boss Rubén Sellés, who has recently made clear his intentions to audition for the permanent role.

A serious head injury to César Azpilicueta led to 12 minutes of injury time, which gave the hosts a chance to find an equaliser, but Southampton defended fearlessly and saw out a famous win.

Noni Madueke’s game by numbers:

33 touches

7 duels won

3 fouls won

2 dribbles completed

2 chances created

1 shot

His first Premier League home start under his belt.

While not enough to lift them from the foot of the PL table, victory under Sellés will certainly be a boost to the Saints in both points tally and morale. Now with just three wins in his last 17 matches in all competitions at Chelsea, Potter may be fearing for his future as his team head to Tottenham Hotspur next weekend.

James Ward-Prowse’s game by numbers vs Chelsea:

60 touches

7 duels won

4 tackles made

4 interceptions

4 clearances

3 fouls won

3 crosses

2 chances created

1 goal

0.07 xG

Leading his side to a HUGE win.