Player Ratings: Southampton 2-1 Chelsea | Premier League

Inconsistency reared its ugly head again as Chelsea slumped to a 1-2 reverse against Southampton at St. Marys on Tuesday evening.

Yet again the Pensioners wilted at the first and earliest possible inconvenience they faced, shooting themselves in the foot and folding under pressure thereafter to find themselves deservedly and roundly beaten by a Saints side not really fancied to get anything out of a match against such star-studded, expensive opposition.

Clear-cut chances were at a premium until the game sparked into life midway through the first period. Raheem Sterling showed supreme composure to turn and caress the ball home in the 23rd minute during a mad defensive scramble from the Saints, yet the lead lasted all of five minutes before Romeo Lavia rifled in a shot that was too hot for Edouard Mendy to handle.

Thomas Tuchel admitted his side had been fortunate in the win against Leicester City on Saturday and the German will no doubt have been wishing for some of that luck to fall his way again, with the hosts taking the lead on the stroke of half-time through a deflected Adam Armstrong attempt.

Any prospect of an onslaught by the visitors in order to get back on terms was however fanciful. Gavin Bazunu was scarcely tested in between the stick and Ralph Hassenhutl's men were full value to extend their lead, if anything, with only a backheel goal-line clearance from Thiago Silva denying that becoming a reality.

Another lacklustre and laboured showing compounds Chelsea's indifferent start to the Premier League season, with much improvement needed before London rivals West Ham United visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday. In the interim, here is how Absolute Chelsea rated the Blues’ mediocre performance vs Southampton.

Edouard Mendy - 5/10

Another game and another occasion where conversations are had over the Senegalese giant's performance. A stronger hand to Romeo Lavia's admittedly powerful drive would not have gone amiss.

Cesar Azpilicueta - 3/10 [66]

His 450th appearance for the Pensioners, but not one of his best. Conceded an unnecessary corner, failed to clear it from danger properly and the Blues paid the price. Completely lost his man for the Saints' second, too. The landmark should be commended, the performance sadly cannot.

Thiago Silva - 6/10

Fresh off the back of a typically remarkable performance against Brendan Rodgers' Foxes outfit, it seems succession plans are in the offing for O Monstro already - even when he seems to be the only competent defender in royal blue more often that none. It was a similar tale here, although one can't help but feel a large part of Chelsea's laboured build up was down to the a lack of urgency from the Brazilian.

Kalidou Koulibaly - 4/10

A pretty naive showing from the experienced defender, all things considered. Too slow to close down Lavia's strike from distance while getting himself in a twist, and he was suckered into following Che Adams' dummy run for Southampton's second.

Marc Cucurella - 5/10

Chelsea's new steward Todd Boehly went the hard yards to bring in the Spaniard and he put in the hard yards in return, making a superb block early in the second half to deny a Southampton third that looked likely to kill off the contest. His offensive contribution was altogether more disappointing, never quite in tune with his colleagues and seemingly still finding his footing within Tuchel's patterns of play.

Jorginho - 3/10 [66]

About as useful as a chocolate fireguard in the middle of the park. Southampton's young and hungry personnel bypassed him at will and watching it happen was almost conducive to second-hand embarrassment, as was his little tirade as the half-time whistle rang out around St. Marys. Well established by now that the Italian needs to be protected by a back five to enable him, and this is the perfect evidence.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek - 4/10 [45]

Too slow, too static and too wasteful in the engine room - much like his dance partner, in fairness. Really must work on releasing the ball quicker and with greater accuracy, too.

Mason Mount - 6/10

Seemed up for the battle from the off against his boyhood clubs' rivals, creating a number of decent chances early on and registering an assist for Chelsea's first goal. Gave the ball away for the Hampshire club to take the lead, although there were plenty of mishaps that happened thereafter that should have stopped the ball hitting the back of Edouard Mendy's net to reduce his culpability.

Hakim Ziyech - 6/10

His Chelsea future is seemingly in the balance but the Morocco showed no real signs as such. Some lovely touches on display and some nice ideas to boot, albeit rarely coming to fruition.

Raheem Sterling - 7/10

Came in for effusive praise following his brace against Leicester City at the weekend and he was possibly the only one deserving of any element of praise here. While there were moments of profligacy in front of goal, his cool head and calm finish for the Chelsea opener shows he can be depended upon to shoulder a large proportion of the goalscoring burden for the Blues - and on the evidence of the season so far and seasons preceding, it will be needed.

Kai Havertz - 4/10 [66]

Too often found himself pushed out towards the touchline and unable to pose any meaningful threat whatsoever. His knack of being offside during promising build-ups is evolving beyond a mere annoyance into a disturbingly too common part of his game. Mercifully hooked after heading over a gilt-edged opportunity. Still, somewhat asking the former Leverkusen man to make water out of wine with the abysmal service he is receiving given the total void between Chelsea's defence and attack.

Bench

Mateo Kovacic - 6/10 [45]

Still unfit and having to be rushed back because his midfield peers just aren't up to the requisite standard on any given evening. Fared far better under the Southampton press than the two starters in the 'double six', but couldn't conjure up a pass to unlock the staunch Saints defence.

Ben Chilwell - 5/10 [66]

Another still bouncing back from injury, rarely found himself on a dangerous foray forward.

Armando Broja - 6/10 [66]

Looked more dangerous within a minute or two of his introduction than the man he replaced managed in 66. Proactive, positive and saw a header saved well late on. Should be getting more opportunities and minutes on this evidence.

Christian Pulisic - 5/10 [66]

Pigeon-holed into a wing-back role again upon his introduction, although your position doesn't preclude you from doing the basics right. Seemed easily frustrated and wrestled off the ball. One clever turn of pace aside, this was a non-starter.