Graham Potter, the Chelsea manager, saw his side suffer a humiliating defeat to Premier League strugglers Southampton.
Graham Potter will be carrying the weight of the world after his Chelsea side lost 1-0 at home to Premier League bottom club Southampton on Saturday.
The difference was made by James Ward-free-kick, Prowse’s which he curled home in trademark style just before halftime. Despite having plenty of time to at least draw level, Chelsea simply could not find an answer.
The hosts started slowly and would have been behind after three minutes if Kepa Arrizabalaga hadn’t made a brilliant double save.
Southampton built on their strong start when set-piece wizard Ward-Prowse ruthlessly punished a naive foul from Cesar Azpilicueta right on the edge of his own box – a cardinal sin when the Southampton captain is present.
Chelsea launched a second-half onslaught led by substitute Raheem Sterling, but they were thwarted by incredible last-ditch defending and excellent goalkeeping.
Despite being at rock bottom, the Saints have now beaten the Blues twice this season. Chelsea has entered crisis mode as a result of the defeat, and it remains to be seen whether Potter can weather the storm.
Potter would have seen this game as a watershed moment for his struggling side: a home game against the Premier League’s bottom club, with more players returning from injury and a slew of new signings available. It was all set up perfectly.
After 90 minutes, the head coach and his players have been humiliated by Southampton, outplayed for long stretches, disjointed and blunt in attack – as has been the case in each of their previous five matches in all competitions.
Resting key players like Reece James and Thiago Silva will be questioned, but Chelsea hasn’t been fluent when those key players have started.