In the last seconds of the first half, Ward-Prowse scored the game's lone goal by looping a shot from the edge of the penalty area over the Chelsea wall and into the corner. Chelsea currently has two victories in their past 14 games in all competitions as a consequence of the outcome.

Southampton, who is now without a manager, will be hoping it will serve as a catalyst for their efforts to climb out of the bottom two. Before Ward-goal, Prowse's the visitors had an outstanding start in west London and twice came within inches of scoring. Kamaldeen Sulemana shot straight at Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Kalidou Koulibaly then stopped Stuart Armstrong's follow-up attempt. When Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta was hurt late in the second half after being hit in the face by Southampton replacement Sekou Mara, there was a protracted pause in play.