Chelsea win against Southampton 3-1 to top Premier League

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Chelsea beat a 10-man Southampton squad 3-1 in a rain-drenched English Premier League match Saturday at London's Stamford Bridge to lead the division.

Trevoh Chalobah scored an early opener for Chelsea in the ninth minute with a header in the far post.

But Southampton pulled level in the 61st minute as James Ward-Prowse converted a penalty successfully. The penalty kick was awarded after Ben Chilwell's foul on Tino Livramento.

In minute 77, Southampton's Ward-Prowse was shown a red card for his tackle on midfielder Jorginho after a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) review.

Chelsea made it 2-1 in the 84th minute when Timo Werner made a close range finish, scoring the winning goal for the London club. Cesar Azpilicueta assisted with a low cross.

In the 89th minute, Chilwell stroked a left-footed volley that was parried by Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy. But the Premier League's goal decision system said Chilwell's shot crossed the goal line, which meant it was another Chelsea goal.

Chelsea secured the victory thanks to late goals.

The Blues are in the Premier League's top spot with 16 points in seven matches.

Second-place Liverpool have 14 points but Jurgen Klopp’s men will face the stiffest of challenges as they are set to host defending champions Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.​​​​​​​