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Chelsea dropped two points in their bid for a Champions League return as Southampton saw out a stalemate at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\nChelsea dropped two points in their bid for a Champions League return as Southampton saw out a stalemate at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n
Eden Hazard was twice denied by Saints goalkeeper Angus Gunn and Alvaro Morata had a strike ruled out for offside as the Blues\u2019 lack of attacking precision was evident once more in the goalless draw.<\/p>\n
Chelsea reached the turn of the year in fourth place, five points clear of Arsenal, but the Gunners\u2019 win over Fulham on New Year\u2019s Day, plus the stubbornness of relegation-threatened Saints, cut their advantage to three points.<\/p>\n
One of Southampton\u2019s eight changes following the loss to Manchester City came in goal, where Gunn replaced Alex McCarthy to make his Premier League debut.<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old used his head to repel Chelsea\u2019s best chance of the first half, after Antonio Rudiger\u2019s lofted ball had found Hazard.<\/p>\n
Hazard struck a bouncing ball from point-blank range, with Gunn making the save at the near post.<\/p>\n
That chance came after 34 minutes and even prior to that it had looked like the direct route would be most profitable for the hosts.<\/p>\n
Cesar Azpilicueta\u2019s pass was just glanced on by Alvaro Morata, who came in for the injured Olivier Giroud as Chelsea\u2019s sole change following last Sunday\u2019s win at Crystal Palace.<\/p>\n
Saints were proving stubborn opponents, content to play on the break, with Danny Ings heading over a Cedric Soares cross after 15 minutes.<\/p>\n
Saints\u2019 play was robust, with Oriol Romeu requiring treatment for a cut head and Jan Bednarek booked for a cynical foul on Morata.<\/p>\n
Willian was then clattered by Maya Yoshida and with Pedro and Callum Hudson-Odoi already injured on the sidelines, Maurizio Sarri was taking no chances. The Brazilian was replaced by Ruben Loftus-Cheek.<\/p>\n
Chelsea had a further opportunity before the break, which concluded when Ross Barkley found Morata but the striker\u2019s poor shot was blocked by Yan Valery for a corner.<\/p>\n
Shane Long replaced Ings at half-time for Southampton, who went close when Stuart Armstrong had a shot turned around the post by Kepa Arrizabalaga.<\/p>\n
Saints appeared more confident in the second half, but they also had to be on their guard.<\/p>\n
Hazard was denied by Gunn again after 58 minutes. The Belgian cut in from the left and fired at the goalkeeper, who palmed the ball away.<\/p>\n
With Chelsea needing more creativity, Cesc Fabregas came on. Instead of replacing Jorginho, he came on alongside him, replacing Barkley to play in a more advanced role for the former Arsenal midfielder\u2019s 500th appearance in English football.<\/p>\n
Fabregas thought he had unlocked the Saints defense within moments of his introduction.<\/p>\n
He found Morata, who netted after 70 minutes, but the strike was ruled out for offside with replays suggesting the call was marginal.<\/p>\n
The midfielder again was the creator as Chelsea \u2013 and Morata \u2013 came close once more.<\/p>\n
The Spaniard threaded a pass to Loftus-Cheek, who cut inside and fed Morata but The striker\u2019s shot was unconvincing and straight at Gunn.<\/p>\n
Hazard then found Fabregas, but Saints crowded out any shooting opportunity and cleared.<\/p>\n
Marcos Alonso fell in the penalty area in stoppage time, more in desperation than expectation of a spot-kick, and then had a shot saved by Gunn as Saints held on to leave Chelsea frustrated and take away a valuable point.<\/p>\n