Chelsea defeats Southampton 4-0, moves to fourth in Premier League

Chelsea achieved a commanding 4-0 victory over Southampton, securing their place in the Premier League's top four after a series of disappointing results. Goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella highlighted Chelsea's dominance, while Southampton's defeat marked their 22nd of the season, leaving them at the bottom of the table with only nine points. The win alleviated some pressure on Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who faced scrutiny following a streak of poor performances. Despite the victory, protests were held by frustrated fans against the club's ownership prior to the match. Chelsea's resurgence keeps their hopes alive for qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since 2022, while Southampton appears to be on a path towards relegation. The result also reflects the intense competition for European spots in the league, with only five points separating several teams in the standings.