The Blues lost their second game in five at the hands of Southampton, who rallied after going a goal behind to win 2-1
Raheem Sterling’s third goal in two matches wasn’t enough to see Chelsea through against a determined Southampton side that rallied from behind to overturn the deficit – and took the points at St Mary’s.
The Englishman put the Blues ahead in the 23rd minute. His initial attempt to get to the end of a Mason Mount pass was blocked, but he picked up the loose ball and squeezed it through the tiniest of gaps in the Saints’ defence to put his side on top.
However, the visitors’ lead lasted just five minutes. At the other end, youngster Romeo Lavia, whom Southampton picked up from Manchester City this summer, blasted the ball past Edouard Mendy from outside the box for his first professional goal, bringing his team level.
Things were to turn worse for Chelsea. Just before the interval, a quick break by the hosts left the Blues disoriented – and Romain Perraud’s pass into the centre of the box was converted into a goal by Adam Armstrong. Saints stood firm amid the Chelsea onslaught in the second half to seal the points.
At Elland Road, Anthony Gordon gave a desperate Everton the lead in the 17th minute, taking a pass from Alex Iwobi in his stride and squeezing it through the legs of Illan Meslier.
Everton were left to rue missed chances, however, when Luis Sinisterra scored his first Premier League goal 10 minutes after the break – a near-post strike from outside the box – to ensure that the spoils were shared.
In London, Crystal Palace took the lead just before the hour mark against Brentford courtesy of talisman Wilfried Zaha’s sensational curling effort from just beyond the penalty box.
Nonetheless, the Bees stung the Eagles two minutes from full-time when Vitaly Janelt’s cross was headed in from close range by Yoane Wissa.
Meanwhile, Fulham beat the in-form Brighton at the Craven Cottage, thanks to two early second-half goals – first from Aleksandar Mitrovic and then an own-goal by Lewis Dunk. Brighton pulled one back through Alexis Mac Allister, but their comeback fell short, handing them their first loss of the campaign.
