Chelsea's hopes of moving into second place in the Premiership were dashed as struggling Southampton beat them by the only goal of the match at the Dell.

The result severely dents the London side's title hopes - they have already lost six times this season - and means they gained just one point over the Christmas period.

It means that with second-placed Blackburn drawing at the weekend, Manchester United have not been fully punished for their lapse in losing to Coventry.

Chelsea remain third in the Premiership, seven points behind the leaders, Manchester United.

Southampton climb three places to 13th.

Two offside decisions could have turned the match. Southampton's goal resulted from a pass to Carlton Palmer that seemed to put three of their players offside.

The decisive goal

With the Chelsea defence looking to the linesman, the former England midfielder crossed low to the near post. Frank Sinclair looked favourite to clear the ball, but Davies just got his foot to the ball to force home his 11th goal of the season.

Chelsea were again unhappy when they had a second-half equaliser ruled out - Mark Hughes found the net with an unstoppable volley from a Gianfranco Zola cross, but was denied by another tight offside decision.

Apart from the goal, the first half was poor - with Chelsea looking a long way short of Championship material. Southampton worked hard to deny them space and had chances to go further ahead.

Chelsea picked up the pace at the start of the second period. They dominated possession, but were thwarted time and again by Palmer, who was voted man of the match by television viewers.

When Chelsea did fashion an opening their aim was off.

Chelsea Manager, Ruud Gullit, substituted Tore Andre Flo for Dan Petrescu, with Zola moving out to the right, and Mark Nicholls for Danny Granville. It almost did the trick - Flo had a goalbound effort blocked by Southampton keeper Paul Jones's outstretched leg, then headed over from Zola when he should have done far better.

Chelsea created numerous chances as the match drew to a close, but Southampton stood firm and might have extended their lead.
 

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