Chelsea sink Saints to extend run

Mario Stanic and Chris Marsden contest possession

Chelsea 1-0 Southampton

Chelsea maintained their late charge for a place in Europe as Gustavo Poyet's goal gave them a hard-fought win over Southampton.

Chelsea's third successive Premiership victory lifts them to sixth in the table with a Champions League place in their sights.

In contrast, Southampton have now lost three matches on the trot, but they restored pride at Stamford Bridge with a committed display that pushed Chelsea all the way.

Zola is foiled by Bridges and Lundekvam

The Blues should have opened the scoring in the first minute.

A neat combination from the Italian pair of Sam Dalla Bona and Gianfranco Zola released Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

The Dutch international lifted the ball over Paul Jones, but Claus Lundekvam was on hand to hook the ball off the line.

Apart from Poyet's goal, that was the only highlight of a wholly undistinguished opening half.

We scored a lucky goal but the most important thing is the three points - the Champions League is a dream but we can do it

  Gustavo Poyet, Chelsea scorer

Southampton, still shell-shocked after Glenn Hoddle's departure, were content with containment; Chelsea were belying the form that has taken them back into Champions League contention.

However, they took the lead after 42 minutes after a rare piece of incisive attacking.

Graeme Le Saux's cross from the left was nodded down by Mario Melchiot, and Poyet, bursting into the box in trademark style, angled a half volley into the ground and over Jones into the net.

I can't ask any more from my players, they gave absolutely everything - unfortunately, Lady Luck was not with us

  Stuart Gray, Southampton manager

Chelsea came close to doubling that lead within a minute of the restart, but Dan Petrescu denied his former club with a headed clearance on the line to repel Marcel Desailly's header.

But the home side had a lucky escape at the other end after 50 minutes when James Beattie sent an excellent header crashing against the post with Carlo Cudicini rooted to his spot.

That was indicative of a more adventurous approach from the visitors in the second half, but Chelsea matched them with their own endeavour.

Wise is sent flying by Matt Oakley

They might have sealed the points 10 minutes from time when Poyet played Dennis Wise through, but the Chelsea captain was foiled by Jones, who turned his shot just around the post.

However, Poyet's solitary strike proved sufficient for Claudio Ranieri's side, who remain on course to finish a nightmare season on a high.

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Chelsea: Cudicini, Terry, Desailly, Melchiot, Le Saux, Dalla Bona, Poyet, Wise, Stanic, Hasselbaink, Zola.
Subs: de Goey, Babayaro, Jokanovic, Gudjohnsen, Gronkjaer.

Southampton: Jones, Dodd, Richards, Lundekvam, Bridge, Petrescu, Draper, Oakley, Tessem, Beattie, Davies.
Subs: Marsden, Rosler, Moss, El Khalej, Kachloul.

Referee: C Wilkes (Gloucester)