Saints stun Chelsea

Southampton took a surprise lead through Beattie

Chelsea 2-4 Southampton

Southampton came from behind to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and leave egg on the faces of Claudio Ranieri's title hopefuls.

Leading 2-1 at half-time, Chelsea looked to be cruising to a win that would see them keep in touch with the Premiership leaders.

This was a good performance against top, top players and we are proud of ourselves

Southampton manager Gordon Strachan

But Marian Pahars and Chris Marsden scored around the hour mark to give Southampton the lead - and James Beattie added a fourth on 73 minutes.

It was from a superb free-kick that Beattie had given Southampton a shock 1-0 after seven minutes.

Even then goals from Eidur Gudjohnsen and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink looked to have put Chelsea back in charge - but that control evaporated in the second-half.

Following Chelsea's impressive victory away at Newcastle on Saturday, this a defeat that continues a worrying pattern for Claudio Ranieri's side.

  Key moments

7mins: 0-1, James Beattie gives Southampton the lead.

20mins: 1-1, Gudjohnsen equalises for Chelsea.

45mins: 2-1, Hasselbaink gives Chelsea the lead.

53mins: 2-2, Marian Pahars equalises for Southampton.

63mins: 2-3, Chris Marsden restores Southampon's lead.

73mins: 2-4, Beattie grabs his second.

His side look capable of beating the very best, but so often struggle against lower-placed teams.

As in December, when Chelsea followed their win at Manchester United with a home defeat to Charlton, they again failed to capitalise on a fine result with a home win.

Early on it was Beattie who did most to suggest that Southampton did not see themselves as mere cannon fodder.

There looked no sign of danger for Chelsea when John Terry fouled Marian Pahars so far out.

But Beattie struck his free-kick over the wall with tremendous power and accuracy and it curled into the top corner.

It was only the sixth goal that Chelsea have conceded in their past 12 games.

Crazy football, crazy Chelsea

Claudio Ranieri
Chelsea manager

Ranieri's team drew level on 19 minutes from a Graeme Le Saux cross.

Hasselbaink's header was palmed away by Jones, but Gudjohnsen was on hand to put the ball into the net.

And on the stroke of half-time Gudjohnsen turned provider for Hasselbaink.

The Dutchman just held his run to beat the offside trap and finish with a flourish.

Hasselbaink scores as Dodd appeals for offside

But as Chelsea hit cruise control, Southampton stepped up the pressure - and nine minutes after the restart they levelled the game.

Chelsea appealed for a free-kick when Sam dalla Bona went sprawling but referee Eddie Wolstenholme waved play on.

Defender Paul Williams reacted first by immediately spraying a 40-yard pass into the path of Pahars.

The Latvian beat John Terry for pace and clipped his finish past Cudicini.

On 63 minutes Marsden headed home from a Paul Telfer corner and 10 minutes later Beattie completed the rout after he had been sent clear by Pahars.

Southampton are now three points clear of the relegation zone - while defeat for Chelsea leaves them in danger of losing touch with the leading pack.

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Chelsea: Cudicini, Melchiot, Terry, Gallas, Babayaro (Zola 67), Lampard, Stanic (Jokanovic 45), Dalla Bona (Forssell 84), Le Saux, Hasselbaink, Gudjohnsen. Subs Not Used: de Goey, Ferrer.

Booked: Le Saux, Terry.

Southampton: Jones, Dodd, Lundekvam, Williams, Bridge, Telfer, Delap, Svensson, Marsden, Pahars (Ormerod 82), Beattie. Subs Not Used: Moss, El Khalej, Petrescu, Fernandes. Booked: Dodd.

Att: 35,156

Ref: E Wolstenholme (Blackburn).