Half-Time Report: Chelsea 2-1 Southampton… Timo Werner nets brace for Blues

Timo Werner put Chelsea two up with his first and second Premier League goals, giving his side a comfortable lead.

They were in complete control and Southampton’s goose looked well and truly cooked, but a late goal from Danny Ings gave them plenty of hope ahead of the second half.

Werner has opening goal disallowed for offside. The German thought he had his first Premier League goal after getting in-between the two Saints centre-halves to nod Ben Chilwell’s cross beyond Alex McCarthy, but the flag was correctly raised.

The Chelsea striker didn’t let that disallowed goal get him down, using his blistering pace to spin his marker after being fed down the line by Ben Chilwell before biding his time and smashing a finish past McCarthy.

He scored his second goal in the 28th minute. Jorginho sent a stunning, sweeping long ball over the top which split the Saints centre-halves and Timo Werner latched onto it, touched it over the onrushing McCarthy before nodding into an empty net.

Photo Credit: premierleague.com

Southampton boss promises to prolong his former player Timo Werner’s “unhappy” start to Premier League life

Ralph Hasenhuttl says Southampton will do everything possible to prolong the “unhappy” start to Premier League life for his former player Timo Werner.

Germany forward Werner is yet to register a top-flight goal in four appearances since joining Chelsea from RB Leipzig for around £47million.

Saints boss Hasenhuttl, who takes his side to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, signed the 24-year-old for Bundesliga club Leipzig in 2016 and revealed his one-time protege is only satisfied when he finds the net.

Hasenhuttl said: “I know this player very well. I had two fantastic years with him.

“We brought him in from Stuttgart for small money, if you want, because we knew the game we played in Leipzig was perfect for him.

“The first year was amazing. He scored massive goals, I think it was 24 in the first season in the Bundesliga and we were vice-champions (runners-up).

“It was a fantastic year, we both enjoyed it a lot. I have worked with a lot of players in my entire managing career – he is definitely one of the quickest I’ve ever worked with.

Ralph Hasenhuttl says Southampton will do everything possible to prolong the “unhappy” start to Premier League life for his former player Timo Werner.

Germany forward Werner is yet to register a top-flight goal in four appearances since joining Chelsea from RB Leipzig for around £47million.

Saints boss Hasenhuttl, who takes his side to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, signed the 24-year-old for Bundesliga club Leipzig in 2016 and revealed his one-time protege is only satisfied when he finds the net.

Hasenhuttl said: “I know this player very well. I had two fantastic years with him.

“We brought him in from Stuttgart for small money, if you want, because we knew the game we played in Leipzig was perfect for him.

“The first year was amazing. He scored massive goals, I think it was 24 in the first season in the Bundesliga and we were vice-champions (runners-up).

“It was a fantastic year, we both enjoyed it a lot. I have worked with a lot of players in my entire managing career – he is definitely one of the quickest I’ve ever worked with.

“He is really hard to defend, he has a fantastic finish. In the second year, it delivered more problems with some injuries.

“He is getting a more complete striker now, a better package. He learned a lot last season and is a fantastic signing for Chelsea.

“He’s only happy when he scores. Hopefully he’s unhappy after the game – we will do everything to keep him unhappy.”

Lampard gives injury update on Edouard Mendy

Frank Lampard confirmed Edouard Mendy will miss Chelsea’s game with Southampton today but refused to name Kepa as his replacement.

The Blues’ new stopper got injured on international duty with Senegal and will likely be out for two weeks.

But Lampard remained coy on who would take his place at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

Earlier today, Lampard said: “Mendy won’t be fit for the match tomorrow. We hope it won’t be too long.”

Quickly pressed on whether Spanish outcast Kepa or alternative back-up Willy Caballero would step in, Lampard kept his cards close to his chest.

He simply replied: “I’ll make that decision myself for tomorrow.”

Lampard tongue-lashes Chelsea stars on their return from international break

Frank Lampard welcomed his England stars back to Chelsea with a dressing down.

Three Lions rookie Reece James got a talking to for tarnishing his full debut with a sending off after the final whistle against Denmark.

And Tammy Abraham and Ben Chilwell were reminded of their responsibilities after flouting coronavirus rules at the start of the international break.

Abraham and Chilwell, both 23, apologised for breaking social-distancing rules when they were caught at a birthday party prior to reporting for England.

Chelsea’s players are tested for Covid-19 twice a week and the club does their utmost to avoid cross-contamination.

Lampard, 42, said: “We’ve lived in this bubble for quite a long time now and have to make sure we stay on point.

“The players also have a responsibility, as do the public, to follow the rules that we are being told, albeit there isn’t always massive clarity in them but that’s not an excuse for the lads.

“They’ve made mistakes, I’ve reminded them of their responsibilities and from the conversation, they were innocent mistakes. We move on and I expect it won’t happen again.”