Chelsea moved back into the top four by ending their three-match losing run with an emphatic win over the Premier League's bottom club Southampton at Stamford Bridge. Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring for the Blues in the 24th minute when he headed in Tosin Adarabioyo's flick-on following a corner.

Enzo Maresca has urged Chelsea fans to trust that the club is heading in the right direction under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, following Tuesday night’s protests against the ownership. A group of around 200 supporters voiced noisy disapproval at BlueCo’s stewardship ahead of the Chelsea’s 4-0 victory over Southampton at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea news as Cole Palmer challenged with biggest hurdle yet since joining but it will strengthen Enzo Maresca even if dry run continues

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has offered a defence of Cole Palmer as he goes through a difficult spell while praising a “fantastic” option he has found for the false 9 role at Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Maresca said he was pleased with Christopher Nkunku’s performance in Chelsea’s win over Southampton, but still ‘expects more’ from the attacker going forward. Chelsea put four unanswered goals past the Premier League’s bottom-placed team to end their three-game winless run and move back into the top four.