Half-time: Chelsea 1 Southampton 1

Willian’s early free-kick was cancelled out by Steven Davis’s excellent strike as Southampton battled back at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea went in front on 10 minutes when Willian floated the ball beyond the massed ranks inside the box and the flailing keeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

It was the Brazilian’s fourth goal of the season, all from set-pieces, and bore a striking resemblance to his strike against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Champions League.

Chelsea, with captain John Terry recalled to the defence, showed high energy levels from the off and pressed Southampton high up the field.

Oscar and Fabregas produced intricate work on the left-hand edge of the box but the Brazilian’s attempted scoop was plucked out of the air by Stekelenburg.

But Southampton gradually worked their way into the match and referee Bobby Madley denied Southampton appeals for a penalty when Sadio Mane appeared to be tripped by Ramires.

Shortly afterwards, the Saints winger was booked for diving after going over Branislav Ivanovic’s leg just outside the box.

Chelsea were grateful to Asmir Begovic for preserving their lead, as he blocked at his near post to deny former Blues left-back Ryan Bertrand.

But Begovic was left helpless by Davis’s strike from distance as he latched on to Graziano Pelle’s knock down.