Hughes: It’s so difficult to stop Chelsea

Ross Barkley scored one and made one for Chelsea. [Picture: Adam Matthews/PA Wire]

Mark Hughes admitted his Southampton side were no match for Chelsea.

The Saints were beaten 3-0 at St Mary’s, where Maurizio Sarri’s men continued their fine start to the season.

Southampton did cause Chelsea some problems – Danny Ings missed a great chance to put them ahead – but they could not contain the likes of Eden Hazard and Ross Barkley, who both scored.

And former Chelsea player Hughes acknowledged how tough it is to stop the Blues when they are in full flow.

Hazard delivered for Chelsea again. [Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire]

“We were too passive, allowed them to get comfortable possession too often in our own half,” he said.

“We were able to create a good chance with Danny – clearly if we score first then it may well have been a different type of game for us.

“Credit to Chelsea, I thought they were excellent on the day, they look very strong, very assured in possession.

“With the talent they’ve got at the top end of the pitch, it’s difficult to contain them for 90 minutes.”