1-0 VICTORY FOR SOUTHAMPTON THANKS TO A WARD-PROWSE FREE-KICK GOAL IN A GOAL-SHY MATCH AGAINST CHELSEA

In a gritty 1-0 Premier League victory at Chelsea on Saturday, a signature James Ward-Prowse free-kick gave bottom-dwelling Southampton a crucial three points and increased pressure on home coach Graham Potter.

In the 45th minute, goalkeeper Kepa was left scrambling after Chelsea captain César Azpilicueta fouled Stuart Armstrong just outside the penalty area. Ward-Prowse then curled a free kick over the wall and into the right side of the net.

After taking a kick to the head during a goalmouth brawl in the second half, Azpilicueta required close to 10 minutes of on-field medical attention. Both clubs’ physiotherapists raced to help, and the Spaniard was eventually taken away on a stretcher.

When Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz entered the game in the second half, Chelsea, which has only scored four goals in ten games across all competitions since the beginning of the year, appeared more energized and put pressure on Southampton’s defense.

The Blues failed to score against the south-coast squad coached by interim coach Ruben Selles after Nathan Jones was fired a week ago, despite spending nearly 300 million pounds ($361.05 million) in the January transfer window.

With 31 points from 23 games, Chelsea is mired in 10th place and 10 points below the top four. With 18 points, Southampton is three points outside of the safety zone.