Chelsea vs. Southampton 2015: Final score 1-1 in a game that deserved more goals

Chelsea failed to take full advantage of Manchester City dropping points and put the title race away for good, but given the volume of chances that Southampton had on Sunday, they did fairly well to draw 1-1 and pick up another point on their Premier League title rivals.

Diego Costa got the Blues on the board early, scoring his 18th goal of the season in the 11th minute. Branislav Ivanovic recorded the assist with a perfect cross towards the top of the six-yard box, which Costa headed past Fraser Forster, who was impossible to beat for the rest of the match.

Southampton fought back brilliantly and won a penalty in the 18th minute. Nemanja Matic thought he got the ball when he made a sliding challenge on Sadio Mane, but referee Mike Dean disagreed and gave a penalty. Thibaut Courtois got a piece of Dusan Tadic’s spot kick, but couldn’t keep the equalizer out.

The Saints were the better side for the rest of the half, but couldn’t make the most of their chances. Courtois was excellent, making three saves before the break.

Nemanja Matic was doing his best to get a second yellow card early in the second half, and was quickly yanked by Jose Mourinho in favor of Ramires. Somewhat surprisingly, Chelsea’s midfield didn’t lose control of the game as a result of this, and actually hit the post through Costa shortly after Ramires entered.

The Blues had the better chances for the rest of the match, but couldn’t convert. Cesc Fabregas played in Oscar in the 75th minute, but Forster came up with a big save. Then, in the 90th minute, Chelsea failed to score on three big chances on a corner. Forster made a stop on Willian, John Terry’s attempt on the rebound was blocked and then the Chelsea captain’s third effort sailed wide.

Goals: Costa (11’)

Southampton: Forster, Bertrand, Fonte, Alderweireld, Clyne, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Mane, Tadic (Djuricic 71’), Davis (Ward-Prowse 71’), Long (Pelle 83’)

Goals: Tadic (penalty 19’)