Skipper for the afternoon Branislav Ivanovic struck late on to secure a stunning come-from-behind victory for the Blues, though the Ghanaian full-back had to be hauled off
Guus Hiddink has hailed Chelsea's reaction after they completed a dramatic late turnaround to beat Southampton, though he had little sympathy for Baba Rahman after his first-half gaffe.
The Dutch coach, still unbeaten in the Premier League, saw his side fall behind just before the break as Rahman's poor defensive header was pounced on by Shane Long, who dinked the onrushing Thibaut Courtois.
The big-money summer signing from Augsburg was brought off at half-time and Chelsea subsequently dominated the second half, getting their reward when Cesc Fabregas's cross-cum-shot snuck past Fraser Forster.
That goal marked the first Forster had conceded in the league in 708 minutes, and there was a final twist in the tale in the 89th minute as Branislav Ivanovic headed home the winner from Willian's corner.
Hiddink, whose side have now gone 11 league games without defeat, told Sky Sports: "I think we started rather difficult in the first 20 minutes but then we got the composure and we got the control in the first half. I think we should have scored already with our dominance.
"They [Southampton] got a goal, a present from defence, so we got a setback.
"The team reacted very well, normally the defensive-orientated player, they always react in the spirit, but also what we emphasise on is the naturally gifted player, they must work also. They must do the dirty work in their positions and they're willing to do so.
"We got some results in draws [early in Hiddink's tenure] and that was necessary because the team lacked confidence.
"They've now started playing and we said 'hey we have to go not just in draws being unbeaten but also going into wins' and that's why we are very happy in Southampton because, if you see their record, it's impressive."
On the decision to take off Rahman, Hiddink explained: "When a defensive player makes an error then it's dangerous. He was taken off, that's the consequence sometimes. Sometimes you have to take decisions, young Kenedy came in and he did a rather good job."
- Goal