Four takeaways from Chelsea v Southampton : Onuachu, Madueke and Chukwuemeka

The duo of Southampton's Paul Onuachu and Chelsea's new kid on the block, Noni Madueke, were in action on Saturday evening as the west London side further lost ground in their desire to play European club football next season. 

 

Onuachu and Madueke were not on the scorers' chart as a James Ward-Prowse's brilliant free kick, his 17th in the Premier League, secured all three points for Southampton over Chelsea. 
 

All Nigeria Soccer presents the takeaways from the game in which Carney Chukwuemeka was not named by the faltering Chelsea side. 

 

1. Madueke's Efforts 

 

Madueke pressed high up the pitch which opened up spaces for the England Under-21 international of Nigerian descent and his fellow Chelsea forwards to attack the Saints. 

 

The former PSV star created two key goal scoring chances and had one shot on target in the duration of his stay on the pitch. 

 

Madueke's direct running was also important in how Chelsea played. He was replaced by Mykhailo Mudryk in the 63rd minute. 

 

 

2. Onuachu's aerial threat 

 

Former Genk of Belgium striker Paul Onuachu was a nightmare to the Chelsea backline with his aerial threat. The Nigerian won four of his aerial battles in the game., half of the aerial duels managed by the other Southampton players in action, which was also a game-high figure. 

 

The beanpole striker was subbed off in the second half just before the 60th minute of the match. 

 

Onuachu was lucky to come out of the game unscathed after an early foul on his thigh from Senegal and Chelsea cenral defender Kalidou Koulibaly. 

 

 

3. Madueke Over Mudryk 

 

The Nigeria-eligible forward, Noni Madueke was preferred over big money signing, Mykhailo Mudryk. 

 

Since the arrival of the Ukrainian, he has seemingly failed to glitter and could soon be labeled as a 'flop' unless he starts shining soon. 

 

In the mean time, Madueke has won the first team spot on the flanks at the expense of Mudryk despite being bought at a significantly lower transfer fee. 

 

 

4. Chukwuemeka's no-show, a worry? 

 

Carney Chukwuemeka was not featured in this game for all 90 minutes. 

 

The Anglo-Nigerian youngster was not even on the substitute bench, three days after he was a non-playing substitute versus Borussia Dortmund.  

 

With the return to first team places for a number of senior Chelsea squad members, it could be a big worry for the former Aston Villa player. 

 

Should the Blues have a fully strength team for Graham Potter to choose from, Chukwuemeka could find himself looking in from 'outside' for the rest of the season. 

 

                         

 Izuchukwu Michael

 

Photo Credit : southamptonfc.com

 

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