Diego Costa was back among the goals as Chelsea beat Southampton 4-2 in a Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night to reestablish a seven-point lead over nearest challengers Tottenham Hotspur.
It took the Blues less than six minutes to open the scoring. The Southampton defenders were not quick in reacting and Costa provided an assist for Hazard to score.
Ex-Chelsea dynamo Oriol Romeu restored parity for the visitors on 24 minutes, he tapped the ball in after it was played into his path.
With almost the last action of the first half, Chelsea got their lead back courtesy of Gary Cahill’s firm header.
Chelsea began the second half well, refusing to allow Southampton ease things as they did in the first half, and were rewarded with a goal in the 53rd minute through Diego Costa, his 50th in the Premier League.
Nigeria international Victor Moses, on his 30th league appearance of the season, gave way for John Terry in the 86th minute after another solid display in the right back role.
Antonio Conte’s side increased their lead with one minute remaining. Costa danced his way through the defense before planting a firm right-footed effort past Forster.
Former Chelsea player Ryan Bertrand had the last word. He took a gamble and headed past Courtois after he was teed up by Cedric Soares.