Chelsea 4-2 Southampton - FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED: Eden Hazard shows his value and Saints have ready-made replacement for Virgil van Dijk
- Eden Hazard was restored to Chelsea's starting line-up and opened the scoring
- Emergence of Jack Stephens could influence decision on Virgil van Dijk's future
- Gary Cahill's first-half strike was the Chelsea defender's 26th top-flight goal
Diego Costa ended his lean streak with a double as Premier League leaders Chelsea beat Southampton 4-2 to restore their seven-point advantage over Tottenham.
Cesc Fabregas, Costa and Eden Hazard were substitutes in last Saturday's FA Cup semi-final win over Spurs, largely because of the proximity of this fixture.
And all three were instrumental as Antonio Conte's side moved within 12 points of the title with five games remaining.
Sportsmail's SAMI MOKBEL highlights five things we learned from Tuesday's clash.
Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa and Eden Hazard combined for Chelsea's first goal
Eden Hazard continues his rich vein of form
Eden Hazard insists talks over a new Chelsea deal will not commence until the end of the season.
The Belgian is a big money target for Real Madrid this summer but the Blues are desperate to keep their brilliant forward and are likely to offer him a improved deal.
However, Hazard said: 'There is no sign of a new contract for the moment. I am focused on the last month, and we will talk later. It's not in my mind now. I have three years left. I just want to finish the season well and we will see afterwards.'
Professional Footballers' Association player of the year Ngolo Kante showed his brilliance
Influential Ngolo Kante heading for the Double
Having picked up the PFA Player of the Year award at Sunday's glitzy award bash, N'Golo Kante is surely heading for the Double.
He'll be the leading contender for the Football Writers Association Player of the Year, which will be revealed next month.
He is, of course, on for the more important Premier League and FA Cup double after Tuesday night's result.
Southampton look to have a ready-made replacement for Virgil van Dijk in Jack Stephens
Jack Stephens can step in if Virgil van Dijk leaves
You wonder if the emergence of Southampton centre back Jack Stephens will influence the club's decision over Virgil van Dijk this summer.
The young defender has impressed, stepping into the breach during Van Dijk's enforced absence through injury.
Southampton will be keen to keep their prized asset despite concrete interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal, but in Stephens they look to have a ready-made replacement.
Marcos Alonso headed the ball across goal and Gary Cahill rose to head in the second
Defender Gary Cahill takes his goal tally to 26
The only defender to have scored more Premier League goals, excluding penalties, than Gary Cahill is team-mate and Chelsea captain John Terry.
Cahill's late first half goal was his 26th top-flight career goal, 14 behind Terry who has scored 40.
He's scored 12 for Chelsea, 13 for Bolton and one for Aston Villa. At 31, he's got plenty of time to try to reach Terry's mark.
Chelsea's first three shots on target all ended up in the back of the net against Southampton
Sharp shooters Chelsea score seven goals from eight attempts
How about for this for efficiency: Chelsea's first three shots on target all ended up in the back of the net.
Similarly, Chelsea had five shots on target during the entirety of Saturday's FA Cup win over Tottenham and scored four.
Manager Antonio Conte must run some mean coaching drills back at the club's Cobham HQ.
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