A terrible back pass by the midfielder led to a Rodriguez goal in under 20 seconds.
Early goals have been a theme in the Premier League this season and there was another first minute strike as Jay Rodriguez gave Southampton the lead at Chelsea.
The England international latched onto an awful back pass from Blues midfielder Michael Essien and slotted the ball easily past Petr Cech.
It’s Essien’s first start of the season since returning to Stamford Bridge following a loan spell with Real Madrid and the Ghana international certainly looks rusty.
Jose Mourinho has struggled to find a decent central midfield partnership, with Ramires the only player truly impressing in the position this term.
Twitter was of course less than kind to Essien after the 31-year-old’s gaffe:
What a ball from Essien.
— Renato (@th14Renato) December 1, 2013
Cheers for that michael essien #jrod
— Matt Le Tissier (@mattletiss7) December 1, 2013
Cracking through ball from Essien. Defence splitting stuff.
— Tim Stillman (@LittleDutchVA) December 1, 2013
I think it’s about time we let Essien go in January! He just not the Bison he once was! He doesn’t play enough and is considered deadwood!
— Chris (@chrismada9) December 1, 2013
I knew Pochettino was good, but didn’t realize he could telepathically control opposing players. @chelseafc @SouthhamptonFC @acjimbo #Essien
— Marat Ryndin (@MaratRyndin) December 1, 2013
It certainly seemed an odd choice to start Essien for the first time in this high profile match with in form Saints and the gamble has not paid off.
The home fans may be a little more pleased that Juan Mata was included in the starting XI however, as the manager is finally giving the Spaniard a chance.
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