Chelsea moved into the Premier League's top four after a routine 2-0 win at Southampton, inflicting a second home defeat of 2016 onto the Saints.

Eden Hazard gave the Blues a fifth minute opener, which was against the passage of play before Diego Costa produced a fine finish to double the lead and secure the win.

It lifts the Blues into the top four and above London rivals Tottenham and they're now just a point off the Premier League summit.

Dan Levene takes a look at the five talking points to emerge from the win on the south coast.

Chelsea have finally reached a state of peak Conte...

Antonio Conte

Four games ago came the switch.

Antonio Conte more or less admitted that up to that point he had just been taking notes.

But, since half time in the crushing defeat to Arsenal, they have grown in ruthlessness – to a point, here at Southampton, where no other result ever really looked possible.

There was an accusation, early in this run, that the opposition being swept aside wasn't up to much.

And, in Hull and Leicester, that may have been fair.

But after that demolition job on Manchester United, and this controlled win over an otherwise tough to crack Southampton, it is clear to see the Blues' new boss is well and truly working his magic.

Chelsea hit Saints on the counter...

Diego Costa (C) celebrates scoring their second goal

Fans of the attacking game may have considered Chelsea did little else but score their goal in the first half.

But this was counter-attacking purity from Antonio Conte's side – the first time, in truth, that we have seen it from the Italian.

And it was both efficient and effective.

It could have done with a slightly sharper end when Blues got their chance – notably from Diego Costa, who found Fraser Forster's feet in a one-or one.

Though he did go on to make up for this with a superb second from the edge of the box.

But it showed this side's tactical versatility to full effect.

Nemanja Matic is back

Nemanja Matic of Chelsea (L) and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

Of Chelsea's many failing players last season, the decline in performance from Nemanja Matic was more pronounced than in almost any other.

He spent much of the season a passenger in games: seeming to flit through a series of emotions between mild trauma and apathy.

At his best, he can control a midfield, and we are starting to see that best again.

His list of assists in the Premier League is growing, ad he is once more showing his physical superiority when it comes to dictating play.

Chelsea almost lost the Serb in the summer. Credit to Conte for bringing him back from the brink.

Southampton kicked lumps out of Hazard

Eden Hazard (R) celebrates scoring the opening goal

If Matic's absenteeism was more pronounced last season than almost any other, then Eden Hazard is the one who trumped him on that.

In carrying Blues over the line for their title win two seasons back, expectation was great, and delivery was almost nought.

Those who remember those days when he was truly a Ballon d'Or contender will recall all opponents could do to stop him, was to kick him.

We saw that here again today.

Hazard had better get himself some ankle protection, because he's looking near his best right now.

Blues are on a roll...

Antonio Conte (L) celebrates with Thibaut Courtois

For the first time since April 2015, this was four wins in a row from Chelsea.

Back then, of course, Jose Mourinho's side were champions in waiting. Since, they have been anything but.

Always a hostage to fortune to call a return to form, but this looks very much a long overdue one for Antonio Conte's side.

But, as the long held saying goes about Chelsea: “Remember, remember, we're (rubbish) in November.”

Fingers crossed, eh?