Southampton 0–3 Chelsea
A magical second-half cameo from Oscar saw Chelsea turn frustration into elation with a 3-0 romp at St Mary's.
In 37 minutes the Brazilian set-up two goals, scored one, and managed to garner a yellow card for diving in the box – justifying Jose Mourinho's tactical move, and creating many a talking-point.
Chelsea had a small collection of half chances in the first half: Fernando Torres, Ramires and Eden Hazard all failing to make the final connection that has so often been lacking this season.
But, in reality, there was little more memorable than the vertical rain, and gale-force wind that wreaked havoc for players and supporters alike.
Early in the second half there were changes. Willian and Oscar came on for the almost totally ineffectual Juan Mata and Andre Schurrle.
Ten minutes after the restart Oscar had a big chance. Set-up by Hazard, he found himself one-on-one with Kelvin Davis. The Chelsea man hit the deck, and referee Martin Atkinson showed no hesitation in showing him a yellow.
Replays showed the Chelsea man was not impeded, but left his foot in, to ruck the keeper's jersey, before diving.
Five minutes later, and with the hour showing on the clock, the Brazilian turned from villain to hero.
Floating a ball over the box, he managed to hit the base of the opposite post – for an unmarked Torres to almost unwittingly rebound it into the net.
It was a first away Premier League goal from a Chelsea forward since the calendar showed 2012.
Oscar was again in the thick of it on 71 minutes: his spirited run resulting in a lay-off to fellow sub Willian – who turned Lovren, to squeeze his shot inside the post.
Another ten minutes and it was three: Hazard putting over a long ball for Oscar, who capped his eventful cameo appearance, by controlling deftly, before shooting past Davis.
With this Blues took their record, since losing to Stoke, to 13 points from 15 – making it a very happy New Year for Chelsea.
