Morning, Chelsea fans

Thomas Tuchel claims Chelsea’s physical dominance set up their 6-0 romp at Southampton following two heavy home defeats.

And midfielder Barcelona could target Blues midfielder N’Golo Kante when his contract ends in the summer of 2023.

That’s the verdict on the pitch and the main gossip off it as Chelsea went five points clear of fourth-placed Spurs.

Timo Werner’s first two Prem goals for six months and Mason Mount’s double led the rout.

Werner also hit the woodwork three times, with Marcos Alonso and impressive Kai Havertz also scoring.

It follows losses by 4-1 against Brentford and 3-1 to Real Madrid.

Tuchel believes the key to destroying the Saints was winning all the one-on-one battles.

He said: “It was key to this performance because it’s not only a passing game, it’s not only a possession game against Southampton.

“It’s also about accepting the physicality. By winning the challenges, we had chances to be dangerous and offensive in transition.

“We were strong in counter-attacking and in possession very focused.’

“We are a special group when we have the priorities right – if we are committed, if we defend with courage.”

Left-back Ben Chilwell also hailed Chelsea’s ‘great response’ to their Real humbling.

And he demanded the Blues repeat their rousing form in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg in Spain.