Chelsea have risen to second place in the Premier League after beating Southampton 3-1 at Stamford Bridge yesterday afternoon.

The visitors took the lead inside thirteen seconds through Jay Rodriguez, who capitalised on a mistake from Michael Essien.

However, the Blues improved after the second half, and Gary Cahill levelled terms ten minutes after the restart before his central defensive partner and club captain John Terry turned the game on its head soon after.

Substitute Demba Ba then fired in his first league goal since March in stoppage time to put the result beyond doubt, and secure a second straight win for Jose Mourinho’s men who will now turn their attention to Wednesday evening’s trip to lowly Sunderland, where they have won on each of their past eight visits.

Meanwhile, West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce is set to make a fresh approach for Demba Ba when the transfer window reopens next month.

His appearance off the bench yesterday was only his fifth in the Premier League this season, while his four outings in the cup competitions this time around have all come as a substitute.

Premier League leaders Arsenal were interested in securing the Senegal international’s services in the summer.