If Chelsea continue this run of form, Enzo Maresca will be forced to revise his assessment that his team are “not ready” to challenge for the title this season.

This rout of Southampton saw them earn their 10th point from a possible 12 and become the Premier League’s top scorers in the process. It moves them up to second, seven points behind Liverpool.

“We’ve got our Chelsea back,” the fans sang at the final whistle.

“It was a very good feeling, especially because you can see that they are happy,” said Maresca. “We work every day to make them happy. Especially that they can see that Chelsea is back.”

Maresca made seven changes to his team ahead of the trip to Spurs on Sunday and one of those he brought back in was Noni Madueke who shone on the right wing.

“The reason he was not playing is because I do not like the way he trains. He can do so much more. Overall he is fantastic but he can be much, much better,” explained Maresca.

Not only did Southampton gift Chelsea two goals but their captain, Jack Stephens, was sent off after 39 minutes for petulantly pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair.

Russell Martin was booed by sections of the crowd at full time but says his players remain “absolutely together” and are “fighting so hard.” He said of the dissent: “I understand that people want their team to win and when they see such a big scoreline, I understand it. It’s football, it’s emotive.”

Chelsea took an early lead when the hosts failed to defend a set piece, Axel Disasi heading in Enzo Fernandez’s corner from close range.

Southampton were only behind for four minutes as enterprising play from Kyle Walker-Peters down the left saw him pull the ball back for Joe Aribo to slot home.

But an attempt by goalkeeper Joe Lumley to pass to Walker-Peters ended in Madueke robbing him of the ball and Christopher Nkunku passing into the empty net.

Then Madueke teased Ryan Manning before stepping inside and firing into the far corner.

Cole Palmer scored Chelsea’s fourth in the 76th minute, slotting home the loose ball after Nkunku had driven at the retreating Saints back line.

The fifth came from substitute Jadon Sancho, his first Premier League goal for the club, as he rifled in Malo Gusto’s pass.