London: Chelsea missed the opportunity to go eight points clear at the top of the English Premier League by drawing 1-1 against Southampton in an entertaining game at Stamford Bridge where the officials' decisions will once again be scrutinised.


Chelsea's Nemanja Matic (second from left) brings down Southampton's Sadio Mane (in red jersey) to away a penalty at Stamford Bridge yesterday. Pic/Getty Images 

Jose Mourinho's men were looking to respond from their European exit by tightening their grip on the title after Manchester City's loss at Burnley and went in front through Diego Costa's first Premier League goal in almost two months.