Claude Puel joked that he was “angry” with his former star player Eden Hazard as the Belgian midfielder gave Saints a tough night as title chasing Chelsea beat them 4-2.

Puel managed Hazard when he was a youngster at Lille, and gave the maverick attacker his first big break.

Hazard showed little gratitude at Stamford Bridge last night with a terrific performance and a goal as the Blues produced a win that condemned Saints to defeat and edged them nearer to the Premier League trophy.

“I am angry against him tonight of course,” laughed Puel when asked about Hazard.

“It’s a fantastic player and I’m happy for him.

“It was the same at the beginning when he was assisting with the same quality to make penetration, to give assists, and now with the added maturity he continues his quality and his fantastic play.

“Congratulations for him because he has had a fantastic career and I am happy for him.”

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was a relieved man after securing a victory to move his side ever nearer to the Premier League crown.

He also had warm words for Saints after their display at the Bridge.

“I think that the most important thing is to look at ourselves and tonight was a big win for us,” he said.

“We had to play again after a really strong game against Tottenham where we reach the final of the Cup and you know the importance for us, for me and the players to reach this target to play the final of the FA Cup.

“Also now for us it’s very important to try and fight and to win the title.

“Today it wasn’t easy because we faced a really strong team.

“They had rested for ten days and they hadn’t pressure and in this case you can enjoy this type of game when you play the team at the top of the league.

“For us it wasn’t easy but I am pleased because of the fantastic effort from my players.

“They showed me great will and desire to win this game and it’s important now to rest and prepare another tough game against Everton.”

He added: "It was a good win and I think today I have to be pleased for a great effort, a fantastic effort from my players. It wasn't easy to play after a tough game against Tottenham.

"It shows my choices were right for the game against Tottenham and for the game against Southampton. It's not easy for the coach to take this responsibility, to make these strong choices, but I have to be pleased because I have a squad of great men and good players.

"It's important for us to look at ourselves, these are the most important things. We must be ready and to prepare for the next game as we look at ourselves and not the others."