Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has slammed Graham Potter’s tactics in Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Speaking to Match of the Day, Shearer admitted he could not understand what Potter was trying to do with Chelsea’s frontline against Southampton.

“It was a mixture of magnificent defending and goalkeeping and really poor forward play from Chelsea,” Shearer said.

He highlighted issues among Chelsea’s dazzling array of forward talent on show, including David Fofana, Kai Havertz, Raheem Sterling, Joao Felix and Conor Gallagher among others.

Shearer said: “At times, I’m lost to see what they’re trying to do. The first half they had Fofana up there, they took him off, brought Sterling on, because they didn’t create anything.

“This is what I mean when I say I struggle when I look at Chelsea. Ok Havertz there, Felix there, they brought Sterling on, who was probably their best player in the second half.

“But Sterling’s got the ball there, there’s no options, so he goes back, he goes square, that allows Southampton to get men behind the ball and make it very difficult for them.”

As well as Sterling’s movement back, Gallagher was also highlighted for his play, which allowed the Saints to get behind the ball. Shearer said: “When he doesn’t get his shot away, that allows Southampton to get players behind and defend.”

Shearer summed up Chelsea’s issues up front by ruminating on “the lack of options. The lack of a centre forward, that killer instinct”.