Arsenal legend Ian Wright has hailed James Ward-Prowse as one of the best following his goal in Southampton’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Southampton went to Stamford Bridge bottom of the Premier League and without a manager having sacked Nathan Jones last Sunday after just 14 games in charge.

And though Chelsea have also been in terrible form, winning just two of their last 14 games, the Blues were expected to beat the Saints.

However, Chelsea surprisingly lost 1-0 to Southampton at Stamford Bridge with Ward-Prowse scoring a superb free-kick.

The Southampton captain has now scored 17 direct free-kick goals in the Premier League, only one behind the record set by former Manchester United star David Beckham.

Reacting to Ward-Prowse goal against Chelsea on Twitter, Wright wrote: “JWP elite. We are watching one of the best ever. Unstoppable.”

Discussing his free-kick record, Ward-Prowse told BBC Sport: “It is good for me to know any skill in life you work hard for you can perfect it.

“When I was a kid doing this in my parents garden it was what I dreamed to do so it is great to do it today.

“Amazing feeling. The game was obviously overshadowed a bit by the injury to Cesar [Azpilicueta, Chelsea captain] and we wish our best to him. We hope he is OK.

“It has been a tough season for us. We have lacked a bit of consistency in all aspects of our game, Ruben [Selles, Southampton interim manager] has come in this week and been fantastic.

“He has steadied the ship and calmed every one down. It is not for me to make the decisions but whoever the manager is we will make sure we will give 100%.”