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Sterling struck in the 23rd minute with his third goal in two
games but Chelsea's lead was shortlived.
Romeo Lavia levelled five minutes later with a thumping finish
from outside the area.
Adam Armstrong then turned the match on its head in first-half
stoppage time -- finishing superbly to round off a slick passing
move by the hosts.
Chelsea, beaten at Leeds United in their previous away game,
were unable to make much impression on a tireless Saints side in
the second half despite plenty of possession.
Southampton's win moved them to seven points from five games,
the same total as Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea.
"We knew it would be a tough night tonight. Chelsea are a tough
opposition but the lads dug deep," Armstrong said.
"Nights like this we won't forget. It was frustrating on
Saturday (against Manchester United), we had a few chances. That
is football. We dug deep tonight."
Chelsea actually started well and took the lead when Kai Havertz
played in Mason Mount who crossed low for Sterling whose initial
effort was blocked.
But the former Manchester City forward gathered the loose ball
with his back to goal and cleverly worked some space before
slotting the ball past Saints keeper Gavin Bazunu.
Undeterred, Southampton quickly got on the front foot and when a
ball was cleared out to Lavia, he took a touch before belting a
shot past Edoaurd Mendy.
Southampton went ahead with a silky move that saw James
Ward-Prowse link up with Romain Perraud who played a pass in
towards Armstrong who had dropped into space.
His powerful shot took a touch off Kalidou Koulibaly before
flying high past Mendy.
Southampton's intensity after the break restricted Chelsea's
chances and there were loud celebrations at the final whistle.
Defeat left Tuchel with plenty to think about with Chelsea
already slipping off the pace.
"We started well in all the games almost but obviously we are
struggling with our focus and consistency in matches," the
German said. "We struggled to find answers and find the way back
if things don't go in our direction."
(Reporting by Martyn HermanEditing by Toby Davis and Pritha
Sarkar)
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