Chelsea manager Antonio Conte gave Nathan Ake just his third start of the season in his side’s 4-2 victory against Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday after he replaced the ill Gary Cahill, and the Italian confirmed in his pre-match press conference for the Premier League clash against Southampton that he was impressed with his performance.

The Blues skipper missed the clash against Spurs after picking up a virus that hospitalised him late last week, with 22-year-old Ake brought in to replace him in his first appearance since a 2-0 win against Wolves in the same competition back in February.

The defender impressed in the three-man defence alongside David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta, helping to nullify the threat of the impressive Tottenham attack, but could be replaced by Cahill after the centre-back returned to training.

Chelsea supporters were quick to have their say on the performance of Ake and potential return of Cahill via social media, with many keen to see the former keep his place in the starting line-up at the expense of the England international.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction to the news…

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