Chelsea beat Leicester 2-1 at the King Power Stadium to remain third and in the Champions League spots.
Nicolas Jackson’s smart finish after 15 minutes opened the scoring at the King Power Stadium in a dominant first half for the Blues on Enzo Maresca’s return to the Foxes.
Controversy struck eight minutes later when Wilfred Ndidi was booked for a reckless challenge that left Cole Palmer in agony.
Chelsea continued their dominance in the second-half and eventually doubled their lead thanks to a close-range header by Enzo Fernandez in the 75th minute.
Leicester halved the deficit when Jordan Ayew converted from the penalty spot in the 95th minute, but it proved to be just a consolation.
Mail Sport’s KIERAN GILL was at the King Power Stadium to bring you our player ratings.
Chelsea beat Leicester 2-1 at the King Power Stadium to remain third in the Premier League
Nicolas Jackson (left) opened the scoring before Enzo Fernandez’s (right) second-half header
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1)
Robert Sanchez – 6
Sanchez had nothing to do until the 38th minute when Leicester finally realised they’re also allowed to attack. Conceded in stoppage time after substitute Lavia clumsily gave away a penalty.
Wesley Fofana – 7
With no Reece James and no Malo Gusto, centre back Fofana filled in at right back while being booed by his former fans. He had the last laugh as Chelsea left as the winners.
Levi Colwill – 7.5
For the first time this season, Colwill was used as a right-sided centre back rather than left-sided, meaning he could man the back three from central as Cucurella flew forward.
Benoit Badiashile – 7.5
Brought in for his first Premier League start of the season and used the opportunity to impress after gossip columns abroad incorrectly said Chelsea were ready to offload him.
Marc Cucurella – 8
Practically played as a left winger. Set up a second goal scored by Madueke which was disallowed for offside. Yet his cross later helped it become 2-0 via Fernandez. Even celebrated at full-time by turning to the home fans.
Moises Caicedo – 7.5
Big chance to score but skewed his shot wide after perhaps having much time to think of how to whack the ball goalward. Won possession in key positions of the pitch, as per usual.
Enzo Fernandez – 8.5
Goal and an assist for the Argentinian after starting over Lavia in midfield. Used quick-thinking to help play in Jackson to score for 1-0. Then made sure of the win with a headed follow-up for 2-0.
Noni Madueke – 6.5
Thought he had scored Chelsea’s second after a lovely team move but it was ruled out for offside by a whisker. Messed up a volley after Jackson’s cross. Then blocked a certain goal from Palmer.
Marc Cucurella practically played as a left winger andet up a second goal scored by Madueke which was disallowed
Enzo Fernandes produced a goal and an assist after starting over Romeo Lavia in midfield
Cole Palmer – 7
Endured an awful challenge on him from behind by Wilfred Ndidi who, let’s be honest, was lucky to escape red. Later, Palmer accidentally blasted the ball into Madueke to squander an open goal.
Joao Felix – 7
First Premier League start since returning to Chelsea and forever moved inside into central positions as Cucurella gave the team their width out left. Chances to score weren’t taken.
Nicolas Jackson – 8
Bullied Wout Faes not once, not twice but three times to make sure he won the ball ahead of him and then had the finesse to finish for Chelsea’s opener. Similar bullying led to their second goal to confirm the win.
SUBS
Romeo Lavia (for Caicedo, 81) – N/A
Christopher Nkunku (for Felix, 81) – N/A
Jadon Sancho (for Madueke, 85) – N/A
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (for Jackson 90) – N/A
**
SUBS NOT USED
Filip Jorgensen
Marcus Bettinelli
Tosin Adarabioyo
Mykhailo Mudryk
Renato Veiga
Cole Palmer endured an awful challenge on him from behind by Wilfred Ndidi
Nicolas Jackson (right) bullied Wout Faes (left) not once, not twice but three times to make sure he won the ball ahead of him and then had the finesse to finish
MANAGER
Enzo Maresca – 7
Chelsea dominated this contest, though it took them a while to gain the cushion of a 2-0 lead. Nervy finish after Lavia gave away a penalty for Jordan Ayew to make it 2-1.
Leicester (4-2-3-1):
Hermansen 7; Justin 6, Faes 5, Okoli 5.5, Kristiansen 5.5; Winks 6 (Skipp 11, 6), Soumare 6; McAteer 6 (Mavididi 71, 6), Ndidi 5.5 (Ayew 71, 6), El Khannouss 6.5 (Decordova-Reid 79, 6); Vardy 6 (Daka 79, 6).
Scorers: None
Booked: Ndidi, Soumare, Skipp, Cooper, Faes
Manager: Steve Cooper 5.5
