Chelsea, a galvanized force under Enzo Maresca, are back in the ‘top four’ hunt with 19 points after 11 gameweeks. The Blues were firm favourites to clinch a win against Leicester City and they did so with sheer dominance thanks to Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez’s scoring expertise. Jordan Ayew pulled one back from the spot, but it was too late for the home side to script a comeback.
Below are the Chelsea players rated in their 2-1 win against Leicester City.
Robert Sanchez: 6
Was hardly tested between the sticks until Ayew’s late spot-kick. Must be disappointed for missing out on another clean sheet.
Wesley Fofana: 7
The Frenchman featured from the right amid the injury absence of Reece James. Focused primarily on his defensive game but also linked up well with Noni Madueke using the width of the pitch.
Levi Colwill: 7.5
Had a comfortable afternoon with little trouble from Jamie Vardy in the Foxes’ attack. Made timely tackles along with playing it out from the back.
Benoît Badiashile: 7.5
Was spot-on with his recoveries and interceptions. Made no-nonsense clearances, won the majority of duels and completed the most passes in the match.
Marc Cucurella: 8
Was lively down the left with marauding runs, crosses, cut insides and one-twos with Joao Felix. Played his part in the build-up of Enzo’s second-half header.
Moisés Caicedo: 8
Was combative deep down the midfield. Made tactical fouls to break down Leicester’s moves. Turned defence into attack with swift passing football. Was taken off for Romeo Levia late in the match.
Noni Madueke: 7
Impressed with his dribbling and flashy footwork. But his final deliveries lacked accuracy on most occasions. A bizarre incident saw him clearing Cole Palmer’s strike off the line from a very close range. Made way for Jadon Sancho for the final few minutes.
Enzo Fernandez: 9
The Argentine had an excellent outing as he first set it up for Jackson’s opener before heading home to double the lead which proved to be the decider. Dominated the midfield game with his passing and possessional display.
Cole Palmer: 7.5
A rare game when the Englishman failed to register a goal or assist. He kept on creating chances with his down-the-middle runs, passing and distribution but was denied by his teammate off the line!
Joao Felix: 8
Grabbed his opportunity down the left-hand flank as the Portuguese wideman showed his flair, finesse and dribbling traits throughout the contest. Was replaced by Jadon Sancho late in the game.
Nicolas Jackson: 8.5
The Senegalese hitman exhibited his finishing attribute with a neat finish to earn the Blues an early lead. Also forced Mads Hermansen to make a close-range stop before Enzo headed home from a close-range. Made way for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the stoppage time.
Chelsea Subs vs Leicester City
Christopher Nkunku: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Romeo Lavia: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Jadon Sancho: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.