Chelsea returns to winning ways in the Premier League after their 2-1 victory over Leicester.
Enzo Maresca’s side opened the scoring at the King Power in the 15th minute through Nicolas Jackson. A failed attempt to clear the ball by Wout Faes allowed Enzo Fernadez to play Jackson in, who’s deft touch took it away from the Foxes’ defence before slotting it home.
After a dominant first half, the Blues deservedly doubled their lead in the 75th minute. Jackson rose above Caleb Okoli to win a header from a Marc Cucurella cross, the save from Mads Hermansen was directed to the path of Fernandez who headed it into an empty net.
Steve Cooper’s team scored a last-minute consolation goal through a Jordan Ayew penalty. In the 95th minute, a lapse of concentration gave Ayew space in the box before being clipped by Romeo Lavia in the six-yard box. The Ghanian’s penalty was not convincing however, Robert Sanchez still let it in despite getting a strong hand on the ball.
The scoreline did not reflect Chelsea’s performance, who were the superior team for most of the game. Cooper’s side had set up a low block in an attempt to frustrate the Blues however after Jackson’s early opener, Chelsea should have punished the consistent mistakes that the Foxes’ defence had made.
Cole Palmer did have an opportunity before the second goal to score however it was blocked on the line by his teammate, Noni Madueke. In all fairness to the English winger, there was not much else that Madueke could have done to get out of the way but it was a personification of the wasted opportunities that Chelsea had throughout the game.
Fernandez was Chelsea’s standout player today, picking up a goal and an assist for the first time in a Chelsea shirt.
Maresca praised the Argentine’s performance: “Enzo did very well today. He is doing well since he started. It depends on the game-plan, we use different types of players. I think he did very well.”
An early kick-off after an international break has always been a tough game for Chelsea in the past, however Maresca was able to calm the storm despite a couple last minute injuries, to earn an important three points for the Blues. The three points meant that the Blues maintained their third-place spot with a healthy goal difference over their competitors.
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