A royally good performance from the Blues at the King Power extended their winning run to three games as they continue their quest to defend their title. Chelsea were the dominant side for much of the game but weathered a late Leicester storm to secure all three points. Alvaro Morata bagged another goal, that’s 3 in 4 games for him in a Chelsea shirt, and N’Golo Kante scored the second, which was his second since joining the club from Leicester last summer. Those two will grab the headlines but who else deserves just as much credit?
Thibaut Courtois – 7
Stopped Leicester taking the lead from a counter attack by saving well from Islam Slimani after a quick counter. Made a brilliant and crucial stop to deny Jamie Vardy just before he watched N’Golo Kante double Chelsea’s lead. Brought down the striker a few minutes later and could not stop his spot-kick, despite getting a hand to it. He’ll be relived to leave Leicester with maximum points.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
Once again set up Alvaro Morata with an excellent cross from deep and his compatriot headed home to get Dave another assist. A rock at the back, as always, preventing Jamie Vardy getting into those channels, leaving him very isolated.
David Luiz – 6.5
Another impressive display from the Brazilian who organised his defence all afternoon to deal with the threat of Vardy, Slimani and Mahrez.
Antonio Rudiger – 6.5
You didn’t really notice Gary Cahill’s absence as the German kept the place he’d earned before the international break and you can see why. Still a bit brash at times but easy to forget he’s only played 4 games in the Premier League.
Victor Moses – 6.5
Tormented Christian Fuchs in the first half but his game was ended prematurely after a clash of heads on the edge of his own box. Replaced by Davide Zappacosta but his performance would feel Antonio Conte with the feeling that he won’t need to call upon his compatriot too often this season.
Cesc Fabregas – 8
Ran the show for the large part and could’ve had his customary assist had Alvaro Morata not spurned an early chance after Fabregas had sent one over the top. With the insurance of Tiemoue Bakayoko in the team, Fabregas was able to roam free and create opportunities from further forward when possible.
N’Golo Kante – 8.5
I don’t think he expected to score when he lined up his speculative effort but, like everything in his Chelsea career so far, it just seemed to work. He guided a low drive across Kasper Schmeichel and into the far bottom corner to double his side’s lead on his second return to Leicester – his second Chelsea goal in the Premier League.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 7
At the age of 22, he looks a £40m bargain. His combative style of play prevented Leicester from gaining any real momentum for large periods of the game because they couldn’t get the ball past him or Kante in central midfield. The midfield 5 may be a sign of things to come – it has a bit of everything.
Marcos Alonso – 6
Not quite as instrumental as he was last season at the King Power but did a job nonetheless. Limited Riyad Mahrez to very little opportunities and looks fully fit again after a sluggish pre-season.
Pedro – 6.5
Tenacious in his attacking play but no reward, will be looking over his shoulder if Conte continues with this 3-5-2 formation because Eden Hazard and Willian are breathing down his neck.
Alvaro Morata – 8
What a start to his career in England he is having. Found space yet again for Cesar Azpilicueta to pick him out and Morata made no mistake and headed home his fellow Spaniard’s cross. Fluffed his lines early on after Fabregas had sent him through on goal but that didn’t knock his confidence as he made it 3 headed goals for Chelsea.
Substitutes:
Willian – 6.5
Provided an extra spark in the latter stages of the game and twice went close to extending Chelsea’s lead. He flashed two similar shots towards the far post; one was well saved by Schmeicel and the other grazed the outside of the post.
Davide Zappacosta – 5.5
Fitted into the formation well and looks a decent back-up to Victor Moses.
Eden Hazard – 6
A couple of sharp turns and dribbles reminded the travelling Chelsea fans of his ridiculous ability and teased the supporters of what is to come.