Chelsea players’ ratings vs Leicester City: The Spaniard striker again

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Chelsea managed to hold on to a 2-1 lead as the won against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

Chelsea dominated possession for most periods and opened the scoring right at the end of the first half via yet another Alvaro Morata header.

A long ranger from former Leicester midfielder N’Golo Kante doubled the advantage for the visitors and they should have seen the game out from then. However, a combination of some shockingly poor passing, indecisive shooting, and a fighting Leicester side saw them concede a penalty which Jamie Vardy converted.

The game was on a tightrope after that but Chelsea managed to hold on for the three points.

Here are their player ratings:

Thibaut Courtois – 6.5/10

Made a massive save off Islam Slimani’s effort to keep the scores level before Morata scored. Gave away a cheap penalty to Vardy late on to give Leicester a fighting chance.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 7.5/10

His partnership with Morata is turning into something of a fairytale. All 3 of Morata’s goals have been somewhat identical and laid on a plated by him. His defending is never a doubt and looked assured throughout the game.

David Luiz – 7/10

Looked calm and efficient for major parts of the game. Dealt well with the pace of Vardy and made some important challenges to snuff out any threat.

Antonio Rudiger – 7/10

He will be left wondering that if he did enough to keep Cahill out of the lineup when the captain is available again next week against Arsenal. Looked assured and composed and dealt well with Mahrez without doing anything too special.

Victor Moses – 6.5/10

Did not do anything spectacular and will be under extreme pressure from new signing Zappacosta. His only saving grace is that the Italian did not do much in the 20 minutes given to him too.

Tiemoue Bakayoko -7/10

His pairing with Kante seems to be growing in strength. His massive frame makes him almost impossible to take the ball off. Showed great strength and ball control for a couple of driving runs through the middle of the park.

Cesc Fabregas – 7/10

Wonderful ball over to Morata inside the first ten minutes. Then scythed Leicester open again with another stunning pass to Moses. Was the most creative player on the pitch early in the game but waned off eventually to be replaced by Eden Hazard.

N’Golo Kante – 8/10

Yet another superb performance from the Frenchman as he faced his former club. Won almost every challenge he contested and kept things ticking for Chelsea. Scored Chelsea’s second which eventually proved to be the winner from a long range effort.

Marcos Alonso- 7/10

He certainly tried hard with some fine crosses, and also had an effort of his own that was blocked and out for a corner. Became more of an outlet as the game wore on. Efficient and solid display.

Pedro – 5.5/10

Played just in behind Morata and often ran into trouble instead of spaces. He could not create too many chances for his team mates nor himself. Willian and Hazard look to be in better form as of now.

Alvaro Morata – 8/10

Lost out on early battles against the big Harry Maguire but found the back of the net with another neat run and header. Put in a decent shift as he completed his first 90 mins with Chelsea.

 

Substitutes:

 

Willian – 6.5/10

Looked a little jaded from his excursions with Brazil. Could have easily scored but had a poor shot easily blocked. A late curling effort went just wide off the post as well.

Davide Zappacosta -6/10

Made his debut and will be looking to push out Moses. Not enough there in this display to show that will be 100% the case, but should definitely be starting against Qarabag.

Eden Hazard – 6.5/10

Chelsea’s talisman has finally returned. He showed that he is nearly back to being himself, which may be just in time for Arsenal next week.