The Champions of last season had to deal with yet another setback on Monday night when the Foxes handed them a 2-1 loss to leave the club just a point off the relegation zone. The Vardy and Mahrez show continued as both the players scored a goal apiece and took Leicester City to the top of the Barclays Premier League table.
Here is how both teams performed at the King Power Stadium:
Leicester City:
K Schmeichel (3):
Could not do much to stop the goal but was largely comfortable with Chelsea’s attacking threat.
C Fuchs (3):
His work rate on the flanks not only helped Leicester keep the crosses down but also gave them an outlet in attack.
R Huth (3):
Hardly put a foot wrong as he dealt everything that was thrown at him with command.
W Morgan (3):
Had Diego Costa in his pocket all night as he gave the striker no time or space to work his magic.
D Simpson (3):
Worked hard all game to keep the right flank tight but was beaten too easily in the build up to Chelsea’s goal.
D Drinkwater (3):
Started well but had to be taken off after just 15 minutes due to a hamstring injury.
N Kante (4.5):
The most under-appreciated player in the Foxes side, Kante was all over Chelsea’s midfield on Monday. He broke the visitor’s attacks and found the right ball more often than not. He was also a threat for Chelsea’s defense with his late runs.
M Albrighton (3):
Stuck to his task of backing up his full back and also provided the assist for the second goal.
R Mahrez (4):
He was just unplayable on the night as he used his pace and skills to create plenty of chances for his team. His ball for Vardy’s goal was good and his strike for the second goal was even better.
L Ulloa (2.5):
Was not as effective as his strike partner but did well to drop deep and help his mid-field.
J Vardy (3.5):
A beautifully struck volley from Vardy started the Leicester dominance on the night against Chelsea. He was sharp and full of energy on the night and deservedly walked away with all three points.
SUBS:
A King (3):
Came on for Drinkwater and dug deep to frustrate Chelsea’s front line alongside Kante putting in a strong shift.
G Inler (2.5)
S Okazaki (2.5)
Chelsea:
T Courtois (2.5):
Was nervous at times dealing with balls in the air but could not do much to stop either of the goals.
B Ivanovic (2.5):
Had lots of space and time in the Leicester half of the pitch but his final delivery was disappointing.
Azpilicueta (2.5):
Had a horrible time against Mahrez who got the better of him in the buildup to the first goal.
K Zouma (2.5):
Looked flat footed with the trickery of Vardy and lost him far too easily for the first goal.
J Terry (2.5):
Could not deal with the in-form striker who had a great time against the veteran.
Ramires (3):
Was bright going forward but had to provide cover for his defense which he did well.
E Hazard (3):
Looked to make things happen at the start but picked up an injury after half an hour after clattering into Jamie Vardy.
Oscar (2.5):
Was largely ineffective against the Leicester City defense as he was frustrated in a number 10 role.
Willian (3):
One of the brightest players for Chelsea on the night, Willian was superb on the flank providing plenty of service into the box.
N Matic (2.5):
Did well in the defensive areas giving Leicester no space but was too lazy in possession,
D Costa (2):
Lacked any kind of zeal to get to the end of the crosses that were sent in. Costa looks like he has lost all the attributes that made him one of the best last season.
SUBS:
Pedro (3):
Was largely ineffective but was superb in the last 15 minutes of the game where he set up Chelsea’s only goal on the night.
Fabregas (3)
Loic Remy (3.5):
An extra striker worked for Chelsea as Leicester looked under pressure which resulted in the only goal for the visitors.