Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, with Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez scoring to give Enzo Maresca a winning return to his former club. The Blues took the lead early in the match, with Jackson capitalizing on a defensive mistake by Wout Faes. After Fernandez’s quick pass, Jackson slotted the ball home to put Chelsea ahead in the 15th minute.
Leicester struggled to recover from the early setback, and despite some promising moments, they were unable to create clear chances. Noni Madueke thought he had doubled Chelsea’s advantage before halftime, but his goal was ruled out by VAR after Marc Cucurella was judged offside in the build-up. Leicester’s best opportunities came just before the break, with Wilfred Ndidi and Kasey McAteer both missing the target.
In the second half, Chelsea continued to press, with Madueke involved in both attacking and defensive situations. His crucial block prevented Cole Palmer from scoring into an open net after a save from Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. Chelsea’s dominance was eventually rewarded when Fernandez scored a stunning diving header, putting the game beyond Leicester’s reach.
Leicester were given a lifeline late on when Romeo Lavia was penalized for a foul on Bobby De Cordova-Reid in the box. Jordan Ayew stepped up to convert the penalty, but it proved to be a mere consolation as Chelsea held firm for the win.
Player Ratings:
Leicester:
Hermansen (7), Justin (6), Faes (6), Okoli (6), Kristiansen (5), Winks (N/A), Soumare (5), Ndidi (6), McAteer (6), El Khannouss (6), Vardy (5).
Subs: Skipp (5), Ayew (6), Mavididi (6), Daka (N/A), De Cordova-Reid (N/A).
Chelsea:
Sanchez (7), Fofana (7), Badiashile (8), Colwill (7), Cucurella (7), Caicedo (8), Enzo (9), Madueke (6), Palmer (7), Joao Felix (7), Jackson (8).
Subs: Lavia (N/A), Nkunku (N/A), Sancho (N/A).
Player of the Match: Enzo Fernandez
