Chelsea v Leicester player ratings

Chelsea made light work of Premier League champions Leicester City at Stamford Bridge, cruising to a 3-0 win. Here’s how we rated the players in Saturday’s home victory.

Thibaut Courtois: 6

Barely involved. Used the ball effectively on a couple of occasions, but didn’t have a shot to save.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 8

He did not put a foot wrong, once again slotting into the back three with consummate ease. The Spaniard defended his space and showed impeccable judgement as to when to try to nick possession. He will, however, face much sterner tests.

Gary Cahill: 7

Solid and dependable in defence and used the ball with good tempo, as well as playing with impressive purpose when bringing the ball out.

David Luiz: 7

Unfortunate not to score with a breathtaking free-kick that hit the post and he played with typical attacking intent. But he did have a couple of nervy moments when he got caught too far forward trying to win possession – and also nearly put through his own net when his sliding attempt to prevent a cross saw the ball strike the upright.

Marcos Alonso: 8

He was excellent before the break, showing a full range of passing, supporting Eden Hazard and getting into the box to make an extra man. He was a little less involved after the interval but defended solidly and could have scored after a late burst, only to blast his shot over.

Nemanja Matic: 8

He was as good as he been in months, pressing high up the pitch, winning possession and driving his attacking trio with numerous surges from the deep-lying role. He helped create Hazard’s goal with a positive pass and could easily have scored a couple himself.

N’Golo Kante: 9

Was outstanding on his first appearance against his former club, showing the main reason why Leicester are struggling. They missed his energy and zip in the middle of the park, while the Frenchman’s passing and numerous surges forward proved he has much more to his game than his defensive nous.

Pedro: 7

The Spaniard was involved throughout and played a full part in Chelsea’s first-half dominance. He stretched the away defence with regular runs in behind and was equally dangerous taking on players with ball at his feet.

Eden Hazard: 8

Always involved and always demanding possession, he was a little over-casual with the ball at times but was still excellent. Took full advantage of his lucky break to score the second goal and immediately dedicated it to his grieving team-mate Willian.

Victor Moses: 9

Competed with Kante for the man-of-the-match award with a confident display. He was full of running, in both defence and attack, scored a brilliant goal, almost had another on the break and defended without alarm. The rousing ovation he received when he was substituted late on was fully justified.

Diego Costa: 8

For the second consecutive match, the striker kept his temper in check and was just as effective as when he is at his most prickly. He played percentages with his goal, doing just about enough to score, and held up play effectively and selflessly, showing great touch and awareness throughout.

Nathaniel Chalobah: 7

Settled without any fuss after coming on for the final quarter of the match and caught the eye with the sumptuous pass for the third goal, which was brilliantly taken by Moses. Looked comfortable and calm in first-team surroundings.