Alvaro Morata was on target again as Chelsea made it three wins from four in the Premier League. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in the 2-1 victory at Leicester.
The Belgian keeper looked nervy with ball at feet throughout and his daft challenge on Jamie Vardy – albeit from a terrible backpass – set up a tense last 30 minutes. But he did make a wonderful save from Islam Slimani when the score was 0-0.
Had a tough task trying to keep Vardy quiet but was as dependable as ever, except for the momentary loss of concentration with the backpass that led to Vardy’s penalty. He also set up another Morata goal with a stunning cross.
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A quietly efficient display from Luiz, who kept his discipline and used the ball sensibly without the normal risk-taking or long-range passing.
The big German played his part in a solid defensive display with an assured performance that suggested a growing confidence.
Another impressive performance from Chelsea’s right wing-back, who showed that new signing David Zappacosta will have a difficult job to win a place in the team. Moses almost scored with a fizzing low strike and sent over numerous crosses.
Scored with a perfectly directed low strike, and was as industrious as ever. But the midfield failed to provide the defensive cover that normally comes and the Kante and Tiemoue Bakayoko partnership looked like it needs time to settle.
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At times the powerful Frenchman showed his strength and running power, notably in the first half when a marauding run played in Morata, but he sometimes chose the wrong moments to push forward. He still looked short of match fitness and sharpness and – like Kante – was guilty of some sloppy moments in possession, but is an imposing figure.
Alonso brought typical quality and composure and, as with Moses, seemed determined to show his position is not up for grabs. Reliable in defence and dangerous in attack, even if his shooting was not up to its usual standards.
Fabregas played in a more advanced role because of Bakayoko’s inclusion and inevitably found pockets of space between Leicester’s defence and midfield.
A tireless performance with little reward. In Willian’s absence the onus was on him to provide the energy and buzz and despite running himself ragged, he seemed to miss the presence of a second runner in behind to share that burden.
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Morata still has work to do to be fully fit but looks much closer and poses a constant goal threat. He could have had a hat-trick in an impressive first-half display which saw him score a fine goal and remain sharp and regularly involved in Chelsea’s build-up play.
Bright and lively after coming on, Willian could easily have ended up with two goals, curling one effort just wide and seeing an injury-time effort saved by Kasper Schmeichel.
A steady 20-minute display by the Italian defender, who came agonisingly close to marking his debut with a goal.
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A most-welcome return for Hazard, who showed typical strength and nous in possession during his 16 minutes on the pitch. He showed some neat footwork and also took a heavy challenge in his stride.
This post was last modified on 10/09/2017