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Chelsea ran out 2-1 winners against Leicester City in a clash that could have a serious influence on how the race for the top four in the Premier League ends this season.
After a goalless first half, Antonio Rudiger bundled the ball into the back of the net after a corner to put the home team ahead. Jorginho followed it up with a masterful 66th-minute penalty, which was given away by Wesley Fofana. Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho made the game tense with a 76th-minute strike, but Chelsea were able to hold on to a much-needed win.
Thomas Tuchel was able to exact revenge for the FA Cup final loss which was inflicted upon his team on the weekend, putting Leicester City in a precarious position in the league table.
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Here are 5 key observations from the game between Chelsea and Leicester City.
#5 Chelsea make the domination count this time around
On Saturday in the FA Cup final, Chelsea made 13 attempts to Leicester City's 6, controlled 64% of the possession and won six more corners than the Foxes, only for Youri Tielemans' 63rd-minute strike to deny them a ninth win in the competition.
However, Chelsea made their statistical dominance count tonight, putting themselves in the driving seat after 66 minutes. They were the better team again, as they had a lion's share of the ball (58.5%), more shots (17) and a higher passing accuracy (85%).
Chelsea's defense also stepped up, keeping Leicester City's attack quiet for the majority of the game, except for a rare mistake which allowed Iheanacho to score.
#4 Leicester City's top-four fate is not in their hands anymore
Tonight's clash at Stamford Bridge was a must-win affair for both teams. If their performances are anything to go by, Leicester City have been a worthy of a top-four finish, but the loss against Chelsea puts them in jeopardy.
The Foxes will now have to win their final league game while hoping that Liverpool drop points either tomorrow against Burnley or on the last matchday of the Premier League.
Leicester City will face a Tottenham team that is more than capable of an upset, while the Reds from Merseyside have relatively easy games against Burnley and Crystal Palace. Goal difference, which is currently in favor of Liverpool, might also come into play, leaving Leicester City in a tough spot.
#3 Mason Mount responds to Thomas Tuchel's criticism with a brilliant performance
Mason Mount had an off-night against Leicester City in the FA Cup final, failing to produce anything of note throughout the course of the game. That dismal outing led to fair criticism from his manager, to which he responded with a sensational Man of the Match performance tonight.
Despite not getting his name on the scoresheet, Mount was extremely crucial to Chelsea's success as he registered two shots and two key passes on the offensive front.
He was also active on the defensive side of the ball when Chelsea had to protect their lead. Mount tallied two interceptions and indulged in tactical fouling in what was a complete performance from the team's 2020/21 Player of the Year.
#2 Ayoze Perez's costly miss might set Leicester City back by millions
In the dying moments of the game, Ricardo Pereira's great work down the right channel resulted in a brilliant opportunity for Ayoze Perez to level things up. But the forward blazed his effort over the bar with only Edouard Mendy to beat.
The former Newcastle man's miss might turn out to be a costly affair, as it might lead to the Foxes losing out on the Champions League qualification bonus if they finish outside the top four. However, Perez will have the opportunity to make amends when Leicester City take on Tottenham Hotspur on May 23.
#1 VAR's shortcomings highlighted again as Chelsea are denied a clear penalty
In the 18th minute of the game, Youri Tielemans' attempted clearance inside his box went completely wrong, as he ended up kicking Timo Werner instead. Werner and his Chelsea teammates' hands instantly went up for a rightful penalty appeal, only for both Mike Dean and VAR to deny it.
It was another instance of VAR messing up a pretty simple decision, as Chelsea and Werner were denied a stonewall spot-kick. Thankfully, it didn't have a major implication on the game, as Chelsea ironically won thanks to a 66th-minute penalty which was given after a VAR check.
However, that doesn't take away from the fact that this calamitous decision could have proved costly for a side whose hopes of playing in Europe's top-tier competition rested on tonight's result. VAR continues to disappoint in key moments, especially in the Premier League.
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