Chelsea
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Asmir Begovic – 6/10
The Chelsea second choice keeper had little to do in the first half than pick the ball out of the net twice. He made an absolutely stunning save on Ahmed Musa when he was one on one with the striker in the second half. He was pretty much a spectator other than that.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7.5/10
The Spanish full-back, playing on the right side of defence should have done better with the cross that led to Okazaki’s opener. He more than made up for it by scoring an absolute peach of a goal to bring the Blues level. An overall solid performance other than his early mistake.
Gary Cahill – 7.5/10
The captain for the day had a heart in mouth moment as he gave away the ball to Okazaki followed up by a sketchy challenge on Musa. He was quite helpless to prevent both of Leicester’s goals but dragged his team back into the game with a great header to score Chelsea’s opener.
He was an absolute rock in the second half, shutting down the Leicester threat.
David Luiz – 6/10
Luiz started the night with a gorgeous ball for Pedro’s disallowed goal, followed by a lapse in concentration to let Okazaki steal ahead of him for the opener. The Brazilian wasn’t able to intercept Okazaki for Leicester’s second goal either. While he did improve in the second half, he was still a player right on the edge.
Marcos Alonso – 6/10
The debutant had a moment to forget as it was his giveaway that led to Leicester’s opening goal. While he linked up well with Pedro going forward, he failed to pick Okazaki for the second goal. He showed his attacking value in the second half, providing some great crosses.
Nemanja Matic – 7/10
Matic did well to cover the Chelsea defense in most cases but his lack of mobility was an issue in dealing with the speed and agility of the Leicester attackers. He was instrumental as Chelsea took control in the second half, providing great support to both his defenders as well as attackers.
Victor Moses – 6.5/10
He kept getting into good positions in the first half but had little to show for his efforts. He was much improved in the second half as he pushed back young Chilwell and made a number of good passes around the Leicester penalty area.
Cesc Fabregas – 8/10
The out of favour midfielder was extremely tidy in possession, keeping the Chelsea attack ticking. He was an important part of Chelsea’s first two goals – it was his corner steered in by Cahill and it was his cross which eventually led to Azpilicueta’s equaliser.
He took Chelsea through to the finish line by scoring two goals in extra time – including a sublime first goal. A perfect lesson on how to make the most of your opportunities.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6/10
The youngster found it a little difficult to get into the game in the first half but showed glimpses of his undoubted potential with some nifty touches as well good passing. It was his shot which fell to Azpilicueta for Chelsea’s equaliser. The Englishman was subbed off for Costa as Chelsea went for a winner.
Pedro – 6/10
The Spaniard had a lively start to the game, testing Simpson and also had an early goal disallowed for offside followed by a glorious cross that Batshuayi really should have converted. He buzzed around the attacking third with good intent, combining well with the other Chelsea attackers – especially in the second half.
He was subbed off for Hazard in the 89th minute.
Michy Batshuayi – 6/10
The young striker should have really done better when he headed wide – unmarked – from a Pedro cross. He found it a little difficult to deal with the power of both Wasilewski and Morgan but did well to hold his own. He forced a great save from Zieler with a quarter of the game remaining and combined well with Costa.
Substitutes
Diego Costa – 7/10
The in-form man came on with 1/3rd of the game to play as Chelsea hunted for a winner and nearly scored within minutes of coming on as he wasted a great opportunity. He was an absolute livewire, giving Morgan and Wasilewski plenty of trouble and adding greater emphasis to Chelsea’s attacks.
Costa was unusually wasteful though and could’ve ended the game in normal time. He combined well with Hazard for what turned out to be Chelsea’s third goal and made a nuisance of himself, leading to the fourth.
Nathaniel Chalobah – 5/10
The 21-year-old finally made his Chelsea debut, coming on for Batshuayi in the 81st minute. He was comfortable as Leicester did little to trouble the young man.
Eden Hazard – 7/10
The mercurial Belgian came on for Pedro in the 89th minute. He made all the difference in extra time, setting up Fabregas’ first goal as well as playing a big part in the Spaniard’s second.
