Leicester condemned Chelsea to yet another defeat, as goals from Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez saw the foxes run out 2-1 winners in the Monday night game at King Power stadium. The ninth defeat for the Blues this season sees them gasping for air at the bottom of the table in 16th place, only one point off the drop zone.
Meanwhile, the victory meant that Claudio Ranieri’s men continue on their merry run and now sit atop the Premier League with a clear two point gap from Arsenal.
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Vardy gave Leicester the lead with his 15th strike of the season in the first half when he clinically slotted in a Riyad Mahrez pinpoint delivery. There was no respite for Jose Mourinho and Chelsea after the interval as Riyad Mahrez made it 2-0 to the home side within three minutes of the restart.
A late goal from Loic Remy gave the defending champions hope of a resurgence, but the comeback was never really on as the Champions fizzled to their ninth defeat of the season.
Here are the player ratings from Monday night’s action at Leicester.
Leicester City
Kasper Schmeichel (8/10) - Was largely a spectator in the first half. But came out on top when called upon to act. A vital save with his legs helped keep Diego Costa out from point blank range and helped secure all three points.
Simpson (6.5/10)- Was beaten for pace for the goal as Pedro’s nimble feet caught him out. However, did his job pretty well for most of the night first against Hazard and then Pedro.
Huth (8/10): Composed at the back and lead the backline well. His tandem alongside Morgan has proved to be one of the backbones upon which Leicester have built their success.
Morgan (8.5/10) - Dealt with the threat of Diego Costa with a sturdy hand. His dominance in his duel with Spaniard really set the tone for the whole team.
Christian Fuchs (7.5/10) – Kept Willian quiet for the majority of the game. The Brazilian, who was arguably Chelsea’ s best player on the pitch, pitched in with another energetic display all over the pitch, he hardly got any change from the steadfast Fuchs.
Marc Albrighton (8/10) – Full of running and was a constant threat down the Leicester left with his crosses. Did well to pick up Mahrez at the far post for the second goal, which eventually turned out to be the winner.
N’Golo Kante (8.5/10) - Set the whole tempo of Leicester’s spirited display once again. Not only did he again prove to be a great shield for the back line, but also was the first point of launching most of their swift attacks.
Danny Drinkwater (NA) – Frustrating afternoon for the Englishman, who had to be substituted with a hamstring problem early on.
Riyad Mahrez (9/10) – Best player on the pitch as the Algerian continues to weave his magic on the football pitches across England. Set up the first with a delightful cross for the onrushing Vardy. Later on, he took his opportunity quite brilliantly in the second-half to help Leicester extend their lead.
Leandro Ulloa (7/10) – Complemented Vardy extremely well and vindicated Ranieri’s decision to go in with an extra striker.
Jamie Vardy (8/10) – His dry spell lasted only ninety minutes. His movement and pace gave the Chelsea backline the fits, the whole of ninety minutes. Took his opportunity superbly to give Leicester an invaluable lead when the game was still in the balance.
Substitutes
Andy King (7/10) – Came in early in this game to replace Drinkwater. Combined well with Kante to stifle Chelsea in the middle of the park.
Gokhan Inler (7/10) – Replaced Mahrez with about ten minutes to go to sure up things in the middle of the park. Used his experience to do exactly that.
Okazaki (NA) – Came on late for Jamie Vardy to give the hosts a pair of fresh legs.
Chelsea
Thibaut Courtois (6.5/10) – The Belgian could do nothing about both of the goals for Leicester as two clinical finishes gave the home side the delight of yet another win. Dealt well with most stuff that was within his realm.
Branislav Ivanovic (6/10) – The Serbian had trouble with Albrighton’s running throughout the game. Should have done better as the Englishman bombarded the Chelsea box with his crosses. Should have drawn Chelsea level in the first half.
Kurt Zouma (5/10) - Looked indecisive at times. Lost track of Jamie Vardy’s run and was slow to react as the Englishman helped Leicester draw first blood.
John Terry (5/10) - This won’t be a game the ex-England skipper would look back with too much fondness. Struggled mightily to shackle Vardy. Looked off-pace, off-colour and was taken off with Chelsea chasing the game two goals down.
Cesar Azpilicueta (4.5/10) – The Spaniard looked a shadow of his former self, who has had earned rave reviews for his defensive prowess. Had trouble dealing with the swift-footed Mahrez the whole night. Failed to close down Mahrez for the first. Was tied up in knots by the Algerian for Leicester’s second.
Nemanja Matic (6/10) – Another Chelsea player with a disappointing outing. Struggled to thrust himself in the middle of the pitch, losing out the battle for control at the centre of the park.
Willian (7/10) – The Brazilian was probably Chelsea’s best player on the pitch. But, even he rarely had any joy in his duels.
Ramires (6/10) – Saw more of the ball in the second forty-five.
Eden Hazard (6/10) – Looked lively in the in the early going without much penetration. But his night was cut short because of an injury.
Oscar (5/10) – Was hardly able to influence the proceedings. Taken off just after the hour mark.
Diego Costa (5/10) - Was well shadowed by Morgan and Huth for most of the game. Failed to capitalize the one occasion he broke loose, failing to find the back of the net in a one-on-one opportunity agast Schmeichel.
Substitutes
Pedro (6.5/10) – Failed to inspire any confidence with his early play after the Spaniard had replaced Hazard after just half an hour. He came to life in the latter minutes and eventually set up the goal for Remy with a delightful cross.
Cesc Fabregas (6/10) – Gave Chelsea a boost when he came in for Terry and was immediately at the end of a headed opportunity. But, his influence faded as the game drew towards its conclusion.
Remy (7/10) – Gave Chelsea a much-needed injection of energy upon his introduction. Gave Chelsea a glimmer of hope with his well-taken goal in the 77th minute. Looked lively but should have done better with another half-chance he had been able to get at the end of.
