3 big points after the international break!
Chelsea travelled to 12th placed Leicester to play them in MW 12 of the Premier League season. Leicester and Rodgers went with three at the back as predicted but a front three of Lookman, Vardy, and Barnes. Tuchel selected the expected XI with Mendy in goal, a back three of Chalobah, Silva, and Rudiger, with Reece James and Ben Chilwell as the left backs. A midfield of Jorginho and Kante with a front three of Hudson-Odoi, Mount, and Havertz. A strong lineup with some players rested as well.
Chelsea dominated the game from minute one and the first chance came in the 4th minute as Chilwell ran onto a Jorginho pass and his shot smashed off the Leicester post. The first goal came 10 minutes alter as Rudiger rose highest from a Chilwell cross to give Chelsea the lead. The German loves playing the foxes and that was his fourth goal against them. Chelsea then had a couple more chances but the Leicester defence put some good blocks in. The 2nd goal came in the 28th minute as Kante drove forward and as the Leicester defence pulled back Kante took a shot and put it past Schmeichel. A few more chances came towards Chelsea at half time but the scoreline remained 0-2.
Rodgers made two changes at half time with Maddison and Iheanacho coming on and it allowed Leicester to get some shots on target at least. Chilwell came close in the 2nd half but his shot was saved by Schmeichel. Hudson-Odoi also sent a shot over the bar. Mendy was called in to action as well as he made a sharp save from an Amartey long range effort. Pulisic then made it three in the 71st minute after some good work by Ziyech in the box to provide the assist. Chelsea saw out the game for the three points in a brilliant performance.
Chelsea Team Review
Goalkeeper
Another clean sheet for Mendy and while he had nothing to do in the 1st half he was called into action in the 2nd half on a couple of occasions. A mark of a top goalkeeper that is always switched on.
Defenders
Another clean sheet for the backline and Rudiger got a goal as well. Reece James and Chilwell got an assist each to provide a brilliant showing. Silva was imperial at the back and Chalobah again put in a top performance as well.
Midfielders
Jorginho and Kante were dominant and controlled the game from the midfield. Jorginho’s passing was great to see and he could have got an assist or two while Kante did great to get his goal. Mount had an ok game but he did look off pace. Loftus-Cheek came on in the 2nd half to see out the game.
Forwards
Havertz did not get a goal but he led the line well and was a handful for the Leicester defence. Hudson-Odoi also did well as a winger once again and should have scored. Pulisic came on in the 2nd half and got a goal to boost his confidence. Ziyech also looked lively and did well to get his assist.
Manager
With Chelsea coming into this game off an international break and some key players still out Tuchel would have been impressed by the performance and the result. A good continuation of momentum and long may it continue.
3 points for Chelsea as we remain 3 points clear at the top of the table. Next up is a visit by Juventus to Stamford Bridge. COME ON CHELSEA!!!
Park The Bus 