Chelsea vs Leicester City player ratings: Blues fight for three points
Cesar Azpilicueta (Right wingback): 8/10
Azpilicueta was much better than he was during Saturday’s FA Cup final. Playing as a right wingback for the second match in a row with James taking over in the three-man defense, the skipper marched forward with purpose. He found himself involved in numerous goal scoring opportunities and almost got on the end of a few crosses. Azpilicueta picked up a late yellow for time-wasting as he exited the pitch late to a deserved standing ovation from the crowd in west London. He also came off the bench to intervene in the mini-brawl that broke out near the end. It was a true captain’s performance.
N’Golo Kante (Central midfielder): N/A
The former Leicester City midfielder started off the match by uncharacteristically getting forward for every attack. N’Golo Kante almost created or scored numerous goals during the opening 30 minutes as the Blues piled on the pressure. Unfortunately, he was replaced at the half-hour mark by Mateo Kovacic as he looked to pick up a knock. Thankfully, everything seems fine as Tuchel stated he thinks Kante’s substitution was purely precautionary.
Jorginho (Central midfielder): 8.5/10
Another day, another Jorginho midfield masterclass. The regista launched himself to the top of Chelsea’s Premier League scoring chart with his seventh league goal of the campaign. His penalty proved to be decisive as the Blues went on to win 2-1. Jorginho’s mature performance earned him another high rating as he continues his run of dominance under Tuchel.
Ben Chilwell (Left wingback): 7.5/10
Ben Chilwell bombed forward with ease against his old side. It was obvious he wanted a second crack at getting a goal after his late-equalizer was controversially ruled out in the FA Cup final. The English fullback found himself on the end of some brutal challenges—including the catalyst to the two teams coming together in stoppage time—but he kept himself out of the theatrics. It was a solid showing from Chilwell all things considered.
Mateo Kovacic (Central midfielder): 6.5/10
Kovacic made his return to the pitch in the 32′ for Kante. The midfielder put on a show and made his impact known throughout . . . until he didn’t. The Croatian international displayed careless control in possession that led to the Foxes’ lone goal and almost saw them equalize via his lapse in concentration late on. Those incidents alone see him plummet down the ratings list.