Chelsea 2-1 Leicester City player ratings: Raheem Sterling’s heroics

Edouard Mendy (Goalkeeper): 5/10

After his abysmal mistake at Leeds United, it feels as though Edouard Mendy cannot be trusted much with his feet and that now certainly seems to be the case. As a shot-stopper, Mendy is one of the best in the world, but in his decision-making and with the ball at his feet, he is probably one of the worst. This was on display today as Mendy saved Chelsea quite a few times after players like Barnes and Vardy got through on goal.

The Senegalese international got away with a blunder in the first half when the Foxes scored from a corner and the goal was ruled out, as Barnes had fouled Mendy. However, to be honest, what Mendy did was not good goalkeeping at all. The Blues’ No. 1 keeper should have also done a better job of stopping the goal Barnes scored at his near post, but the number of saves he made definitely helped Chelsea secure all three points on the afternoon.

Reece James (Right back): 8/10

Chelsea played four-at-the-back, so Reece James got to play in his preferred position of fullback, rather than a right-sided centerback. James was one of the best players on the pitch. His passing ability was on full display as his long balls and cross-field passes were all on point. In the first half, James could have given the home side the lead, but his effort rattled the post. Throughout the game though, James looked sharp and defended well when the team needed him the most.

Thiago Silva (Centerback): 8/10

Certainly one player that Chelsea needed the most on Saturday was the Brazilian veteran. His vast experience majorly helped the Blues when they went down to 10 men, and had to play the majority of the game like that. Leicester had most of the possession and created most of the dangerous chances late on, but quite a few of them were also canceled out by the brilliance of Thiago Silva. Toward the end of the game, the Brazil international looked to be struggling, but marshaled on and helped secure all three points.

Trevoh Chalobah (Centerback): 6.5/10

Trevoh Chalobah made his first appearance of the season for the Blues and what a game to kick off his 2022/23 campaign. Seeing as the club has agreed to a deal for Wesley Fofana, Chalobah had to prove his worth. Throughout the game, Chalobah struggled as Vardy made quite a few runs behind him and Mendy had to make a few saves. In the air though, Chalobah was far more successful, competing with the Foxes attackers valiantly.

Marc Cucurella (Left back): 7.5/10

The Spaniard—who played at left back on Saturday—looks to be the most consistent Chelsea player. Marc Cucurella was a constant attacking presence on the left side and he assisted Sterling for the first goal. He should have had another assist when he put Sterling through again, only for Ward to make a sublime save and push the effort onto the post. Defensively, Cucurella’s pace helped the back line and he was solid enough in pressure situations to deny Leicester from eventually netting an equalizer.