Key takeaways for Chelsea after win vs Leicester City

Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, collecting three crucial points in their Premier League campaign. While the scoreline suggests a closely contested affair, the performance told a different story. Chelsea controlled the game with authority, dominating possession and creating numerous chances, especially in the first half. Leicester, on the other hand, struggled to find a foothold, with Jamie Vardy failing to register a single touch in Chelsea's half for over 40 minutes, and the Foxes failing to record a shot on target until stoppage time.

The gulf in quality between the two sides was evident, but Chelsea’s inability to capitalize on their dominance in the first half made the game closer than it should have been. Here are the key takeaways from Enzo Maresca’s return to Leicester:

Nicolas Jackson Continues to Impress

Nicolas Jackson delivered another standout performance, scoring his seventh Premier League goal of the season in style. The Senegalese forward showcased his strength and technical ability, shrugging off Wout Faes before receiving a precise pass from Enzo Fernández. With composure and precision, Jackson evaded the Leicester defense to fire Chelsea into the lead with a sublime finish.

Critics have questioned Jackson’s finishing and control in the box, but the 23-year-old silenced doubters with this decisive moment. In doing so, he surpassed former Chelsea strikers Hernán Crespo and Fernando Torres in Premier League goals for the club—Jackson now boasts 21 league goals compared to their 20. His continued growth and confidence in front of goal are becoming vital for Chelsea’s success.

Defensive Fragility Persists

Chelsea’s defensive frailties once again came under scrutiny. What could have been a comfortable clean sheet unraveled in stoppage time, as the backline lost focus and conceded a penalty. Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez had a nervy outing, misjudging a looping ball and making a series of risky decisions with his distribution, including an errant pass to Moisés Caicedo that could have proved costly.

Despite controlling much of the match, Chelsea's inability to maintain concentration at the back is concerning. The Blues have now kept just five clean sheets in 19 matches across all competitions this season—a statistic that highlights the need for defensive improvement if they are to solidify a top-four finish.

Squad Depth Key for Festive Period

With the congested festive schedule looming, Chelsea’s squad depth will be pivotal in navigating the coming weeks. Against Leicester, João Félix made his first start in weeks and impressed with his trademark flair, effortlessly gliding past defenders and linking up play. Enzo Fernández, meanwhile, delivered a complete performance, registering both a goal and an assist, including his first Premier League goal.

Even with injuries and rotation, Chelsea’s bench boasts immense quality. Jadon Sancho, Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Fernández were all options from the sidelines, showcasing the depth that will be critical during this busy period, particularly with UEFA Conference League fixtures adding to the workload.

What’s Next for Chelsea?

Chelsea now turn their attention to European competition as they travel to Germany to face Heidenheim in the UEFA Conference League on November 28. Following that, they return to Premier League action with a home clash against Aston Villa on December 1.

If Chelsea can translate their dominance into consistency and shore up their defensive lapses, they look well-equipped to navigate the challenges ahead and keep their momentum alive.