Leicester vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League result and final score as Blues remain third with win
Leicester 1-2 Chelsea: Enzo Maresca enjoyed a winning return to the King Power thanks to goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez
Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez ensured Chelsea remained third in the Premier League as Enzo Maresca enjoyed a winning return to Leicester City.
Jackson’s sublime finish gave Chelsea an early lead which did not feel completely secure despite their dominance until Fernandez nodded in a rebound in the 75th minute to wrap up three points.
Chelsea were in complete control when Jackson fired his seventh of the season but Leicester grew into it and had chances to equalise before half time, with Kasey McAteer going close.
But Chelsea resumed their dominance after the break. Cole Palmer’s goal-bound shot was blocked by team-mate Noni Madueke in an extraordinary moment, but Fernandez made sure it did not cost them.
Jordan Ayew pulled one back from the penalty spot in added time, but it was too late for Leicester to mount the comeback. Follow live reaction from Leicester vs Chelsea in the Premier League below.
Leicester 0-2 Chelsea
83 mins: Leicester are appealing for a penalty as Mavididi chops inside and goes over the leg of Fofana in the box.
VAR have looked and are not giving it. Mavididi certainly made the most of it.
Leicester 0-2 Chelsea
81 mins: Two changes for Chelsea, with Nkunku and Romeo Lavia on for Felix and Caicedo, as Maresca looks to put the ice on this. Jadon Sancho will be on shortly too for Madueke.
Leicester 0-2 Chelsea
80 mins: Jamie Vardy is brought off as Leicester throw on Patson Daka. Vardy barely had a touch today and is mumbling and grumbling as he takes his seat on the bench.
Leicester 0-2 Chelsea
79 mins: A goal and an assist for Enzo Fernandez on his first Premier League start since October 6.
GOOAL! Leicester 0-2 Chelsea (FERNANDEZ 75’)
BUT HE WILL BE NOW! Relief at last for Chelsea as they double their lead and surely seal all three points. And it’s the captain, the returning Enzo Fernandez, who adds the second.
Cucurella’s ball found Jackson at the back post. The header was kept out by Hermansen, but Fernandez was waiting to nod in the rebound. It completes a very good return to the team for the World Cup winner.
Leicester 0-1 Chelsea
73 mins: Madueke’s low cross is claimed by Hermansen, with Palmer’s pass through to Jackson running a touch long. Enzo Maresca doesn’t look too comfortable on the touchline.
Leicester 0-1 Chelsea
70 mins: Leicester are the first to make changes. Jordan Ayew and Stephy Mavididi are on for McAteer and Ndidi.
So attacking changes from the hosts - can they make a difference?
Leicester 0-1 Chelsea
69 mins: Leicester boss Steve Cooper is booked by referee Andy Madley. One too many complaints from Cooper, there. The latest Chelsea corner is cleared by Leicester.
Leicester 0-1 Chelsea
65 mins: Chelsea have Mykhailo Mudryk, Christopher Nkunku and the fit-again Jadon Sancho on the bench, if Maresca is looking towards his bench. Robert Sanchez is booked for apparent time-wasting, with Chelsea experiencing a bit of a lull here.
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