Chelsea secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, inching closer to second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League standings. This match marked Leicester manager Enzo Maresca’s return to his former home ground after leading the Foxes back to the Premier League last season.
From the opening whistle, Chelsea dominated possession, showing their attacking intent. Their efforts paid off early when Nicolas Jackson capitalized on a defensive lapse by Leicester’s Wout Faes.
Jackson’s sharp finish, his seventh league goal of the season, put the Blues ahead in the 17th minute. Despite their control, Chelsea failed to extend their lead before halftime, leaving Leicester opportunities to grow into the game.
Leicester showed flashes of danger as the first half progressed. Kasey McAteer, making his full Premier League debut, came close with a curling effort just wide of the far post. Wilfred Ndidi also had a chance but failed to convert.
The second half saw Chelsea push for a decisive goal, but they missed a golden opportunity when Noni Madueke accidentally blocked Cole Palmer’s goal-bound shot. However, persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Enzo Fernandez headed home after a fine save by Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
Leicester kept fighting, with substitute Jordan Ayew scoring a penalty in injury time after a foul on Bobby De Cordova-Reid. Despite the late drama, Chelsea held firm to secure three crucial points.
The victory lifts Chelsea to 22 points, just one behind Manchester City, while Leicester remains dangerously close to the relegation zone, with only a three-point cushion.
