Blues cruise to 3-0 victory over frustrated Foxes

Chelsea strengthens their grip on first place in the Premier League by punishing Leicester’s shortcomings at King Power Stadium.

Blues cruise to 3-0 victory over frustrated Foxes after Antonio Rudiger and N’Golo Kante scored in the first half to put Thomas Tuchel’s side in command and American international Christian Pulisic adding a third in the second half to secure all three points for the Blues and there was no way back for an out-of-sorts Leicester.

HOW BLUES WON THE MATCH…

Chelsea, who were leading the Premier League heading into the game, faced a struggling Leicester City side that was looking to tighten their grip on the title fight. The ‘Blues’ had just three minutes to rip the ‘Foxes’ open as well, with Ben Chilwell bursting in behind before blasting his effort off the crossbar.

The left wing-back was at the heart of the action again in the 14th minute, this time allowing Rüdiger to head home past a helpless Kasper Schmeichel. Since the start of last season, the hosts have conceded 20 goals from set-pieces, the most of any team.

Leicester took a bit to reply, but they soon showed signs of regaining their composure. And, if it hadn’t been for the offside flag, Ademola Lookman would have equalized in the 24th minute after tapping home a cross.

Kanté drove forward minutes later before blasting home from outside the box for a magnificent score against his former club, and the hosts soon regretted their mistake.

Brendan Rodgers started both James Maddison and Kelechi Iheanacho at halftime in the hopes of turning the game around in his favour. However, as the second half progressed, it became evident that the substitutes had not made a significant effect, and Chelsea’s domination continued.

With 20 minutes remaining, Blues reaffirmed their advantage by securing all three points through a combination of replacements when Hakim Ziyech found Pulisic with a pass in the box, allowing the American to finish.

The ball was in the net again moments later, but Callum Hudson-tap-in Odoi’s was ruled offside, followed by Christian Pulisic and Reece James. Chelsea is now six points clear at the top of the Premier League, with Leicester in 12th place.

TEAM NEWS…

Marc Albrighton took advantage of Ricardo Pereira’s absence for Leicester, while Daniel Amartey returned to the lineup after Youri Tielemans was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Chelsea Boss Thomas Tuchel made two changes with Trevoh Chalobah coming in for Andreas Christensen in defence, while Mason Mount returned in favour of Ross Barkley.

ENOMAOMORUYI MAN OF THE MATCH…

NGOLO KANTE(CHELSEA)

ATTENDANCE– 35,497

NEXT UP FOR BLUES AND FOXES…

In the middle of the week, these teams are competing in European competitions. Chelsea takes on Juventus in the Uefa Champions League on Tuesday, followed by a key Europa League match between Leicester and Legia Warsaw on Thursday.

When the Foxes return to Premier League action on Sunday, they will play another game at the King Power Stadium against struggling Watford. Chelsea returns to Stamford Bridge later that afternoon for a Super Sunday match against Manchester United.