A veritable game of two halves as Chelsea struggled to break down a well organised and dangerous Leicester side in the first half, but upped the tempo in the second to run out 2-0 winners thanks to Costa’s second goal in two games, and an Eden hazard strike. But it may have been very different without some fine saves by Thibaut Courtois.
Courtois – 7 – Another excellent display by Courtois including several match turning saves. His distribution and command of the box was equally impressive and he appears to be justifying his selection ahead of Petr Cech
Azpilicueta – 6 – A good solid game from Azpi who also made a good contribution in attack
Terry – 6 – Mr Dependable with another commanding display including some excellent tackles in dangerous positions
Cahill – 6 – Solid and very effective in his centre back partnership with JT
Ivanovic – 8 – Superb performance from the big Serb who seems to have been galvanised by the threat of Luis sitting in the wings. Solid at the back but very effective going forward where he created an assist and many chances, getting on the end of several himself.
Matic – 6 – Protected the back four very well and made some telling interceptions
This is what we had to say about it on the show:
Fabregas – 6 – Helped up the tempo in the second half and was far more effective as a result. Nearly scored with an audacious turn and chip.
Hazard – 7 – Getting back to his best but not there quite yet. Better in the second half and scored the winner.
Oscar – 6 – Like Hazard, looked better in his second game and more like the Oscar we know and love with some great passes and tackling
Schurrle – 6 – Our best attacking player in the first half, but got a knock and went off in the second
Costa – 6 – Not as effective as his first game, but he still made a telling contribution up front, including Chelsea’s first goal which he took very well – made it look simple and it wasn’t
Subs:
Ramires – 6 – Came on with lots of energy and bombed forward a lot but his touch still lets him down
Willian – 7 – Looked lively and full of energy when he came on. Always a threat and never gives up a lost cause
Drogba – 6 – A heroes welcome on his return to the Bridge as a Chelsea player, but didn’t have time to do much apart from an exquisite 30 yard pass with the outside of his foot to Ramires
