Chelsea Flying High: Leicester City vs Chelsea as Arsenal Keeps the Heat on the Top
Chelsea claimed a final sixteen dramatic 2-1 success against Leicester City at the weekend as Enzo Maresca makes a return to the King Power Stadium. The win puts Chelsea a point from second placed Manchester City in the English Premier League, although Arsenal ensured that pressure was maintained on their title rivals by beating Nottingham Forest in a later kick off.
Chelsea’s Commanding Start
Starting strongly and relentlessly, Chelsea looked a side on a rampage from the very tonic. Nicolas Jackson started well, displayed confidence and physical strength, to make the visitors deservedly ahead. Nevertheless, the first-half dominance failed to translate into fuller exploitation by the Blues that otherwise was a clearly better team.
Jose Felix, who only had his first start in the English top tier this campaign, came close twice with his shots in the first quarter an hour. Newcastle was able to break down a stubborn Stoke side just after half time when Jackson pounced on a mistake from Wout Faes, and instinctively put the ball in the net to make it his seventh league goal of the season.
Leicester Fights Back
Leicester, with the encouragement of the home fans, began to get close to equalizing as the first half ended. This was Kasey McAteer’s first full Premier League appearance, and nearly equalize, while Wilfred Ndidi wasted a good chance. He looked like Chelsea was finally having a slip and the tide began to turn.
A Game of Narrow Margins
The second half came closer to seeing Chelsea almost concede a ridiculous own goal as Noni Madueke nearly turned a Cole Palmer shoot into his net. It was again Chelsea that kept on probing and was rewarded in the 75 minute when a Jackson shot rebounded off the post and was met by the head of Enzo Fernandez, who scored what seemed to be the final goal to Coppa Italia’s two goals cushion.
Late Drama
Leicester wasn’t done yet. Late into the stoppage time, Jordan Ayew also scored a penalty after Bobby De Cordova-Reid made a clumsy challenge. But Chelsea stood their ground and got the valuable three points that take them to 22, three points behind City and three points ahead of Arsenal.
About the Challenges Ahead for Leicester
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The defeat put Leicester in a very vulnerable position for the relegation zone. Worse still was the revelation this week from the team manager, Steve Cooper that winger Abdul Fatawu would be out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
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As Chelsea play up to par and Leicester grappling on the lower half, this Premier League season promises to deliver more. Is the Blues ready to continue this climb up the ladder, or will Leicester learn how to free themselves from the danger zone? Stay tuned!
