“Azpilicueta’s decline needs to be studied”, “Finished”: Some Chelsea fans rue 1-1 draw vs Leicester City + Match Report

Chelsea vs Leicester City: Chelsea Match report

Chelsea were the hosts this time around and Frank Lampard’s starting XI was fairly similar to the one that started against Liverpool in the UEFA Super Cup with the only change being the inclusion of Mason Mount in the midfield. Leicester also made one change with Christian Fuchs coming in for Ben Chilwell.

Chelsea made a fantastic start to the game with Olivier Giroud setting up Pedro in the very first minute but the Spaniard went just wide and hit the side netting. Mount came very close a minute later with Kasper Schmeichel saving them from a shot from Mason Mount.

Chelsea were outstanding in their tempo and energy in the first couple of minutes with Jorginho dictating the tempo of the game from deep. Leicester looked lost in the midfield and without Maguire, the young Turkish Centre-back Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans were unable to handle Olivier Giroud’s aerial presence.

Chelsea’s persistence was rewarded after an error from Wilfried Ndidi was rewarded with a goal. Mount closed dow Ndidi to win the ball back and score the first goal of the game in the 7th minute.

The frantic pace of the game settled down as Leicester tried getting their composure back but Chelsea still looked a threat in transition as Mount threatened with another passage of play in the 20th minute.

Chelsea opened up Leicester once again in the 26th minute with a slick passage of play and Kante should’ve put the finishing touches. The game slowed down with no clear chances from either side. There were a few half chances but not much more. Chelsea were leading 1-0 at halftime.

Leicester started the second half the better side as they finally got James Maddison a lot more often as they were on the ball back in dangerous areas. Leicester continued to be a danger and Chelsea were ready to absorb pressure but were unable to do much on the counter.

Tammy Abraham came on in the 61st minute to add some everything into this Chelsea side ahead of Giroud. Leicester’s persistence was rewarded as Leicester equalized in the 66th minute. Maddison put in a brilliant corner for Wilfried Ndidi to redeem himself with a thumping header.

Maddison continued to have a massive influence on the game and missed a chance he should’ve buried in the 73rd minute. Leicester were dominating now and Vardy has another chance through on goal from a Maddison pass in the 77th minute. Chelsea looked in real danger and seemed vulnerable every time Leicester were in the opposition half.

Leicester will rue their missed chances in the second half and Lampard will be very concerned. Chelsea could have potential banana skins in the coming weeks and will have to address the issues within their defensive structure.