Leicester 1-2 Chelsea PLAYER RATINGS: Which Blues star ‘bullied’ Foxes? And who impressed on first Premier League start of the season?

Chelsea beat Leicester 2-1 at the King Power Stadium to remain third and in the Champions League spot.

Nicolas Jackson’s smart finish after 15 minutes opened the scoring at the King Power Stadium in a dominant first half for the Blues following Enzo Maresca’s return to the Foxes.

Controversy struck eight minutes later when Wilfred Ndidi was shown a yellow card for a reckless challenge that left Cole Palmer in agony.

Chelsea continued their dominance in the second half, eventually doubling their lead thanks to Enzo Fernandez’s close-range header in the 75th minute.

Leicester halved the deficit when Jordan Ayew converted from the penalty spot in the 95th minute, but it proved only a consolation.

Mail Sport’s KIERAN GILL was at the King Power Stadium to bring you our player ratings.

Nicolas Jackson (left) opened the scoring before Enzo Fernandez’s (right) header in the second half

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1)

Robert Sánchez – 6

Sánchez had nothing to do until the 38th minute when Leicester finally realized they too could attack. Conceded in stoppage time after substitute Lavia clumsily gave away a penalty.

Wesley Fofana – 7

Without Reece James and without Malo Gusto, centre-back Fofana filled in at right-back while being booed by his former fans. He had the last laugh when Chelsea left as winners.

Levi Colwill – 7.5

For the first time this season, Colwill was used as a right-sided centre-back rather than a left-sided one, meaning he could man the back three from the center while Cucurella flew forward.

Benoit Badiashile – 7.5

Brought in for his first Premier League start of the season, he took the opportunity to impress after gossip columns abroad wrongly said Chelsea were ready to sack him.

Marc Cucurella – 8

Practically played as a left winger. Set up a second goal from Madueke, which is disallowed for offside. However, his cross later made it 2-0 through Fernandez. Even celebrated full-time by turning to the home fans.

Moises Caicedo – 7.5

Great chance to score but skewed his shot wide after perhaps having had a lot of time to think about how to hit the ball towards goal. Won possession in key positions on the pitch, as usual.

Enzo Fernandez – 8.5

Goal and assist for the Argentinian after starting over Lavia in midfield. Used quick thinking to help Jackson score for 1-0. He then made it 2-0 with a header.

Noni Madueke – 6.5

Thought he had scored Chelsea’s second goal after a great team move, but it was disallowed for offside due to a whisker. Botched a volley after Jackson’s cross. He then blocked a certain goal from Palmer.

Marc Cucurella played practically as a left winger and set up Madueke’s second goal, which was disallowed

Enzo Fernandes produced a goal and an assist after starting in midfield against Romeo Lavia

Kool Palmer – 7

Endured a terrible challenge from behind by Wilfred Ndidi who, let’s face it, was lucky to escape red. Later, Palmer accidentally shot the ball into Madueke to waste an open goal.

João Felix – 7

First Premier League start since returning to Chelsea, moving into central positions for good as Cucurella gave the team width down the left. Opportunities to score were not taken.

Nicolas Jackson – 8

He bullied Wout Faes not once, not twice but three times to ensure he won the ball for him and then had the finesse to finish for Chelsea’s opener. Similar bullying led to their second goal to confirm the victory.

SUBS

Romeo Lavia (for Caicedo, 81) – N/A

Christopher Nkunku (for Felix, 81) – N/A

Jadon Sancho (for Madueke, 85) – N/A

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (for Jackson 90) – N/A

**

SUBS NOT USED

Filip Jörgensen

Marcus Bettinelli

Tosin Adarabioyo

Mychailo Mudryk

Renato Veiga

Cole Palmer was given a terrible challenge from behind by Wilfred Ndidi

Nicolas Jackson (right) bullied Wout Faes (left) not once, not twice but three times to ensure he won the ball for him and then had the finesse to finish

MANAGER

Enzo Maresca – 7

Chelsea dominated this match, although it took a while for them to take a 2-0 lead. Nervous ending after Lavia gave away a penalty to Jordan Ayew, making it 2-1.

Leicester (4-2-3-1):

Hermansen7; Justin 6, Faes 5, Okoli 5.5, Kristiansen 5.5; Winks 6 (Skipp 11, 6), Soumare 6; McAteer 6 (Mavididi 71, 6), Ndidi 5.5 (Ayew 71, 6), El Khannouss 6.5 (Decordova-Reid 79, 6); Vardy 6 (Daka 79, 6).

Scorers: None

Booked: Ndidi, Soumare, Skipp, Cooper, Faes

Administrator: Steve Cooper 5.5