Player Ratings: Chelsea 2-1 Leicester City | Premier League

Ten-man Chelsea beat Leicester 2-1 in a nervy affair at Stamford Bridge, with Raheem Sterling bagging a brace.

Conor Gallagher was sent off for two bookable offences after two mistimed tackles on his first home start for the club.

Sterling opened his Chelsea account in the 46th minute with a deflected effort which looped over Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward.

Sterling doubled the Blues’ lead in the 63rd minute when he got on the end of Reece James’ low cross to finish into an empty net.

Leicester pulled one back in the 65th minute, after an exchange of passes between Harvey Barnes and Jamie Vardy saw Barnes finish inside Edouard Mendy’s near post but the Blues saw out the 2-1 victory in the Premier League.

Raheem Sterling and Reece James celebrating. (Alamy)

Here is how Absolute Chelsea rated the Blues’ performance vs Leicester.

Edouard Mendy - 6.5/10

Made an important save to deny Castagne a Leicester opener at the end of the first half. Would feel he should have done better when Harvey Barnes’ effort beat him at the near post. Made some important saves after which preserved the lead.

Reece James - 7/10

Nearly opened the scoring with a powerful effort which came back off of the post after 43 minutes. Assisted Sterling’s second goal with a brilliant, right-footed cross.

Thiago Silva - 7/10

Made several crucial interventions to deny Leicester. Continues to perform outstandingly despite his advanced age.

Trevoh Chalobah- 6/10

Let Vardy run through on three occasions, and would have been thankful that the Leicester man couldn’t find the net. Defended well in the air when Chelsea were up against it.

Conor Gallagher was dismissed for a second yellow card against Leicester. (Alamy)

Ruben Loftus-Cheek -7/10

Missed a great chance to open the scoring after 6 minutes after being played in by Sterling, with the Englishman hitting his effort straight at Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward. Looked comfortable in his new role. 

Jorginho -  7/10 [75]

Controlled the midfield well, despite the fact he was left on his own in the central area after Gallagher’s red card.

Conor Gallagher- 2/10 

Did his chances of becoming a regular starter no favours with this performance. Two reckless challenges and two bookings saw the English midfielder dismissed after 28 minutes.

Marc Cucurella - 8/10 [92]

Assisted Sterling for his first Chelsea goal, and almost had a second assist for the England international shortly after. Looked comfortable and assured on the ball. 

Mason Mount - 5/10 [45] 

Struggled to make any real impact in the game. Subbed off for Azpilicueta at half time.

Raheem Sterling - 9.5/10 [75]

Opened his Chelsea account in the 46th minute with a deflected effort from outside the box. Looked lovely and energetic. Almost doubled the lead shortly after, but his shot hit the post after the slightest of touches from Ward, when he looked certain to score. Eventually got his second in the 63rd minute when James’ cross found him unmarked at the back post.

Kai Havertz -5/10 

Was largely ineffective, made good runs but rarely had impact. 

Raheem Sterling scoring the opener for Chelsea vs Leicester City. (Alamy)

Bench:

Cesar Azpilicueta 6/10 [45]

Made a crucial interception in the dying moments to preserve Chelsea’s lead.

Mateo Kovacic 6/10 [75]

Closed out the game well

Christian Pulisic 6/10 [75]

Couldn’t really make any impact on the game after coming on.

Ben Chilwell  N/A [92]

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