Three wins in three matches. Now that’s something that hasn’t happened since last Fall. Graham Potter’s Blues pick up another massive win, this time away from home in what feels like an eternity since its last happened.
Nevertheless, that’s three points in the bag for the boys in blue as they finish the week strong to return home with mounting momentum.
As the overcast sky loomed on, Chelsea opened up the first half slowly as the home side was eager to start brightly. The energy from the crown was boisterous and it propelled Leicester to have an energetic opening 10 minutes.
Chelsea found it difficult through the Foxes’ press as the Blue’s game plan early on was to feed Mudryk and Havertz through counter-attacks and in-behind runs. However, all of the growing momenta was nullified when a sloppy corner led to Koulibaly crossing the ball across the box to a wide-open, Ben Chilwell. The English fullback timed his shot to perfection for a wonderful and powerful low volley that caught the keeper on his toes to put the Blues 1-0 up. His presence in the squad has been massively missed over the past few months and his reclusion has been a huge boost for the Blues.
The game would’ve been capped off in the first half but an offside from João Felix denied Chelsea from doubling their lead. After being involved in several Chelsea attacks, Felix carelessly lost the ball in our half which led to a quick transition for the Foxes as Patson Daka made things level.
Of course, Chelsea did not stop attacking despite the equalizer as they were able to catch the Leicester City defenders napping shortly before the half, with a sublime over-the-top scooper from our newly acquired midfielder, Enzo Fernández.
After half-time, Chelsea made a change for Felix at half-time for Conor Gallagher to add more numbers in midfield. Overall, it was a cagey affair with the referee missing several fouls from the aggressive Foxes.
Nevertheless, Chelsea was able to weather the storm and create more counters including the 3rd and decisive goal after Leicester City went down to 10 men. Let us now share our reactions and thoughts from our fellow writers.
Luka Foley (@LukaFoleySPJ)
Wow. What a performance that was, from back to front. Everyone on that pitch was at least an 8/10, if not better. Admittedly, it was a slow start and I thought it was just going to be one of those days, but Chilwell’s goal finally gave me the feeling that we would go on to dominate the match.
I prefer not to speak on the VAR decisions but Havertz’s superb goal was a great way to end the half. The second half was absolutely perfect from a tactical point of view, Potter got it all spot on and I was so happy for Mudryk to finally get a goal involvement that was a reward for his excellent performance.
Special mention to Kovacic who scored one of his rare worldie goals. Top marks all around, a great end to the day and now we can rest up for Everton next weekend!
Rey (Rey_Blues30)
Another 3 points! That is all that matters. Chelsea once again showed up after an eventful week in the Champions League. You have to give credit to Graham Potter and the boys for turning it around after a dire past two months.
The switch to a back 3 has worked wonders as its produced results, something that’s been missing since the turn of the year. Today, Leicester created plenty of chances but their defense was woeful as they should’ve been booked several times throughout the match. Maddison was creating havoc through the spaces so Potter made the correct choice in subbing off Felix for Gallagher to add numbers in the middle.
Mudryk was bright in patches, especially in the second half where he was close to scoring and getting an assist shortly after. Cucurella was strong again along with our midfield. Enzo continues to prove why he’s worth every penny.
Onto Everton where we need to continue this short run of form and hopefully escalate up the table. UP THE BLUES!
Vik (@CFCVik)
Brilliant atmosphere, great performance. I felt we started off struggling to gain a foothold in controlling possession but our quality was just too much in the end for Leicester.
The whole team, yet again, put in a great performance. Would’ve scored more than 4 on another day too. May it continue. Enzo MOTM
Tom Coley (@tomcoley49)
What a difference a week makes. Chelsea look transformed, energized, and full of confidence once more. It’s the first time that lots of this new setup will have felt this connection.
New signings gelling together, rewarding the manager and backroom staff along the way, it’s been a week that the Blues needed. Against Leicester it was notable how slick Chelsea was when moving forward. Mykhailo Mudryk grew into his new role, it helped Kai Havertz to move off the front line once more, though his run and finish showed his class.
Enzo Fernandez is showing true signs of Cesc Fabregas-like quality, and it’s just getting started. Kalidou Koulibaly continues to embrace the responsibility since Thiago Silva was injured, Wesley Fofana is a real gem of a player and Ben Chilwell has the fighting spirit and mentality that this team needs much more of.
It’s only a flash in the pan of what Chelsea needs to be a much longer cycle but for the first time, something appears to be growing in front of our eyes and that alone is special to witness.
Written by Rey with contributions from Luka Foley, Vikram Jajuha and Tom Coley.
Edited by Tom Coley
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