Leicester vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League result and final score as Blues remain third with win
Leicester 1-2 Chelsea: Enzo Maresca enjoyed a winning return to the King Power thanks to goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez
Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez ensured Chelsea remained third in the Premier League as Enzo Maresca enjoyed a winning return to Leicester City.
Jackson’s sublime finish gave Chelsea an early lead which did not feel completely secure despite their dominance until Fernandez nodded in a rebound in the 75th minute to wrap up three points.
Chelsea were in complete control when Jackson fired his seventh of the season but Leicester grew into it and had chances to equalise before half time, with Kasey McAteer going close.
But Chelsea resumed their dominance after the break. Cole Palmer’s goal-bound shot was blocked by team-mate Noni Madueke in an extraordinary moment, but Fernandez made sure it did not cost them.
Jordan Ayew pulled one back from the penalty spot in added time, but it was too late for Leicester to mount the comeback. Follow live reaction from Leicester vs Chelsea in the Premier League below.
Premier League table: Tight at the top?
Chelsea are sitting third in the Premier League ahead of the restart following the international break - but there are only three points separating the teams in 3rd and 11th. The table could be looking very different by Monday night.
3) Chelsea: 19 (+8)
4) Arsenal: 19 (+6)
5) Nottm Forest: 19 (+5)
6) Brighton: 19 (+4)
7) Fulham: 18 (+3)
8) Newcastle: 18 (+2)
9) Aston Villa: 18 (0)
10) Tottenham: 16 (+10)
11) Brentford: 16 (0)
Enzo Maresca still believes Jamie Vardy is still ‘the best’
Jamie Vardy might not be having a party at the end of this season but he is still banging in the goals at 37 and Maresca rates the striker even more highly than England’s two top goalscorers - Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney.
“People don’t realise how good he is,” said Maresca. “I know England have been quite lucky because of Kane and Rooney, this type of striker, they are fantastic.
“But Jamie is, if you ask me, the best one.”
Enzo Maresca returns to Leicester and shares special ‘connection’
Enzo Maresca has lifted the lid on Leicester’s promotion celebrations ahead of Chelsea’s trip to his former team.
The venue for last April’s party was Maresca’s house when the players turned up unannounced at 2am.
Maresca recalled: “The best present I had from last season was when we got promoted and they arrived at my home. All the team.
“This showed the connection between the players; they could go for a party at a different place but they all arrived at my home. It was a fantastic connection and I will always be thankful for them.
“I was at home celebrating with my staff and my family and about two o’clock in the morning all the squad was there. We celebrated all together.
“When I was a player and I won things I never thought to go to the manager’s home. That shows the connection.”
What is the Chelsea team news?
Chelsea captain Reece James has suffered another injury setback and will be out because of a hamstring strain. Cole Palmer has been passed fit despite missing England duty, with Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia and Jadon Sancho available too.
What is the Leicester team news?
Leiceter have a few selection issues among the forward positions, with Jamie Vardy and Jordan Ayew potential doubts. Patson Daka it fit after three months out but winger Abdul Fatawu has suffered an ACL injury and will be out for the rest of the season.
When is Leicester vs Chelsea?
The Premier League fixture kicks off at 12:30pm BST on Saturday 23 November at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester vs Chelsea TV channel and how to watch
It will be shown live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting from 11am. You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.
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