Player Ratings: Chelsea 1 - 1 Leicester City

Leicester City traveled to Stamford Bridge on Sunday with the chance to prove that the dream of breaking into the top 6 is achievable. While the Foxes were unable to walk away with three full points, they made their case with an excellent showing in the 1-1 draw. Chelsea dominated the first 20 minutes, but from that point on it was all Leicester. A second goal seemed likely, but in the end City was unlucky to leave with just one point.

Kasper Schmeichel - 7

It would be hard to blame him for the goal even though he didn't make an attempt at it. Realistically there wasn’t much hope of him making a save. Otherwise he was sturdy and even provided a few nice long ball deliveries.

Ricardo Pereira - 8.5

For the second week in a row he led the game in total touches (109) and total tackles (8). This week, however, he also led the game in successful dribbles with five to his name. His brilliance didn’t stop there either as he tallied two fouls drawn, three interceptions, five clearances, and two aerial duels won. He may have lost possession more than he would’ve liked, but he was an overwhelmingly positive influence for the Foxes nonetheless.

Jonny Evans - 7.5

Steady as ever from Evans. He totaled two aerial duels won, two tackles, one interception, and four clearances. He was also tidy on the ball, as usual.

Çağlar Söyüncü - 8

Slabchin continued to prove his worth as the long-term solution at center back for the Foxes. One nervy moment in the first minute showed the risk associated with his game when he surged forward for an interception, but lost possession and was out of position for a volley from Pedro, but outside of that he was great. He made one tackle, two interceptions, six clearances, blocked one shot, and won three aerial duels. He also had one particularly tasty dribble.

Christian Fuchs - 6.5

A difficult one to judge for the veteran who stepped in for the injured Ben Chilwell. Fuchs was sloppy with his touches and his passing in the first half, but looked an entirely different player in the second. He was excellent on both ends in the final 45 minutes and finished the day with four tackles (including one of the goal-saving variety on N’Golo Kanté) and two key passes.

Youri Tielemans - 6.5

Not at his polished best with the ball at his feet and often held onto it for too long, but somewhat surprisingly atoned with good defensive work. He tallied three interceptions, but only completed 68% of his 44 passes.

Wilfred Ndidi - 7.5

It could have been a Man of the Match performance for Wilf if not for a monumental error solely responsible for allowing Mason Mount’s goal; he lingered on the ball and was dispossessed on the edge of his own box. He was otherwise excellent with seven tackles, four interceptions, three clearances, two aerial duels won, and one equalizing goal to his credit.

Hamza Choudhury - 5.5

The 21-year-old once again got the nod in the XI and once again seemed surplus to requirements with Ndidi doing much of the defensive work in the midfield. He attempted the least passes (26) of any City starter aside from Jamie Vardy and completed just 62% of them. He did, however, make one spectacular tackle on Kanté that was a cool moment for Leicester fans.

Ayoze Perez - 5.5

A somewhat uneven performance for the Spaniard. Didn’t quite link with his teammates well enough and lost possession too frequently.

Jamie Vardy - 7

It certainly won’t show up on a stat sheet, but he put all sorts of pressure on Chelsea’s backline, especially late in the game. He had just 16 touches (three of which were officially deemed “unsuccessful”), but made run after run in dangerous areas and was unlucky not to get better service.

James Maddison - 7

Another one whose performance was difficult to judge. He wasn’t as involved as we’ve become accustomed to in the first half as he was playing out wide again. In the second he played more centrally and was consequently more involved. This led to him creating a good amount of danger - including a few key passes - but overall he was quite inefficient. His performance was saved with his assist to Ndidi from a corner kick.

Substitutes:

Dennis Praet - 7.5

The new man was subbed on in the 72nd minute, and while he may have been expected to add to the attack, it was his defensive work that stood out. He made three tackles and always looked to subsequently play a pass forward.

Marc Albrighton - 6.5

Came on for Perez at the 79 minute mark and threatened in that limited time. He made several promising runs and one key pass.

*all stats courtesy of whoscored.com

While the team may be disappointed with the way they started, it would be easy to argue they deserved three points anyway. A win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge could have been a way to send the message that a top 6 finish is more than just a pipe dream, but the team’s second half performance will have to suffice.

As a result of the shift in performance after the first 20 minutes or so it could be difficult to assess the performances of City’s players. James Maddison and Christian Fuchs in particular had unbalanced efforts, but overall there were more positives to take from this game than negatives. While Çağlar “Slabchin” Söyüncü did his best to try and secure a second Man of the Match, it had to be Ricardo Pereira who came away with those honors as his positive influence was unwavering in just about every level for the Foxes.