Diego Costa was on target on his home debut as Chelsea overcame a poor first half to beat newly promoted Leicester City in their first home game of the season.
Chelsea named an unchanged side to that which beat Burnley, which meant Thibaut Courtois kept his place in goal ahead of Petr Cech.
Diego Costa lined up upfront while Fernando Torres was not even named as a substitute, amid rumours that he is on his way out of the club.
Leicester got the first half underway but there were few talking points. Schurrle had the Blues first few efforts, having a shot blocked in the goalmouth before firing just over after a neat lay-off from Diego Costa.
If anything, the visitors had been the better team over the course of the first twenty minutes, as they strung some neat passes together, particularly on the break, and put in a couple of dangerous crosses.
Gary Cahill had Chelsea’s best effort of the first 45 as a corner was partially cleared by Leicester, and the ball fell to the centre back who hit his shot into the ground before it was headed away from infront of the goal.
However, aside from a deflected Diego Costa effort that went over and some half-hearted penalty shouts, there was very little for the home fans to get too excited about for the remainder of the half.
And, with whatever Mourinho shouted at them during the half-time break still ringing in their ears, Chelsea looked more dangerous within three minutes of the second period than they did at all in the first half.
Oscar hit the base of the post with a curling effort from distant, before moments later Schmeichel was forced into a great save after Ivanovic towered to meet Azpilicueta’s cross.
Equally, Leicester were forcing Courtois into similar heroics. Nugent found himself one-on-one with the Belgian after a Leicester break which saw them have men over. Courtois rushed out all the way to the edge of the area to smother the striker and keep the scores level. He was certainly justifying his manager’s faith in him.
Eight minutes later, as Chelsea started to step their game up, they eventually took the lead. Great work from Ivanovic down the right saw him cross it into the box, where it bounced around before falling at Costa’s feet, who finished in a flash.
It was the striker’s second competitive goal for the Blues in as many games, and his first at The Bridge and on his home debut. He’s already looking worth the money that Chelsea splashed out for him.
Chelsea replaces Schurrle with Ramires and Oscar with Willian as they looked for a second, but equally wanted to stay tight and not concede an equaliser.
And, 10 minutes later, the points were in the bag. Fabregas, bagging his third assist in two games, laid the ball off to Hazard, who slowed the game down before cutting in from the left and firing the ball past Schmeichel with the aid of a deflection.
With the atmosphere at a high, it seemed like the perfect time to reintroduce Didier Drogba to the Chelsea’s faithful. Replacing Diego Costa, the legend received a rousing ovation from around the ground, including Roman Abramovic who looked delighted with proceedings.
Chelsea will be glad that they didn’t have a nervy ending to the game as they played the remaining minutes out, and the final whistle blew meaning Chelsea recorded another, what seems on paper, comfortable win.
Much was made of what lost Chelsea the title last season and it was games like this that were so often the problem. Chelsea certainly look a more all-round machine this campaign.
After the game, Mourinho revealed why Chelsea were a much more dangerous outfit in the second half:
I told them at half time that the way we’re playing is not good enough to win the game.
“The first half showed clearly we still have a lot to improve, but the second half was good. It’s important not to lose points,” he added.
He also congratulated Leicester for “playing to win” the game. He also said the same about Burnley, Monday night’s opponents.
He also dismissed the possibility of Torres leaving the club, despite the striker not even making the bench today:
I want three strikers. He will play. A fantastic guy, fantastic professional.
A comfortable second 45 minutes means Chelsea can watch the rest of this weekend’s games in the knowledge that they have secured maximum points yet again.
In terms of Man of the Match, Thibaut Courtois has a very strong claim to take it, after a string of vital saves, particularly one from Nugent, that kept Chelsea from going behind.
Chelsea travel to Goodison to face Everton next Saturday evening.
Chelsea vs Leicester – Match facts
- Cesc Fabregas has now assisted three goals in two appearances for Chelsea.
- Chelsea striker Diego Costa has netted two goals from just two shots on target in the 2014/15 Premier League so far.
- This was the first time Chelsea had named an unchanged side in the PL since October 2012.
- Eden Hazard has scored 11 of his last 15 Premier League goals at Stamford Bridge.
- Chelsea – Leicester: Possession- 59%-41%, Chances created- 20-5, Shots- 25-6
