Chelsea player ratings: Cucurella steps up but Palmer has mixed outing

Blues far from their best at Stamford Bridge, but three points is all that matters

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Chelsea beat Leicester 1-0 to secure an important Premier League victory.

The narrow victory over the relegation threatened Foxes is ultimately a positive result for Enzo Maresca against his former employers as the Blues have reclaimed fourth spot from Manchester City in the table.

After Cole Palmer saw his first-half penalty superbly saved, Marc Cucurella stepped up with the only goal of the game on the hour mark to make it three straight home wins for Chelsea.

Here’s how Enzo Maresca’s side rated at Stamford Bridge...

Robert Sanchez 6

Back in the Premier League side having lost his place at the start of last month and kept a clean sheet. Unclear where he was going when coming out for Justin cross, but Tosin should have cleared easily.

Wesley Fofana 7

A start against his former club was his first in three months, since suffering hamstring injury. Played on the right of what at times was a back-three and looked physically strong.

Tosin Adarabioyo 6

Got away with one bizarre moment when skewing header onto his own crossbar.

Levi Colwill 7

Terrific, brave clearance denied Jamie Vardy an open goal on rebound from Tosin header.

Marc Cucurella 8

Given licence to play high on the left and always a threat with runs to the back post. Then continued his recent happy knack of scoring with what could be a vital goal in top-four race.

Match winner: Marc Cucurella

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Moises Caicedo 6

Looked a yard short of his best but tireless as Chelsea clung on. Crucially, avoided the yellow card that would have seen him banned for Arsenal trip.

Enzo Fernandez 6

Added another assist with pass leading to Cucurella’s strike.

Jadon Sancho 6

Teased penalty out of the hapless Victor Kristiansen and involved in much of Chelsea’s good play but final ball was poor.

Cole Palmer 5

What can you say at this point? Still Chelsea’s most creative, dangerous player but the scoring touch has deserted him. Penalty miss was his first in senior football after 17 successful attempts.

Christopher Nkunku 5

A couple of decent headed chances but that is not his strength and went at them without conviction.

Pedro Neto 6

Bloodied in clash with Wout Faes early on. Played on, but not the same threat in behind against a Leicester side that sat in.

Substitutes

Trevor Chalobah (Fofana 73’) 6

Tyrique George (Palmer 73’) 6

Josh Acheampong (Nkunku 89’) N/A

Unused: Jorgensen, Badiashile, Antwi, Amougou, Lavia, Dewsbury-Hall.

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