The England international looks unrecognizable, but the Blues' Champions League hopes are still alive thanks to his brilliant Spanish colleague
Marc Cucurella spared Cole Palmer's blushes with Chelsea's winner after the England international missed a penalty in his side's 1-0 win over Leicester City. Palmer had a first-half penalty brilliantly saved by Mads Hermansen as his wait for a goal stretched to seven Premier League games.
At the other end, Tosin Adarabioyo nearly scored a comical own goal, only for his own crossbar to save him. Christopher Nkunku brought a great save out of Hermansen just before the break, which was greeted by a smattering of jeers from the home fans.
It looked like it would be one of those days for Chelsea but up popped Cucurella from 20 yards and he lashed the ball into the corner on the hour mark. It was far from convincing but the Blues held on for a narrow win to leapfrog Manchester City into fourth in the Premier League.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…
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Robert Sanchez (5/10):
Did not look comfortable at times in between the sticks and didn't command his area that well. Chelsea's goalkeeping issue is not abating.
Wesley Fofana (7/10):
Looked a bit rusty on his return to the side following injury, but was energetic and athletic in a more unfamiliar right-back role.
Levi Colwill (7/10):
The young defender was a bit more assured at the back than his centre-back partner but he is still part of a fairly shaky backline.
Tosin Adarabioyo (5/10):
Was fortunate his header didn't go into his own net after a mix-up between him and Sanchez. Needs to do more to keep his place in the side.
Marc Cucurella (8/10):
Was one of Chelsea's most potent attackers and took his long-range goal in superb style. His sweeping work at the back was impressive, too.
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Enzo Fernandez (7/10):
Put in an industrious display in midfield at a time when Chelsea needed to show a bit more heart when their quality was lacking.
Moises Caicedo (7/10):
Didn't do a whole lot wrong in the centre of the park as he kept relegation-threatened Leicester quiet. But they didn't pose much of a threat, either.
Cole Palmer (5/10):
The 22-year-old missed his first penalty for Chelsea in 13 attempts and nothing quite went right for the England international, who went straight down the tunnel when subbed off. That is now seven Premier League games in a row without a goal as his barren run continued.
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Jadon Sancho (7/10):
Won his side a penalty, although went down rather theatrically. Other than that, didn't create a whole lot for his side.
Christopher Nkunku (6/10):
Forced a great save out of the Leicester keeper just before the break but didn't look that comfortable in attack.
Pedro Neto (6/10):
Sometimes popped up more centrally as well as on the right wing but this was a largely frustrating afternoon for the Portuguese.
AFPSubs & Manager
Trevoh Chalobah (7/10):
Looked solid when he came on.
Tyrique George (7/10):
Worked hard when introduced into the action.
Josh Acheampong (6/10):
Got booked soon after coming on.
Enzo Maresca (7/10):
Cut a hugely relieved figure when the full-time whistle blew but this was a disjointed performance by Chelsea. Against better teams, their defence may get punished.
