City Stand Strong At Stamford Bridge
Jamie Vardy – one of seven changes to the side that drew at Fleetwood Town – returned to the starting XI following a minor groin problem and his threat upfront for the Foxes was evident from the off.
The England international had two opportunities to break the deadlock early on. First, a close-range strike flew off target, before he dragged wide of the mark from a tight angle.
A significant chance for Wilfred Ndidi followed, as the central midfielder forced Thibaut Courtois into a stunning save with a powerful header.
Vardy and Marc Albrighton sent strikes wide shortly after, while Kasper Schmeichel pulled off a huge stop just before the break to deny Cesc Fabregas – goalless at the break in London.
City maintained their tempo after the interval and were desperately unlucky not to take the lead just before the hour-mark, as Riyad Mahrez’s effort rebounded off Andreas Christensen and deflected just inches wide of Courtois’ upright.
The game turned in Chelsea’s favour moments later, though, as Ben Chilwell was dismissed after being booked twice in the space of just five minutes for challenges on Willian and Victor Moses.
But the Foxes worked tirelessly to shut down the Chelsea attack, with Schmeichel forced into making only a few routine saves late on from N’Golo Kanté, Willian and Pedro, before he pulled off an excellent stop to parry Marcos Alonso’s free kick to safety.
Major moment
During Leicester City’s first half onslaught, Wilfred Ndidi had perhaps the best chance of the afternoon to find the back of the net.
He met Riyad Mahrez’s corner with a fine header, but Thibaut Courtois got down well to deny the Nigeria international.
Who impressed?
“He’s had a great game today. He’s steady as a rock in there and his quality on the ball has showed.” – Gerry Taggart
Since his return to action, Matty James has been sensational for Leicester City in the centre of the pitch and his display on Saturday was deservedly praised on LCFC Radio.
James handled himself brilliantly in midfield against former Fox N’Golo Kanté, playmaker Eden Hazard and summer arrival Tiemoué Bakayoko, remaining calm on the ball when his side needed it the most.
Where do we stand?
Leicester City’s draw at Stamford Bridge sees them close the gap on seventh-placed Burnley to three points following the Clarets’ 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Coming up…
Next up for the Foxes is an Emirates FA Cup Third Round Replay with Fleetwood Town at King Power Stadium on Tuesday night (7:45pm kick-off), before a home clash with Watford in the Premier League four days later.