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Chelsea logo
Premier League
Aug 23, 2014 at 3pm UK
 
Leicester logo

2-0

Costa (62'), Hazard (77')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Player Ratings: Chelsea 2-0 Leicester City

Sports Mole rates the performances of the players in Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Leicester City at Stamford Bridge.

Diego Costa scored on his home debut to help Chelsea record a 2-0 victory over Leicester City at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

The Spaniard, who arrived from Atletico Madrid for £32m earlier this summer, found the back of the net from close range in the 62nd minute, before Eden Hazard added a second goal for the Blues 14 minutes from time.

Here, Sports Mole assesses the performances of all the players that were on show in West London.



CHELSEA

Diego Costa of Chelsea celebrates as he scores their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on August 23, 2014© Getty Images

Goal

Thibaut Courtois: The young Belgian's stock will continue to rise after this showing. Before Costa scored, he made two crucial saves from David Nugent to keep the score level and was a calming influence throughout. (8/10)

Defence

Branislav Ivanovic: The right-back rarely lets his team down and he continued that positive form today. While he didn't have much to do defensively, he got forward well and set up Costa's goal. (7/10)

John Terry: All in all it was a solid performance from the Chelsea skipper, but there were a couple of occasions where Nugent was able to get away from him and should have scored. (6/10)

Gary Cahill: Similar to his partner Terry, Cahill will have been disappointed that Nugent was afforded such golden chances. (6/10)

Cesar Azpilicueta: It was a quiet afternoon for the Spaniard, who dealt with the lively Riyad Mahrez largely without trouble. (6/10)

Midfield

Nemanja Matic: He may not claim many headlines, but Matic is a vital cog in this Chelsea side. He wins back possession time and again, which then allows the more creative players in the team to flourish. (7/10)

Cesc Fabregas: He stole the show against Burnley and while he was not as impressive this time around, he still made Chelsea tick and was rarely wasteful in possession. (7/10)

Oscar: Even though he struck the post with a smart curling effort, it was a quiet outing for the Brazilian international, who was unsurprisingly subbed. (6/10)

Attack

Andre Schurrle: The German did ever so well at Burnley last time out, but his shooting in particular was wasteful today. It came as little surprise when his number came up on the fourth official's board. (6/10)

Eden Hazard: He started very quietly, but there were signs towards the end of the first half that he had started to motor through the gears. The Belgian then shone in the second half and rounded off his performance with a goal. (7/10)

Diego Costa: He may not have been heavily involved over the course of the 90 minutes, but he worked hard and scored the all important opener and showed qualities that Chelsea lacked last season. (7/10)

Substitutes

Ramires: The Brazilian gave the sort of display you'd expect from him off the bench - energetic and full of purpose. (6/10)

Willian: A really positive cameo from Willian, who showed his creative side with a string of neat touches and clever passes. After Schurrle failed to shine, he will be hoping to have caught his manager's eye. (6/10)

Didier Drogba: It was an emotional moment for those of a Chelsea persuasion when Drogba returned to Stamford Bridge, but in truth, he barely touched the ball. (5/10)



LEICESTER

Thibaut Courtois of Chelsea saves from David Nugent of Leicester City during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on August 23, 2014© Getty Images

Goal

Kasper Schmeichel: After looking a little shaky early on, Schmeichel settled and went on to look right at home. He couldn't do anything about either of Chelsea's goals. (7/10)

Defence

Ritchie De Laet: A steady outing from De Laet, who defended well and even got forward positively on the odd occasion. (6/10)

Wes Morgan: A real leader's display from Morgan. The centre-back made countless blocks and will feel that he belongs in the Premier League after this. (7/10)

Liam Moore: He may only be 21, but like Morgan, Moore should be pleased with his work, even if the result did not go Leicester's way. He read the game well and made some important clearances. (7/10)

Paul Konchesky: Back in the Premier League, Konchesky did okay. He showed his experience at times by making some crucial interceptions. (6/10)

Midfield

Riyad Mahrez: During the first half, the Algerian got himself in some great positions, but he was too wasteful and often picked the wrong option. (6/10)

Andy King: To be fair to King, he worked himself into the ground, but he rarely got on the ball and was not overly effective. (5/10)

Dean Hammond: Similarly to King, midfielder Hammond put in a good shift before limping off with cramp. (5/10)

Jeffrey Schlupp: The youngster is probably going to be frustrating this season, but his pace caused Chelsea some problems today. He looks to be a real outlet. (7/10)

Attack

David Nugent: When you get two chances like Nugent had, you have got to score them in the Premier League. He converted neither and soon after Chelsea were in front. (4/10)

Leonardo Ulloa: Leicester spent big on the Argentine, but he barely got a kick. He could and perhaps should have been replaced a bit sooner than he was. (6/10)

Substitutes

Marc Albrighton: Fully fit after his summer move from Aston Villa, Albrighton looked lively and had one good shot after he had cut in from the right. (6/10)

Gary Taylor-Fletcher: He replaced Hammond, but could not really get himself involved in the action. (5/10)

Chris Wood: The striker will probably have been disappointed not to start after his goalscoring exploits against Everton, but he did not have enough time today to make an impact. (6/10)


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Diego Costa of Chelsea celebrates as he scores their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on August 23, 2014
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