Chelsea secured a narrow but well-earned 1-0 victory over Leicester City in a Premier League clash that saw them dominate possession but struggle to break down a stubborn defensive setup. Marc Cucurella’s 60th-minute goal was the difference in a match where patience and tactical discipline proved crucial.
From the outset, Chelsea dictated play, holding 68.2% of possession as they probed for openings against a deep-lying Leicester side. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team set up in a 5-2-3 low-block, aiming to frustrate Chelsea and capitalize on counter-attacks. The compact defensive structure made it difficult for Chelsea to create clear-cut chances through the middle, forcing them to adapt their attacking approach.
To counter Leicester’s defensive solidity, Chelsea shifted into a 3-1-5-1 formation in possession, committing six players forward. Unlike their usual approach of inverting a full-back into midfield, this time, Marc Cucurella was pushed high up the left flank, functioning almost as a winger. Christopher Nkunku occupied the left half-space, but neither player offered the direct 1v1 threat typically associated with wide attacking play of Enzo Maresca's sides. As a result, Chelsea relied heavily on their right side to create chances, with an increased number of crosses from open play.
Enzo Fernández's role was particularly influential in disrupting Leicester’s man-marking system. Leicester attempted to limit his influence by pressing aggressively using Luke Thomas. However, by frequently dropping into the midfield to receive the ball and dictate play, it often left a gap between Conor Coady and Victor Kristiansen in Leicester City's defensive line.
Chelsea’s persistence finally paid off on the hour mark, utilising Leicester City's disrupted defensive shape during Chelsea's attacking transition. As Neto drifted toward Leicester’s left, Luke Thomas was unable to press Fernández, who retrieved the ball in midfield. Boubakary Soumaré, who was responsible for marking Cole Palmer, was forced to step up - leaving Wilfred Ndidi to mark Palmer's movements. Meanwhile Nkunku’s drifted wide, pulling James Justin with him. This opening a large amount of space in the left pocket around the edge of the penalty box. Marc Cucurella, arriving late into his attacking position, found himself completely unmarked at the edge of the box. With time and space, he placed a precise shot into the bottom right corner, securing Chelsea’s only goal in this fixture.
Despite their best efforts, Leicester never truly troubled Chelsea’s defense, and the home side saw out the game with composed possession play.