Enzo Maresca may have lost a few old friends after leaving Leicester, but that hardly matters as the Italian is busy making new ones at Chelsea. The Blues tightened their grip on third place with a comfortable victory at the subdued King Power Stadium, thanks to goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernández. The final scoreline felt somewhat misleading, as Chelsea dominated throughout.

A late consolation for Leicester came from Jordan Ayew, who scored from the spot after Roméo Lavia fouled Bobby De Cordova-Reid deep into stoppage time. However, Chelsea had not been stretched to their limits. Maresca, a perfectionist, might be annoyed at not securing a rare clean sheet, but he can take pride in a well-structured performance against his former club.

It was odd that Leicester, under Steve Cooper, did not show much interest in proving they had moved on from Maresca after his departure following last season’s promotion. The early stages were drab, with Chelsea quickly establishing control. Their midfield dominance was absolute, and their quick passing hinted at impending danger whenever they switched play to the flanks.

Chelsea’s pressure was relentless, with 82% possession by the half-hour mark. A goal seemed inevitable. Noni Madueke and João Félix, starting his first league game since joining from Atlético Madrid, were both keen to impress. A long punt led to Chelsea’s opener, with Jackson’s strength and persistence causing chaos among Leicester’s defenders.

Jackson’s seventh goal of the season was well-deserved, and Fernández’s assist was his fifth in three games. Leicester struggled to keep up with the runners, and only a tight offside call prevented Madueke from doubling the lead. Maresca’s only frustration was his team’s failure to pull clear before halftime.

Leicester’s injury woes grew, but they stirred after Wilfried Ndidi and Boubakary Soumaré were booked for rough tackles. The mood changed, but Chelsea regained control in the second half. The second goal arrived, and with 15 minutes left, the contest was effectively over. Cucurella’s cross led to Jackson’s header, saved by Hermansen, but Fernández nodded in the rebound to seal Chelsea’s dominance.

Leicester, just above the relegation zone, showed some fight, but Maresca’s triumphant return was complete.

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