10 Things We Learned From Chelsea vs Leicester

After Chelsea defeated Leicester 2-0 at Stamford Bridge we took a look at what this game was able to tell us about both teams. Here's 10 things we picked up!

1. Diego Costa is exactly what Chelsea need
This is probably the most obvious one of all so we'll get it out the way first but you can't deny that Chelsea have been crying out for someone like Costa for ages. Not only did they desperately need a classy striker but Costa fits the bill perfectly. At risk of repeating Alan Shearer on MOTD (who was right by the way), Costa has more to his game than goals and his hold up play will be very useful as it allows others to run in behind and with Fabregas' quality final ball, chances should be abundant. Also, Costa is a natural goalscorer, a poacher, as shown by his first two goals. 

2. Leicester aren't as easy to beat as most thought they would be
Leicester have given a very decent account of themselves in their opening games and have surprised many. Although their fixture list seems to have given them a baptism of fire, they look like they could be a good side when they get out the other side of it. Following an excellent comeback against a strong Everton side, they produced an admirable display against Chelsea. Any team thinking they're an easy three points should think again!


3. Courtois looks like an excellent keeper
After an accomplished debut against Burnley, Courtois caught the eye against Leicester with a string of saves including a highly impressive one from Nugent who was one-on-one. Courtois is a big presence in the box, looks relaxed and like a keeper who is going to live up to the hype.

4.Kasper Schmeichel looks to be a brilliant young keeper
Not quite on Courtois' level but definitely showing some of his Father's talent. Schmeichel was outstanding against Chelsea and unlucky to concede two goals, the second of which taking a deflection. He'll have to be on top form for Leicester to survive.

5. Leicester are very dangerous on the counter attack
Something that caught my eye in Leicester's opening games was the speed at which they counter attack. You may remember Jeffrey Schlupp's hilarious effort after being one-on-one with Howard last week where he almost cleared the stadium. However, Leicester conjured another lightning quick counter against Chelsea, with Nugent failing to score, and the pace at which they do so is impressive. Teams will have to keep an eye out for this!

6. Ivanovic is one of the best defenders in the league
Branislav Ivanovic is a massively underrated player in my opinion. You may forget that he initially began as a central defender but he has managed to adapt his game brilliantly to fit the right-back role. This is incredibly impressive for such a big, bullish defender and his ability to attack at the same time is a huge boost for a team, his goals are vital. After a rampaging performance against Leicester, Ivanovic looks on top form once again!

7. Eden Hazard can be Chelsea's secret weapon this season

You may think this sounds slightly ridiculous but until he scored yesterday, I'd almost forgotten Hazard even played for Chelsea. With the frenzy of excitement over Costa, Fabregas and Courtois, it's easy to forget Chelsea already had a world class player in Hazard. With teams focusing on the aforementioned trio, Hazard may be able to sneak under the radar. If he doesn't then at worst he could combine to deadly effect with Costa and Fabregas!

8. Oscar is incredibly unlucky!
Since he signed for Chelsea, no other Chelsea player has hit the woodwork more times than Oscar with 4 hits! Small margins Oscar, small margins!

9. Leicester must learn quick
This point has already been touched upon by a number of pundits but it certainly rings true. Leicester can't sit there feeling sorry for themselves over their fixture list and near win against Everton, they must learn quickly and take their chances. David Nugent's one-on-one being a prime example. You'll be punished if you pass up those chances.

10. Chelsea need to kill games off quicker
Whilst they came away with the three points, Chelsea need to get going earlier on. It took them until the 77th minute to take the game away from Leicester with Hazard's goal. In that time, Leicester had a few chances and had only one of them gone in it could have been an entirely different game. Chelsea should be careful, against better opposition they will be punished for a mediocre performance like that.

So that concludes our list of the 10 things we learned from Chelsea vs Leicester, feel free to add any comments. Any feedback would also be greatly appreciated.

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