Costa scores again in Chelsea victory
Chelsea 2 Leicester City 0
Diego Costa scored his second goal in as many Premier League games as Chelsea shrugged off a frustrating first half to ease to victory.
Costa’s close-range strike and Eden Hazard’s low shot ensured the Blues kept up their 100% start to the season.
The visitors had their chances but Chelsea’s class eventually told and once ahead, a second win in two was never in doubt.
The Blues struggled to find their fluency in a frustrating first half of few opportunities as the starting eleven that so impressed in the 3-1 win over Burnley were matched in midfield.
Leicester crowded out Monday’s key creator Cesc Fabregas and restricted Chelsea to half chances.
Oscar had a strike deflected over the bar, Andre Schurrle blazed an effort well off target and Costa curled one shot well wide and saw another deflected for a corner.
Eden Hazard looked lively, while the Foxes’ main threat came from the pace and trickery of winger Riyad Mahrez.
He came close to creating a goal on several occasions and forced Thibaut Courtois to make a fine save with his legs from a fierce low shot.
But the chances finally started to arrive after the interval as the hosts upped the urgency and quality.
Oscar was desperately unfortunate to see his measured curling strike hit the post and Branislav Ivanovic had a towering header and stinging shot brilliantly kept out by keeper Kasper Schmeichel.
As the game opened up, Courtois had to make another superb stop to save with his legs and then had to deny David Nugent as the striker raced through one-on-one on the break.
But Chelsea looked sharp and threatening in attack and were finding space. Fabregas almost scored with a dinked finish and finally the breakthrough came in the 63rd minute.
It was Costa who netted, forcing the ball in from eight yards after a fantastic run and clever dummy from Ivanovic on the right.
The Blues suddenly looked totally relaxed and in control and made it 2-0 when Hazard cut in from the right and placed a low shot across Schmeichel and in to the corner.
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba received a superb reception when he came on for a late appearance in his first home game after returning to the club.
But there was no place on the bench for Fernando Torres, no doubt fuelling speculation the Spaniard will be leaving before the close of the transfer window.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Fabregas, Matic; Schurrle (Ramires 64), Oscar (Willian 70), Hazard; Costa (Drogba 80).
Subs not used: Cech, Luis, Zouma, Mikel.
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