Chelsea v Leicester player ratings

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Summer signing Diego Costa scored his second goal in as many Premier League games as Chelsea saw off a stubborn Leicester side. Here’s how we rated the players in their 2-0 win.

Thibaut Courtois: 8
Another faultless display. The Belgian was slightly busier than his first game against Burnley, making three stunning saves – most notably when David Nugent burst through on goal. Commanding and confident.

Branislav Ivanovic: 9
Rock solid defensively and one of Chelsea’s best attackers. Nearly scored with a fine header from a Cesar Azpilicueta cross and a rasping 25-yard strike. Broke forward constantly, set up a goal and could easily have had a hat-trick. Superb.

John Terry: 8
Excellent performance by the captain. Made several crucial interceptions as Leicester broke forward, showing all his positional experience and ability to read the game.

Gary Cahill: 7
Reliable and assured alongside Terry. Like his defensive partner, got exposed a couple of times as the midfield bombed on, but that danger was not his creating.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 6
Given a tough time by the excellent Riyad Mahrez and therefore spent much of his time preoccupied with his defensive duties. Initially a little surprised by his winger’s quality but stuck to his task – and Mahrez tired and was then replaced.

Nemanja Matic: 7
Did a fine job protecting the defence – and like Terry made some vital interceptions. Will inevitably be caught out at times this season as Fabregas and Oscar and the rest of the midfield pour forward but has the awareness to cope most of the time.

Cesc Fabregas: 7
Failed to reach the exceptional heights of his debut but was increasingly involved after the break. Should have scored when one-on-one but oozes quality, never looks flustered and his experience in tight games will be vital.

Oscar: 6
So unlucky not to score with a wonderful curling strike, but generally struggled to have a major influence against a well-drilled Leicester midfield and their strong centre-backs.

Eden Hazard: 8
Always threatened to take the game by the scruff of the neck, and showed his class with a fabulous trademark dribble and strike to seal the win. Strong in possession and some brilliant eye-catching flicks for the crowd.

Andre Schurrle: 6
A quiet first half and just as he was beginning to make more of an impact after the break, he was scythed down and had to be replaced soon after.

Diego Costa: 8
Worked tirelessly, took his goal calmly and more importantly showed the ability to retain possession, which is key to the style of play and formation.

Ramires: 7
Did very well in his 25 minutes, bustling forward and running at a jaded Leicester defence.

Willian: 7
Must have been a devastating sight for the visitors when he came on. Looked sharp and dangerous and – like Ramires – eager to impress against a team there for the taking in the closing stages.

Didier Drogba: 6
Given an incredible reception on his Stamford Bridge return, but was barely in the game in his 10-minute cameo. Took up a couple of clever positions and showed typical strength.

Man of the match: Ivanovic

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