Chelsea 1-0 Leicester City: Cucurella strike moves hosts back into top four

Marc Cucurella’s long-range strike was the difference as Chelsea beat Leicester City 1-0 to move back into the top four of the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Foxes did have their hosts sweating after Mads Hermansen saved Cole Palmer’s first-half penalty, with the home faithful becoming agitated before Cucurella struck.

Enzo Maresca’s side looked set to take the lead after 20 minutes when Jadon Sancho was fouled by Victor Kristiansen but Palmer’s spot-kick was superbly stopped.

It was the first time Palmer had ever missed from 12 yards in the Premier League and extended his goal drought to nine matches.

Leicester came closest when Tosin Adarabioyo headed onto his own crossbar in the first half after Robert Sanchez had misjudged a cross, but only mustered three shots worth 0.1 expected goals (xG) otherwise.

Victory over the side he left last year means Maresca takes Chelsea back up to fourth ahead of a trip to Arsenal next weekend.

Leicester, meanwhile, stay 19th, six points off safety, and host Manchester United next time out.