Chelsea 0-1 Leicester City: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis | Premier League 2018-19
Maurizio Sarri's unbeaten record at Stamford Bridge came to an unfitting end at the hands of a Jamie Vardy-inspired performance from Leicester City. The striker netted a well-taken goal in the 51st minute on the back of a sumptuous counter-attack - a typical Leicester goal.
Despite having just 28% possession and almost nothing to cheer about in the first half, Claude Puel's team churned out a remarkable result on a pitch known for away days snowballed with misery.
While Sarri lost for the very first time since taking charge of the West Londoners, the Foxes won their first ever game at the Bridge since the 1960s.
After the loss, Chelsea might be five points adrift of third-placed Spurs on Christmas. But first, let's take a look at the major talking points from Leicester City's historic win at Chelsea.
#1 Chelsea dominate a lacklustre first half but fail to score
As envisaged, Chelsea recycled possession time and time again with Leicester defending with maximum bodies in their defensive third.
The likes of David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger had far too much space and time to restart an attack, and pick the long passes and diagonals. The former did pick out Willian in the opening exchanges of the game on a couple of occasions, but the winger couldn't find the right connection.
Until the 40th minute or so, no goalkeeper was called into action. In the 17th minute, a Chelsea corner was flicked on to the far post by Pedro, but the ball landed just ahead of an onrushing David Luiz.
The hosts produced moments of brilliance through their sharp passing, quick movement and the supreme attitude of Eden Hazard, but nothing managed to disturb a well-drilled Leicester defence.
The 33rd minute of the game saw the best chance, when the ball ricocheted off a few grey shirts and fell kindly to Hazard. The talisman took a touch and absolutely destroyed the cross bar.
Sarri's men upped the ante in the dying stages of the first 45 minutes. A deadly counter-attacking move featuring Hazard and Kante saw Willian clear on goal, but the Brazilian shot straight at Schmeichel.