Leicester Suffer Chelsea Reverse On Filbert Way
Brendan Rodgers made two enforced changed to his starting XI in City's first outing after the international break. Youri Tielemans (calf) and Ricardo Pereira (hamstring) were out for the home side, offering opportunities for Marc Albrighton and Daniel Amartey to come into the line-up.
Former Fox Ben Chilwell, on the other hand, started for the visitors and, inside three minutes, the 24-year-old was released by Jorginho's pin-point forward ball. Chilwell was able to race onto it and unleash a half-volley at goal and he watched on as it grazed the top of Kasper Schmeichel's crossbar.
At the other end, Jamie Vardy, galloped down the left channel, eventually crossing for Ademola Lookman. The on-loan RB Leipzig winger, though, could not evade Antonio Rüdiger at the far post, allowing the Germany international centre-back to hack the ball clear of danger for the visitors.
Chelsea's record from attacking set-plays was commendable ahead of kick-off and, on 14 minutes, Thomas Tuchel's visitors added another figure to the statistic. It came as Chilwell's corner was glanced into the back of the net by Rüdiger.
It could have been two for the Blues shortly afterwards when another insightful pass from Jorginho allowed N'Golo Kanté, a member of Leicester's 2016 title-winning side, to race in on goal. The diminutive Frenchman's attempt, however, was parried by Schmeichel on the edge of the area.
Lookman had the ball in the net for Leicester shortly afterwards, converting Albrighton's cross calmly, but the offside flag was raised. Just before the half-hour mark, the west Londoners did extend their advantage on Filbert Way with Kanté sending a laudable strike into Schmeichel's net from 20 yards out.
It was a frustrating first 45 for the Foxes faithful, who were on their feet in protest when Jonny Evans was booked for a challenge on Kai Havertz just before the interval. Rodgers' response at the break was to introduce James Maddison and Kelechi Iheanacho, replacing Harvey Barnes and Lookman.
Seven minutes into the new half, Chilwell had another chance for Chelsea, arrowing a low drive towards the bottom corner, forcing an impressive stop from Schmeichel to nudge the ball around the post. Callum Hudson-Odoi also found the Dane in his way moments later on Filbert Way.
Elsewhere, Maddison's curler was stopped by Édouard Mendy in the Blues' goal while the Senegal international goalkeeper also scooped up Albrighton's cross into the area after initially losing sight of it. Chilwell was then dispossessed by Albrighton inside the box, before Hudson-Odoi blazed over too.
City's attacking threat was growing, though, with Amartey's long-range drive needing to be tipped over by Mendy. Vardy then nodded Maddison's cross over. A reminder of Chelsea's penetrative play came via two second-half substitutes as Hakim Ziyech located Christian Pulisic to fire wide from close range.
It was 3-0 to the visitors on 71 minutes as Ziyech and Pulisic linked up again, with the latter converting from close range. Hudson-Odoi's finish shortly afterwards was then disallowed for an offside in the build-up.
Another Chelsea goal was chalked off with nine minutes to play as Chilwell strayed offside before teeing up Pulisic, who converted into the roof of the net. Maddison, on the other hand, forced an impressive stop from Mendy, who was able to touch the curled strike around the woodwork.
The visitors lamented a raised flag again on 84 minutes as James tucked the ball home. Chilwell's shot, from 25 yards, flew over the bar in the last real moment of action at the end of a disappointing afternoon for Leicester.
Major moment
Although there was still much work to be done if Leicester were to mount a second-half comeback, Christian Pulisic's strike after 71 minutes ultimately put the game beyond them and handed the points to Chelsea, who were an impressive attacking force throughout the 90 minutes.
Where do we stand?
City are 12th in the Premier League on 15 points from 12 matches. Their goal difference is -5.
Coming up...
The Foxes are next in action against Legia Warsaw in the UEFA Europa League on Filbert Way on Thursday (8pm kick-off). Watford are then the visitors to King Power Stadium next Sunday in the Premier League (2pm kick-off).
All times GMT.