Chelsea 2-0 Leicester: 5 Big Things We Learnt

2. Riyad Mahrez Could Prove An Essential Attacking Outlet For Leicester

Leicester's Algerian wide man Riyad Mahrez shone in Leicester's 2-2 draw with Everton last week and produced another livewire performance against Chelsea this afternoon. His speed and agility were a constant threat to the Chelsea backline and while his final ball might need a little refinement, the 23-year old could be an essential cog in Nigel Pearson's counter-attacking strategy. He hasn't got a lot of experience, having only played a season and a half at his native Le Havre before making the move to Leicester in January, but having been so lively in both of Leicester's difficult early games of the season, it bodes well that he could take his game to a new level and start asserting himself not only at his club, but eventually also on the international stage. One area he may need to improve is his goalscoring. He only managed three goals in 19 Championship outings last term and Leicester will need to take every chance they can get if they're to make the most of their strong build-up play. David Nugent's lack of composure in taking two excellent opportunities arguably cost his side against Chelsea given the momentum of the game was firmly in their direction at the time. While Leonardo Ulloa scored on his debut last week and fellow France-born winger Anthony Knockaert is capable of nabbing a goal or two, Leicester's forwards and wide men are almost certainly going to be where most of their goals will come from this season, so Mahrez may want to put a little extra work into that area of his game in training. Nevertheless, his running and passing were both excellent, constantly unsettling Chelsea's defence until his 68th minute substitution, so Foxes fans will be hoping he can continue to build on his excellent start.