Report, end result and objectives as hosts go fourth regardless of Palmer penalty miss

Marc Cucurella’s second-half strike from 25 yards moved Chelsea fourth within the Premier League after Cole Palmer missed the primary penalty of his profession in an unconvincing win over second-bottom Leicester Metropolis.

Wideman Cucurella’s fifth purpose of the season despatched his aspect above Manchester Metropolis, though visiting goalkeeper Mads Hermansen made historical past by changing into the primary goalkeeper to disclaim Palmer from the spot following Victor Kristiansen’s Twentieth-minute foul on Jadon Sancho.

Leicester went closest to an equaliser when Tosin Adarabioyo headed in opposition to his personal crossbar throughout a mix-up with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Cole Palmer thought he was going to attain his first purpose since January 14th…

As an alternative he missed his first penalty ever for Chelsea 🙃 pic.twitter.com/IdsVzdOymm

— B/R Soccer (@brfootball) March 9, 2025

The Foxes stay six factors from security with a big purpose inferiority to fourth-bottom Wolves and 10 league video games remaining.

Chelsea’s fourth successive house win means they’re two factors behind third-placed Nottingham Forest, in addition to two away from Metropolis and three above sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion.

Chelsea vs Leicester: Palmer penalty miss

Dealing with opponents on a run of 4 straight defeats with out scoring, Chelsea followers may have been forgiven for anticipating an easy afternoon when Palmer stepped as much as take his thirteenth penalty for the membership.

Because it was, Hermansen’s distinctive save meant their nerves would have jangled when the woodwork prevented Leicester from ending that lengthy anticipate a purpose shortly afterwards.

HUGE from Mads! 👏 👏 pic.twitter.com/bby0TXqjQG

— Leicester Metropolis (@LCFC) March 9, 2025

One other second of particular person brilliance – this time from the tireless Cucurella – spared Chelsea a shock end result, though they solely required some extent to maneuver above Metropolis.

There was additionally the curious sight of the out-of-form, dissatisfied-looking Palmer being substituted through the second half because the 22-year-old’s run with out scoring in all competitions prolonged to 9 matches.

Palmer ought to maybe have launched Enzo Fernandez, who additionally despatched a shot in opposition to the aspect netting, after breaking via for a promising alternative.

Chelsea fixtures

Supervisor Enzo Maresca could have been relieved to see his gamers edge previous his former staff, and Chelsea are subsequent in motion after they go to second-placed Arsenal within the league subsequent Sunday (1.30pm GMT).

Leicester will try to revive their lacklustre bid to keep away from relegation after they host Manchester United – supervisor Ruud van Nistelrooy’s former membership – on the identical day at 7pm.