Skip to main content

Vardy Scores Lone Goal as Leicester Gets 1-0 Win at Chelsea

Leicester won at Chelsea for the first time in 18 years thanks to a Jamie Vardy winner against the run of play. 

LONDON — Leicester won at Chelsea for the first time in 18 years after a goal by former England striker Jamie Vardy clinched a surprise 1-0 away victory in the English Premier League on Saturday.

Eden Hazard struck the crossbar in the first half and teammate Marcus Alonso hit the post late on as fourth-placed Chelsea lost at home in the league for the first time this season.

A run of two wins in 12 games led to media speculation that Claude Puel's job as Leicester coach was in jeopardy.

Vardy said on Friday that Puel's patient playing style did not suit him but his goal showed the value of having a top striker in the team.

Mid-table Leicester had very little of the ball and frequently fouled dangerman Hazard as Chelsea dominated.

Against the run of play, Wilfried Ndidi struck a superb 25-meter effort which home goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga did well to turn over the bar.

Leicester then stunned the Stamford Bridge crowd after 51 minutes following Ricardo Pereira's strong run down the right. He found James Maddison, who set up Vardy for his sixth goal of the season.