Chelsea battled past a determined Leicester City side at Stamford Bridge, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory despite Cole Palmer’s first-ever penalty miss in senior football.

The Blues, chasing a fourth consecutive Premier League home win, started brightly, with Palmer heavily involved. The 22-year-old playmaker saw a penalty appeal turned down before forcing two early efforts on target. Chelsea’s right-wing dominance paid off when Jadon Sancho won a penalty following a clumsy challenge from Victor Kristiansen. However, Leicester’s goalkeeper Mads Hermansen played mind games before the spot-kick, ultimately becoming the first goalkeeper to deny Palmer from 12 yards and ending the PL’s longest-ever perfect penalty record at 12 consecutive conversions.

Despite dominating possession under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea nearly handed Leicester an unexpected lead through a bizarre moment of confusion. Robert Sánchez misjudged a James Justin cross, leading to Tosin Adarabioyo heading the ball onto his own crossbar. Leicester’s attacking threat remained minimal, with Christopher Nkunku missing the best chance before halftime.

Jamie Vardy forced a save from Sánchez early in the second half, but Chelsea soon found their breakthrough. Pedro Neto’s deflected strike signalled their intent, and moments later, Marc Cucurella struck a well-placed low drive from outside the box to put the Blues ahead. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s struggling Leicester side attempted a late push, but Chelsea remained in control, pushing for a second goal rather than sitting back.

With the win, Chelsea move back into the Premier League’s top four, two points ahead of Manchester City. Meanwhile, Leicester’s relegation concerns deepen, as they remain six points from safety after suffering a fifth consecutive league defeat without scoring.