Premier League Live: Chelsea vs Leicester City & Tottenham vs Bournemouth Updates, Blues Star Out with Illness
Chelsea Edge Past Leicester in Tense Premier League Clash
By Harry Bamforth, Kieran Gill, and Matt Barlow | Updated: 13:04 GMT, 9 March 2025
Cole Palmer opened the scoring for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea 2-1 Leicester City
Chelsea tightened their grip on a top-four finish with a hard-fought win over Leicester, despite missing key midfielder Enzo Fernández due to illness. The Blues started brightly, with Cole Palmer breaking the deadlock in the 18th minute after tapping in a rebound from Raheem Sterling’s saved shot.
Leicester responded aggressively, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall forcing a sharp save from Djordje Petrović before Patson Daka leveled the score just before halftime. The second half saw Chelsea dominate possession, and substitute Christopher Nkunku headed home the winner in the 67th minute following a pinpoint cross from Malo Gusto.
Key Moments:
- 18’ GOAL: Palmer pounces on loose ball after Sterling’s effort is saved.
- 45+2’ GOAL: Daka drills low shot past Petrović after Chelsea’s defensive lapse.
- 67’ GOAL: Nkunku’s clinical header seals victory for the hosts.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino praised his team’s resilience: “We controlled the game despite Enzo’s absence. Nkunku’s impact shows our depth.” Leicester boss Enzo Maresca lamented defensive errors: “We gifted them goals. At this level, you get punished.”
Spurs Overcome Bournemouth to Keep Champions League Hopes Alive
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | Attendance: 62,000
Tottenham 3-1 Bournemouth
Tottenham kept pace with the top four as goals from Son Heung-min, James Maddison, and Richarlison saw off a spirited Bournemouth side. The Cherries took a shock lead in the 12th minute when Dominic Solanke capitalized on a poor backpass from Cristian Romero.
Son equalized just before halftime with a composed finish, while Maddison’s curling strike put Spurs ahead in the 53rd minute. Richarlison added a late third, heading in Pedro Porro’s cross to seal the points.
Son Heung-min sparked Tottenham’s comeback with a first-half goal.
Key Stats:
- Shots: Tottenham 18-7 Bournemouth
- Possession: 62%-38% in Spurs’ favor
Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola praised Solanke’s work rate but admitted: “We lost focus in critical moments.” Ange Postecoglou hailed Spurs’ mentality: “We turned frustration into energy. This squad never stops believing.”
Standout Performers
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea): A constant threat, involved in both goals.
- James Maddison (Spurs): Dictated play and scored a sensational winner.
- Patson Daka (Leicester): Clinical finish to keep the Foxes in contention.
Next Fixtures
- Chelsea: Away at Aston Villa (March 16).
- Leicester: Home vs. Nottingham Forest (March 17).
- Tottenham: Away at Fulham (March 15).
- Bournemouth: Home vs. Everton (March 16).
Follow more updates on Mail Sport’s live blog.
