The first two goals Raheem Sterling scored for Chelsea were crucial in the 10-man Blues’ 2-1 victory over Leicester City on Saturday.
The former Manchester City attacker scored twice in the second half to help Chelsea return to winning ways in the Premier League and open his account at Stamford Bridge.
Following a 3-0 loss to Leeds United last week, Thomas Tuchel, who was serving a touchline ban, watched this game from the stands. His team appeared to be in for another difficult day when Conor Gallagher was dismissed.
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Harvey Barnes was the only player to score for Leicester after Sterling had scored twice in their most recent bad performance, which resulted in their third league loss in four games.
A VAR review overruled Chelsea’s penalty after their promising start because Kai Havertz had been offside before Youri Tielemans tripped down Loftus-Cheek, who had earlier been denied by Danny Ward.
Just before the half-hour mark, the home team was reduced to 10 men after Gallagher received two yellow cards in just over six minutes, the second for a foul on Barnes.
Daniel Amartey’s goal was ruled off for a foul on Edouard Mendy by Barnes, and Reece James hit the post at the other end as Leicester felt they had taken the lead.
Within two minutes of the second half, Chelsea took the lead as Sterling’s 20-yard attempt deflected off Amartey and looped over Ward.
Sterling scored again in the 63rd minute by tapping in James’ low right-wing cross after being denied by the post shortly after.
Three minutes later, Leicester answered when Barnes scored at Mendy’s near post. However, they missed a flurry of opportunities to tie the score, with Ayoze Perez coming the closest when he hit the underside of the crossbar.