Leicester vs Chelsea second half delayed after freak injury to linesman
THE second half of Leicester’s Premier League clash with Chelsea was delayed due to a freak injury.
The match was all set to restart on time before it emerged the linesman Mark Scholes had suffered an injury.
And the injury prompted referee Andy Madley to call on the services of the fourth official, Leigh Doughty.
Doughty, thankfully, was warmed up and ready to jump in on short notice, which he did before the restart.
Despite being injured, Scholes wasn’t completely pulled off duty.
The lino ended up swapping roles with Doughty, taking over fourth official duties for the remainder of the match.
It’s currently unknown what injury Scholes suffered.
But it’s seemingly not that severe if he’s been able to swap gigs with colleague Doughty.
Chelsea went into the second half at the King Power leading 1-0.
A neat finish from Nicholas Jackson in the 15th minute put Enzo Maresca‘s troops ahead in the Italian’s return to the Midlands club.
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Chelsea ratings vs Arsenal
Robert Sanchez – 6
Still punches the ball clear when a catch would be much safer – and reassuring for the fans behind him.
Malo Gusto – 6
Went close with a header in the first-half. But was missing at right-back when Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli’s 59th minute goal. The problem with also playing in midfield.
Wesley Fofana – 7
Strong challenges and now fully back from lengthy injury. Also went close to a goal in the second half when he pumped the ball just over.
Levi Colwill – 6
Forging a partnership with Fofana at the heart of defence. Got caught dangerously in possession by Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard but recovered.
Marc Cucurella – 7
Cracking tussle with Bukayo Saka. Despite being one of only three men on the pitch wearing gloves, including the keepers, Chelsea’s left-back is a formidable defender.
Moises Caicedo – 6
Enjoying a run of form at the moment that includes last weekend’s volleyed equaliser at Manchester United. Strong tackler and smooth through the gears in midfield.
Romeo Lavia – 6
A surprise package keeping £107million Enzo Fernandez out of the team. After a terrible run of injuries is forming some consistency. But any twinge is a scare and came off in the 66th minute.
Noni Madueke – 6
Called up to the latest England squad and is mobile and nippy. Also seemed a bit stroppy and went straight down the tunnel when subbed in the 66th minute. Perhaps needed treatment.
Cole Palmer – 6
Maybe the sore knee is still troubling him. Only trained yesterday for the first time in almost a week. But it hampered his impact on a disjointed London derby.
Pedro Neto – 7
Starting to make his presence felt after being relegated to the Conference League matches. Stunning powerful drive for the equaliser and full of energy.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
Feisty and fiery but went to ground too easily to win a couple of free kicks when he could have done more damage on his feet. Gives everything though.
They should have doubled their lead in the 54th minute when Cole Palmer tapped the ball toward the gaping goal after a save from Mads Hermansen.
But team-mate Noni Madueke sensationally STOPPED the ball from going in, despite his best efforts to get out of the way of the shot.
Enzo Hernandez, however, put the Blues 2-0 up in the 75th minute, heading home after a brilliant save from Hermansen.
Chelsea will be back in action on Thursday night, travelling to Germany to take on Heidenheim in the Europa Conference League.
Leicester, meanwhile, will travel to west London next Saturday to take on Brentford.