After what was the worst defence of a Premier League title by the champions last season, Leicester showed that they are likely to take that accolade from Chelsea this campaign after they were brushed aside by Antonio Conte’s men at Stamford Bridge.

Returning from the international break full of confidence, Chelsea were a different proposition for the reigning champions than they were when they turned up at the Emirates, and after taking an early lead through Diego Costa, they never looked in danger.

Making Leicester work hard without the ball, Hazard made it two just after the half hour mark as Chelsea played right through the heart of Ranieri’s side to put the game beyond them. It was hard to argue that it was undeserved. A third followed in the second half through Victor Moses.

Leicester offered a lot more in the second half, just as they did when they lost to United at Old Trafford, but the spark that carried them to the title last season seems to have gone and this result leaves them in 13th place after the 3pm kick-offs had concluded.

Middlesbrough, who play on Sunday, will move above them if they win

Conclusion

Although it’s just one match, Arsenal will be feeling happy that they played Chelsea when they did.

While I’ve no doubt our side would still be able to beat this Chelsea team at any stage, especially given the pressure Leicester were able to put them under in the second half, it was a pleasant change that it was accomplished so easily.

That is unlikely to be the case when we visit the Bridge in February.

Chelsea are now in fifth place, three points behind Arsenal with a worse goal difference (+6 v =10)