Fernandez grabbed a goal and an assist as the Blues survived a late rally to claim a 2-1 win over Enzo Maresca's former side.
Aiming to cling onto third spot following the international break, Chelsea dominated possession from the off here and took a deserved lead on 15 minutes – Jackson harrying Wout Faes into a mistake and then flicking home a brilliant finish with the outside of his boot. A second goal looked to have followed on the half hour when Noni Madueke swept home Marc Cucurella’s cross but the left-back was just offside and the goal was chalked off.
Despite their dominance, the Blues then conspired to offer up chances to Leicester towards the end of the half. A surging run from Oliver Skipp ended with the substitute picking out Kasey McAteer, who whipped a curling shot just around the post. Another opportunity then went begging when Wilfred Ndidi managed to fire a low shot wide after good work from Jamie Vardy and Victor Kristiansen down the left – the Nigerian perhaps fortunate to still be on the pitch after raking his studs down Cole Palmer's achilles.
Chelsea were back on top at the start of the second half but were denied a second goal after a bizarre mix up. Palmer looked certain to tap home after Mads Hermansen saved Jackson’s shot but the England international saw his effort blocked on the line by team-mate Madueke, despite his best efforts to get out of the way.
Indeed the Blues had to wait until 15 minutes to go to finally make the game safe. Cucurella’s lofted cross was headed goalwards by Jackson and blocked by Hermansen, but Fernandez was on hand to nod home on the follow-up to put the visitors in control. There was still time for some late drama when substitute Romeo Lavia caught Bobby De Cordova-Reid in stoppage time and conceded a penalty. Jordan Ayew confidently slotted home from the spot but it was too little too late for the hosts.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from the King Power Stadium…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Robert Sanchez (5/10):
Didn't have much to do in truth but really doesn't look confident playing out from the back. Picked up an unnecessary booking, too.
Wesley Fofana (6/10):
Shifted to right-back and took plenty of stick from Leicester fans but put in a decent shift. Survived a late penalty shout that left the home supporters raging.
Benoit Badiashile (8/10):
Great in possession, started the move for the opener, and untroubled at the back
Levi Colwill (7/10):
Looked confident and composed throughout, largely coasted through the game.
Marc Cucurella (7/10):
Caused Leicester problems down the left. A little unlucky not to get an assist in the first half but played a crucial role in Chelsea's second.
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Moises Caicedo (8/10):
Worked tirelessly for the visitors in a really strong performance in midfield.
Enzo Fernandez (8/10):
Back in the starting XI and really shone. Picked up an assist for Jackson and finished off Leicester with an easy header.
Cole Palmer (7/10):
Created plenty of danger with his passing and thought he'd scored only to see it blocked on the line by Madueke.
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Noni Madueke (6/10):
Looked dangerous down the right and was really lively but lacked end-product. Volleyed a great chance wide and unfortunately denied Palmer a certain goal that would have made it 2-0.
Nicolas Jackson (8/10):
Chelsea's star man on the day and involved in all their best attacking moments. Pressed and harried for the first goal and finished it off with aplomb before playing a big role in Chelsea's second.
Joao Felix (6/10):
Worked really hard for the team off the ball and had some nice moments but Maresca will want more from him.
AFPSubs & Manager
Christopher Nkunku (N/A):
Only came on for the final 10 minutes with the game already won.
Romeo Lavia (5/10):
Gave away a late penalty for a foul on De Cordova-Reid.
Jadon Sancho (N/A):
Just given a few minutes at the end.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (N/A)
Stoppage-time sub. Received a warm welcome back from the home fans.
Enzo Maresca (8/10):
Will have enjoyed his trip back to former club Leicester. Forced into changes with Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto ruled out but his team were comfortable winners at the King Power.
