Chelsea 1-1 Leicester: Alonso volley all but secures Chelsea third place in Premier League

Marcos Alonso’s volley handed Chelsea a 1-1 draw with Leicester to all but secure a third-place finish in the Premier League.

Alonso had switched off to help James Maddison to rifle the Foxes into an early lead at Stamford Bridge, but delivered a sweetly-struck effort to level before the break.

The young Premier League XI of the season features eight English lads and a Hornet

The Blues boast a three-point advantage on fourth-placed Tottenham going into the campaign’s final day, but a goal difference superiority of 18.

Christian Pulisic inexplicably missed a tap-in that would have sealed third place for the Blues with a game to spare.

The USA forward scuffed wide when it was far easier to score, and so Chelsea were left to finish the job in Sunday’s final match of the season against Watford at Stamford Bridge.

Todd Boehly was at Stamford Bridge again, but of the matches it is known the incoming new owner has attended, the US magnate has yet to see Chelsea win in person.

Boss Thomas Tuchel and his players would have been frustrated not to convert at least one of several big second-half chances and seal victory.

The tie was played out in front of a curiously subdued Stamford Bridge, with the home supporters perhaps fatigued by the continued takeover saga.

But the Chelsea fans unveiled a banner in tribute to manager Tuchel before kick-off, and the beaming German coach appeared delighted with the support.

Chelsea moved the ball around neatly from the off, but failed to open Leicester up.

Maddison made the Blues pay with a rifled finish from 18 yards, punishing Alonso’s failure to track back.

Kasper Schmeichel’s raking ball should not have dropped to Timothy Castagne, but Alonso had switched off and missed the danger.

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