Marcos Alonso's moment of magic secures Chelsea third place in Premier League

Marcos Alonso’s fine volley handed Chelsea a 1-1 draw with Leicester and secured a third-place Premier League finish in everything but mathematics.

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

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 relegated 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.

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.

Honours even.