Another defeat:Leicester City 2 Chelsea 1: Five (5) things we learned

Jose Mourinho finds it difficult viewing

1. This could be the tipping point for Abramovich

Chelsea were dreadful for 65 minutes and the statistics make abysmal reading for Jose Mourinho, who is clinging on by his fingernails.

To lose against Claudio Ranieri, a manager deemed not good enough for Chelsea, will be especially painful for owner Roman Abramovich, who is facing a huge decision on whether to stick or twist.

The gallows humour from the away end – “You’re nothing special, we lose every week” – tells you everything you need to know about Chelsea’s remarkable decline.

2. Chelsea are tired, in dire need of freshening up

This was painful viewing too for Mourinho, from the poor defending for Jamie Vardy’s goal to Diego Costa’s running battle with Leicester’s defenders.

But it was seeing Chelsea so unsettled by the pace and direct approach of their opponents which will have concerned their manager.

Whether Mourinho stays in charge or not, Chelsea sorely need an injection of life, with some young energetic signings, and the removal of the old guard.

3. Leicester will face a battle to keep Mahrez

Two years after his £350,000 move from Le Havre, Mahrez has now emerged as one of the most talked about players in the Premier League.

The Algeria international’s reputation is growing rapidly and Leicester can expect interest in January, with Arsenal and Manchester United thought to be keen.

Riyad Mahrez comes up against Cesar Azpilicueta

If Leicester can keep him until the summer, at the earliest, it will be an achievement.

4. Leicester are genuine title contenders

This bubble is not going to burst and Leicester have to be taken seriously as contenders along with Arsenal and the two Manchester clubs.

They have racked up seven wins in nine games and are riding a tidal wave of confidence.

Ranieri is now 20 points above his former club and what a refreshing change to see a team come from nowhere to gatecrash the established elite.

5. Diego Costa deserves to be dropped

Costa endured another frustrating night and the pantomime villain act is now becoming tiresome.

He has only scored one goal in the last 12 games and perhaps the time has come for Loic Remy to be given more opportunities.

Remy certainly achieved more in his 25 minutes as a substitute, scoring the goal that threatened a late Chelsea comeback.