Goals from Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz and Kovacic himself ensured we collected all three points in a Premier League encounter that had a bit of everything and saw the hosts end the game with 10 men following a red card for Wout Faes for two bookings.

Kovacic, who again skippered the side in the absence of Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva, was delighted to net for the Blues but insisted that helping the team to three points was the most important factor.

'Of course it’s nice to score and I’m really happy to help the team but for me, the most important thing is getting the three points,’ the Croatian explained post-match.

‘We stood up to the physical challenge from Leicester and I think over the past week, we’ve shown a lot of character to record three important wins.

‘The challenge now is to make sure we put in performances like this on a consistent basis and continue to move up the table.

‘We knew we needed to step up and like Chelsea, we always do. We know we still have a lot of work to do because we are not in a good position for this club, but it’s a lot more positive to know that we are now winning points and performing a lot better.’

Kovacic felt that a slight tactical tweak after the break helped us nullify the flying attacks from the Foxes, while also insisting that becoming ‘more ruthless’ in attack in the second half helped us see off the game.

‘I think in the first half we were a little bit too deep and that allowed Leicester to come forward, and to be fair to them they played a good game,’ added Mateo.

‘We also didn’t take our chances and that allows them the opportunity to get back into the game, which they did with their goal.

‘Thankfully, in the second half, we were a bit more ruthless and got our goals and, importantly, got the win.’