Ruben Loftus-Cheek continues to play an important part for Thomas Tuchel’s Blues and yesterday he showed both sides of his game to help get us over the line against Leicester.

The 26-year-old started his third game on the spin and, as in our prior home fixture against Tottenham, was heavily involved down the right as we begun on the front foot, pinning the Foxes back.

Unfortunately, the complexion of the contest changed completely when Conor Gallagher was dismissed with not even half-an-hour played, but the Blues mixed grit with guile to establish a two-goal lead and then cling on to it.

Loftus-Cheek had to show defensive discipline when we were down to 10, but it was the collective effort in the face of adversity that pleased him afterwards.

‘We dominated the first 20 minutes, and then Con got sent off and it was a very tough game from then on, but we came in at half-time and said we can still win this game,’ Ruben revealed.

‘We have quality and there are a lot of subs. We didn’t want to use the red card as an excuse to come away with a draw or a loss.

‘We accepted we weren’t going to have most of the ball, but we could create chances by counter-attacking with pace. We couldn’t go crazy with the press being one man down. We had to stay in a block, be tight, be compact, let them play around us and try and block crosses.

‘It’s very hard, they did get a few opportunities, but that’s going to happen when you have 10 men against good attacking players.

‘We stuck in there,’ continued Loftus-Cheek. ‘There was no stone left unturned. Everyone gave everything. Everyone was talking on the pitch, it was so loud, the crowd were giving us energy and that took us to the end, so thanks to the fans as well.

‘It’s a great feeling to get the win with 10 men. The dressing room is very happy. We needed a reaction to the Leeds loss, and we got it.’

The difference-maker in the final third was Raheem Sterling, who opened his Chelsea account and then doubled his and our tally with what would prove to be the game’s decisive strike.

‘Raz is always going to get goals,’ acknowledged Loftus-Cheek.

‘Hopefully now he’s got his first, the floodgates will open. I’m sure he will keep getting on the scoresheet. I’m very pleased for him to get his first couple of goals. He was fantastic, and here’s to many more.’

Loftus-Cheek also acclaimed the impact made by Edouard Mendy following a tricky afternoon at Elland Road last weekend. The Senegalese made a couple of crucial saves to help earn the points this time around.

‘He was fantastic. One mistake doesn’t get him down, he’s ready to go again. That’s what a top player does.

‘Ed is a fantastic leader on the pitch and you can always hear his voice behind you, which is great, and obviously his goalkeeping ability is fantastic. He’s a massive plus for the team.’