Laugh from Alvaro’s scoring feats…

by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Hazard also thinks it is high time he got his hands on a Champions League winners’ medal after watching the competition on TV last season.

Chelsea start their campaign against Azerbaijan newcomers Qarabag at Stamford Bridge tomorrow and Hazard said: “As a player you want to be in the Champions League, but last year we just had to watch it on the television. That isn’t a good feeling. We are happy to be back. This year is really important. I just reached the semi-final, so it’s in my head to win this trophy.

“I have won the Premier League, I have won the title in France, I have won cups, but big players always want to win the Champions League. Now it is time to win this. We are ready for it.”

If Kante starts scoring more goals as well, who knows what could happen? Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare said he could hardly believe it.

“Kante’s not exactly renowned for scoring from long distance,” he said. “He certainly never used to do it in training.”

Vardy was quick to put right the Chelsea players who claimed he had taken a tumble for the penalty.

“I just nicked it in front of the keeper and he kicked my shinpads,” said Vardy. “It was a definite penalty. Their centre-backs didn’t agree but I’m sure they will when they see it on the replays.

“It got us back into the game and we pushed and pushed but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.”

Just one win leaves Leicester near the bottom but Vardy said: “We’re still upbeat. Don’t forget, we’ve had Arsenal away, Man United away and now Chelsea at home.

“We have played well in each of those games. All we need to do is keep that up and the points are bound to come.”

LEICESTER (4-4-2): Goal: CHELSEA (3-5-2): Booked: NEXT UP: Goals: NEXT UP: