Antonio Rudiger Brace Sees Chelsea Earn Draw at Leicester in Premier League

Two Antonio Rudiger headers were enough to see Chelsea earn a 2-2 draw at Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday. 

Following a goalless first period, the match burst into life early in the second half. Rudiger headed Chelsea in front in the 46th minute. Harvey Barnes' deflected strike looped over Willy Caballero seven minutes later to level the scores.

Leicester then moved ahead through Ben Chilwell in the 64th minute, although Rudiger was able to restore parity with a little under 20 minutes remaining with another fantastic effort.

After this result early in Week 25, the chasing pack will be out to close the gap in the race for fourth. Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are both seven points behind Chelsea and face off at Old Trafford later on Saturday. Tottenham Hotspur, who trail by the same amount, host Manchester City on Sunday.

The big news from the respective team selections was Kepa Arrizabalaga's absence from the Chelsea starting XI, with Willy Caballero preferred to the world's most expensive goalkeeper.

Spanish football journalist Alvaro Romeo reflected on a bold decision from Blues boss Frank Lampard: 

Although there were no goals in the first period, both teams had a number of decent opportunities.

Chelsea were on top early on, with right-back Reece James running riot down the right flank. Scouted Football commented on the consistency with which the defender was able to produce high-class crosses: 

Unfortunately for him, the forwards were unable to make the most of the pinpoint service.

At the other end, Leicester's best opportunity came after Jamie Vardy capitalised on a mistake from the Chelsea defence and scampered through on goal. Caballero stood tall, though, and made a crucial stop to ensure parity at the break

After half-time, it didn't take long for the deadlock to be broken, with Chelsea getting the goal they deserved for their first-half performance.

Rudiger leaped highest in the penalty area and had a simple task to head in Mason Mount's corner:

Conceding sparked Leicester into life, as they quickly went on the attack in search of an equaliser. They didn't have to wait long for it. After some slick exchanges between James Maddison and Youri Tielemans, Barnes darted infield from the left flank and watched his shot flick off Andreas Christensen over the stranded Caballero: 

With the fans up, Leicester continued to grow into the game. Chelsea, meanwhile, were suddenly unable to get a grip of the ball in midfield. Unsurprisingly, the Foxes went ahead through another well-worked goal.

Chilwell's overhit cross was sent back into the penalty area by Tielemans, and the left-back was on hand to put his side ahead.

But as Chelsea had done earlier in the game, Leicester switched off defensively. In the 71st minute, they gave Rudiger too much space in the area, as he rose brilliantly to guide a looping header past Kasper Schmeichel from a set piece.

As the Premier League Twitter account highlighted, it's been a long time since a defender netted twice in a game for the Blues: 

At this stage, chances to counter were coming frequently for both sides, as they each sensed a winner was up for grabs.

The best opportunity before full time fell to Barnes, who was released on goal by Jamie Vardy. He was unable to finish, though, somehow sending his shot wide under minimal pressure.

What's Next?

Chelsea are not in action again until February 17, when they host United in what will be a crunch encounter. Leicester are set to visit Wolves on February 14 in another vital showdown in the top-four picture.