sport news Leicester 0-0 Chelsea: Sarri's side secure third place with drab draw

If this was a glimpse of life without Eden Hazard for Chelsea then it will not warm many hearts at Stamford Bridge.

There was no Hazard and no spark for the visitors albeit in a game with a distinct end-of-season ambience set by Maurizio Sarri’s decision to make six changes.

Sarri omitted Hazard and Kepa Arrizabalaga, hero of the penalty shootout in the Europa League semi-final with the final in Baku in mind at the end of May. 

Jamie Vardy missed a good first-half chance for Leicester as they finished the season with a drab 0-0 draw against Chelsea

Jamie Vardy missed a good first-half chance for Leicester as they finished the season with a drab 0-0 draw against Chelsea

Neither side could break the deadlock in a forgettable clash that means Chelsea end the season in third and Leicester sit ninth

Neither side could break the deadlock in a forgettable clash that means Chelsea end the season in third and Leicester sit ninth

Eden Hazard started on the bench for the trip to Leicester as he continues to be linked with a summer transfer to Real Madrid

Eden Hazard started on the bench for the trip to Leicester as he continues to be linked with a summer transfer to Real Madrid

Vardy tried to capitalise on a slip by David Luiz but his attempted square-pass to Tielemans was poor and Chelsea survived

Vardy tried to capitalise on a slip by David Luiz but his attempted square-pass to Tielemans was poor and Chelsea survived

Almost immediately, Gonzalo Higuain missed at the other end - hitting a cross with his left foot and on to his right and wide

Almost immediately, Gonzalo Higuain missed at the other end - hitting a cross with his left foot and on to his right and wide

Hazard came on for a late appearance but was unable to produce anything to lift the contest from its humdrum drift.

Leicester bid farewell to two stars of their title winning season and to a difficult campaign which unfolded against a backdrop of tragedy ever since the helicopter accident which killed popular owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in October.

And although it ends in mid-table it does so with promise of an exciting future under Brendan Rodgers and with a young and fast developing team.

They will look forward to next season if they are able to keep hold of players like Ben Chilwell, who was excellent again, James Maddison and Harry Maguire.

Chelsea finished in third with 72 points, they are heading back into the Champions League and still have the Europa League final against Arsenal to come.

Youri Tielemans, who Leicester hope to sign on a permanent deal this summer, hooks the ball away as Willian watches on

Youri Tielemans, who Leicester hope to sign on a permanent deal this summer, hooks the ball away as Willian watches on

Ricardo Pereira tracks Willian stride for stride as the Chelsea forward attempts to drive forward with the ball at the King Power

Ricardo Pereira tracks Willian stride for stride as the Chelsea forward attempts to drive forward with the ball at the King Power

Chelsea and England midfielder Ross Barkley unleashes a left-foot shot during the goalless stalemate on the final day

Chelsea and England midfielder Ross Barkley unleashes a left-foot shot during the goalless stalemate on the final day

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers speaks to his players during a break in play as they looked to finish the season on a high

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers speaks to his players during a break in play as they looked to finish the season on a high

Marc Albrighton looks to dribble forward with the ball as Marcos Alonso makes a flying challenge during the early stages

Marc Albrighton looks to dribble forward with the ball as Marcos Alonso makes a flying challenge during the early stages 

Sarri can point to an improvement on last season when they collected 70 points and came in fifth but a future without Hazard is a concern.

He saluted supporters at the end as they sang “we want you to stay” but he started on the bench as Chelsea made a positive start with Jorginho creating the game’s first chance for Ross Barkley within three minutes.

Barkley broke through the Leicester defence, took the pass on his chest and volleyed but Kasper Schmeichel stood firm and the shot crashed into his chest

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