Leicester City 0-1 Newcastle United: match report, player ratings

Rafa Benitez won the battle of tactical wits versus Brendan Rodgers as Newcastle United came to King Power Stadium and did a number on Leicester City. Outnumbering in midfield, winning 50/50s and bombarding the exposed space from fullbacks all helping.

A predictable change in the starting line-up began the latest Leicester City evening of football, as Harry Maguire replaced Caglar Soyuncu in the XI. Jonny Evans was back on the bench following a hip injury. Apart from that it was the Foxes usual suspects for the visit of Newcastle United on Friday.

Leicester City Vs Newcastle United

Another frantic beginning set off the first-half, with Newcastle threatening initially, although their early corner came to nothing. Then, quick as lightning, Leicester bombed forward on the favoured left-side through Ben Chilwell and Harry Barnes. Unfortunately Jamie Vardy attempted an audacious flick, not realising he had more time as the chance evaporated.

The next major chance manifested after a Laurel and Hardy-like error from Maguire and Morgan. This led to a free-kick which Salomon Rondon smashed against the bar. At 15 minutes gone the Foxes had the majority of possession. With the Blue Army making themselves heard throughout the opening period; a great spur on for the East Midlands outfit.

Smooth, meticulous comfort, and lightning attacks is a way to describe City under Brendan Rodgers. in fact it was 79 per cent with the ball by 20 encouraging minutes.

James Maddison and Ben Chilwell then combined well with the left-back drawing the save from a smart effort on his weaker right-foot. Wilfred Ndidi’s sloppiness almost helped the Magpies go ahead; passing being the one part of his game which needs refining still. Rafa Benitez’s side became more prominent in the game as the quarter mark arose.

Ricardo Pereira made a good challenge on the right flank which dropped to Matt Ritchie’s golf club-esque left-foot, and a clever header from Ayoze Perez who nipped in front of a floundering Morgan put the visitors a goal up. Leicester’s captain will surely be disappointed with his efforts to mark a man in his own box.

However the Foxes sprang back into action, forcing themselves into dangerous areas with Newcastle often having nine or 10 men behind in a disciplined shape. Yet their attempts didn’t scupper Rodgers’ players creating opportunities but to no avail in the first-half. Youri Tielemans could have been dismissed but the referee took pity and booked the Belgian following slick play from the Geordie outfit. Half time.