Leicester City’s winless run finally ended on Saturday as they sealed their first home victory over Crystal Palace since 2016, with a comfortable 3-0 win.
All three goals came in the second-half, with Kelechi Iheanacho and a Jamie Vardy (finally) double giving the Foxes a much needed three points. With Manchester United and Chelsea both winning, the victory puts confidence into the squad ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Arsenal.
Iheanacho broke the deadlock on 49 minutes after Youri Tielemans drove the ball across Vicente Guaita’s penalty area for the Nigerian to direct the ball into the corner of the net.
After easily nullifying Palace’s attacking threat of Wilfred Zaha, Christian Benteke and Jordan Ayew, Brendan Rodgers’ men made sure of all three points in the final 13 minutes.
Harvey Barnes took advantage of Mamadou Sakho’s slip to tee-up Vardy for his 100th Premier League goal. After failing to relocate his previous form, the barren run of form finally came to an end and you could see the relief in his face.
As the clock ran down, Vardy grabbed his second of the game with a neat chip over Guaita to top of a brilliant performance for Leicester and win their first game since the 4-0 victory over Aston Villa.
Foxes of Leicester rates the players and Rodgers’ tactics for the game.
Kasper Schmeichel- 8
The Danish goalkeeper secured his second clean sheet of the restart in a more comfortable performance from Leicester. His only major save came at 1-0, when he was quick to deny Gary Cahill’s header. If that goes in it could have been a different outcome. With Schmeichel being captain, you were able to hear him encouraging the players throughout due to no spectators being inside the stadium.
James Justin- 7
The right-back was asked to play in two different roles throughout the game and managed them both incredibly well. Apart from a few unnecessary fouls, Justin put out another encouraging display against one of the trickiest wingers in the league. He also came close to opening his Premier League account, smashing the crossbar.
Jonny Evans- 8
I was going to give Jonny Evans a 7 due to repeatedly conceding fouls when they were not needed, but he controlled the back three tremendously and outwitted Benteke in every long ball that was put into the Belgium striker. At 3-0, he made a brilliant block to deny Ayew and his presence was clear throughout.
Caglar Soyuncu: 7
Compared to the normal we have been used to with Soyuncu, the win over Palace was a quieter performance from the Turk. Brilliant on the ball and in the air, Soyuncu also comfortably played in the centre-half back three.
Ben Chilwell- 6
Despite receiving criticism for his performances recently, Chilwell did not seem fazed. He carried the ball well and linked up with the likes of Iheanacho and Tielemans really well. Unfortunate to recieve his injury and be replaced at half-time.
Marc Albrighton- 6.5
Overall, Albrighton put in a typical Albrighton performance. His work-rate was there and his nature to support the defenders benefited the Foxes. After a poor performance at Everton, his crosses were more clinical and nearly assisted Iheanacho in the first-half.
Wilfred Ndidi– 8
A pass success rate of 89%, Ndidi was dominating in the midfield throughout. A number of ‘tactical’ fouls, but there when needed to nick the ball away from Palace’s attacking players.
Youri Tielemans- 8
Like Chilwell, Tielemans have been criticised for his performances recently but responded with a brilliant performance on Saturday. Often looking for a forward pass and crossed the ball for the opener. Defensively, was solid too, with a battle with the Palace midfield throughout.
Ayoze Perez- 8.5
First time Perez has been handed a more central role since his move to Leicester and it paid off. His ability to rob the deeper Palace midfielders offered space for Vardy and Iheanacho. Should of got an assist, only for Vardy to mess up his first touch. I’d say his best performance at the club since the 9-0 win over Southampton.
Kelechi Iheanacho– 8.5
After missing a easy chance in the first-half, Iheanacho made up for his mistake with a smart finish from Tielemans cross. Was again good on the ball, with his attacking runs and interplay with Tielemans. He was replaced after scoring and that could mean he will start against Arsenal.
Jamie Vardy– 7.5
This may seem harsh, given the striker scored two goals. But for anyone who watched the game, he continued to look out-of-form before tucking his first goal away. For his second goal, the old Vardy was back with his sprint off the last defender.
Ryan Bennett- 7
His first outing for Leicester put Bennett in Rodgers‘ plan with a very good performance. Bennett was unfazed about putting himself into challenges and showed his ability to on the ball. If Rodgers decides to utilise the same tactic, Bennett could feature again on Tuesday.
Dennis Praet- 6.5
The Belgium midfielder only featured for 25 minutes and, again, was positive on the ball. It would be a seven, but with the Foxes already ahead, the need for a more attacking performance was reserved.
Christian Fuchs- 6
Many Leicester City fans have been calling for Fuchs to start for a while now. His defensive ability hasn’t dropped since the 2015/16 days and showed excellent energy to run down the left hand side. If Chilwell is unavailable for Tuesday, Fuchs would be an excellent choice to start.
Harvey Barnes– 8
Came on in the 75th minute, Barnes set-up Vardy two minutes later after pressing the Palace defence in their own penalty area. Another great ball followed in injury-time for Vardy again, Barnes’ desire to run at the Palace defence had the potential to cause more damage.