Leicester City got their 2020/21 Premier League campaign off to a winning start on Sunday with a 3-0 victory over West Brom.
Timothy Castagne scored on his Leicester City debut from international team-mate Dennis Praet‘s looping cross before Jamie Vardy netted a double from the penalty spot to open his account for the season.
The victory sees the Foxes sit second in the league table, level on goal difference with Arsenal following their 3-0 victory over Fulham yesterday.
After being forced to weather a period of possession from West Brom, Brendan Rodgers’ men grew into the game on the half-hour mark with Harvey Barnes missing key chances.
However, after a goalless first-half, Leicester came out in the second-half with more intensity and looked dangerous from both wings.
The opening goal came from Castagne powered his header past Sam Johnstone from Praet’s cross after James Justin‘s pass tore Albion’s defence.
Vardy’s first penalty came from Kyle Bartley fouling the Leicester striker off the ball before Dara O’Shea’s late challenge on Justin resulted in Vardy beating Johnstone for the second time of the afternoon.
Kasper Schmeichel- 6:
Didn’t have to do much in the game. Despite the Baggies dominating possession early in the game, Schmeichel was ever-present in his penalty area whilst his makeshift defence was under pressure.
James Justin- 6.5:
A sticky start for the natural right-back at left-back, receiving a yellow card and being caught out of position. However, Justin improved in the second-half and linked-up well with Praet for Castange’s goal.
Caglar Soyuncu- 6:
Strong and comfortable on and off the ball. When under the pressure in the opening 45, he remained calm and helped Ndidi ease into the role. A much quieter second-half, with over 100 passes in West Brom’s half. Showed the quality we missed when he was suspended.
Wilfred Ndidi- 6.5:
Very impressive performance in a position he hasn’t played since he was at Genk. A couple of loose passes and dodgy backpasses in the first-half didn’t cause too many issues for the Foxes and he certainly looked strong at the back. Another influential performance by Ndidi.
Timothy Castagne- 8:
The first debutant to score on his debut since Nathan Dyer scored the winner against Aston Villa on this day in 2015. Playing as a right-back, Castagne completed 100% of his take-ons and tackles. Perfect debut.
Nampalys Mendy-7:
Despite being second fiddle to Ndidi, Mendy slotted into the defensive midfielder slot and was very good. Completed 92% of his passes (65) and the positioning demonstrated the quality in the Foxes performance, with 36 of his passes being in Albion’s half.
Youri Tielemans- 6:
The Belgium midfielder completed the joint-most dribbles in the game and completed 83% of his 79 passes. Looked quick and sharp on the ball, being the glue between the transition from defence to attack.
Dennis Praet- 7:
One of the most impressive on the pitch. Praet’s movement on and off the ball helped to open the scoring and he was the most advanced midfielder from the start. His cross for Castagne’s goal was something missing from his game last season.
Harvey Barnes- 6:
A mixed-emotions performance from Barnes. Missed two great chances in the first half, but deserves credit for getting into the position. Once Castagne opened the scoring, Barnes shined and looked confident when on the ball, completing three of his four dribbles.
Ayoze Perez- 6.5:
Deployed out on the right, Perez‘s first touch let him down in the first half, but, like the whole team, gained confidence once the opening goal came. You wouldn’t of told he had a short pre-season, after only being back for two weeks.
Jamie Vardy- 7.5:
Two goals in the opening weekend and his fifth and sixth goals at the Hawthorns in four games. Took his penalties very well, but struggled to get into the game throughout. The link-up play often was directed wide, so the opportunity for Vardy to get on the ball was limited.
Marc Albrighton- 6:
Only played 20 minutes, Albrighton made only five passes. However, his defensive duties were done right and offered support for Castagne when he bombed forward.
James Maddison- 5.5:
After not featuring since the 2-1 defeat to Everton last season, Maddison was finally introduced back to action with Leicester already 2-0 up. Didn’t do much but play composed passes, but it’s good to have the No.10 back.