A sensational Jamie Vardy hat-trick launched Leicester City to the top of the league, marking their best ever start to a Premier League campaign. Here’s how the rest of the team performed.
Leading up to this afternoon’s game against Manchester City, there were many questions surrounding the apparent negativity of the Foxes’ team selection. Wins against West Brom and Burnley were secured utilising a four-at-the-back system, and so the choice to switch to a back three baffled many. What’s more, Leicester City’s last away win against the Citizens came all the way back in the title-winning campaign of 2016 with an infamous Robert Huth brace, while manager Rodgers was yet to beat a Pep Guardiola side until today.
The Foxes started poorly, with a loose James Justin clearance from a corner falling to former Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian slammed the ball home convincingly in the fourth minute, unknowingly setting the tone for what would be a certifiable goal-fest.
It took the East Midlanders up until the 37th minute to respond, when Jamie Vardy drew and scored the first penalty of the game after being brought down by fellow England man Kyle Walker. The Foxes only managed one shot on target and 27% possession in the first half, but nonetheless entered half-time level.
Despite having far less of the ball, Rodgers’ men defended compactly, allowing the home side little space and then hitting hard on the counter-attack. At 54 minutes played, a superb Youri Tielemans release saw fellow Belgian Timothy Castagne set up Vardy for his second of the game with a sublime back-heel finish. Only four minutes later, Vardy completed his hat-trick with another penalty, putting Leicester City two goals to the good.
Substitute James Maddison made it four with an outrageous curling strike that’s surely an early contender for goal of the season, before Nathan Aké headed home from a corner to bring one back for Guardiola’s men. Maddison’s impact off the bench was again felt when he drew the 20th penalty of this Premier League campaign already (5 of which by Leicester), which was tucked away comfortably by Tielemans.
Leicester City’s victory today shows that they’re not only comfortable playing possession-based football, but that they’ve still retained a counter-a
ttacking edge reminiscent of the Ranieri era. The Foxes became the first side to score four at the Etihad since it opened in 2003, leaving us wondering how good Rodgers’ men will be once they’re bolstered by new winger Cengiz Ünder and possibly this centre-back.
Goalkeeper and defence
Kasper Schmeichel- 6
Probably should have come out to claim the cross that fell to Mahrez, but couldn’t realistically do anything about the strike. Aside from this, the Dane made some routine saves but again couldn’t do much about the Citizens’ second goal. Distribution was shoddy at times.
Çağlar Söyüncü- 7
Formed part of a formidable back three that did well to withstand constant pressure from Guardiola’s men. Should have continued to close down Mahrez for the first goal, but was a victim of zonal marking on the second.
Jonny Evans- 8
Watching him play, you wouldn’t believe reports that he’s struggled with fitness recently or only just returned from suspension. As solid and dependable as ever at the back.
Daniel Amartey- 8
Considering he was tasked with slotting into an unfamiliar back three against one of the best sides on the planet after being injured for almost two years, I’d say the Ghanaian had a particularly impressive game. Looked uncomfortable to begin with, but didn’t really put a foot wrong overall.
Wingbacks and midfield
Timothy Castagne- 9
What a signing this man is turning out to be. Was a constant menace in attack down the right hand side, while doing his fair bit tracking back to assist the defence. He’s looking like an absolute asset to Leicester City and I’m excited to see more of him.
James Justin- 6
Definitely looked shaky in the first half of the game and appeared to be a constant target of Manchester City’s overlaps. Could have down better to clear the cross that lead to the home side’s first goal and should have scored when Vardy teed him up in the 26th minute. Despite this, the U-21 England international grew in confidence in the second half and put in a solid performance.
Nampalys Mendy- 8
A frequent scapegoat of the Foxes’ failures, the Frenchman proved his doubters wrong with a dependable performance in midfield. Deserves more credit for the first goal, after some fine footwork saw him release the ball to Harvey Barnes. The lack of height and physical presence compared to Wilfred Ndidi was noticeable, however.
Youri Tielemans- 9
An outside shout for man-of-the-match. The Belgian put in one of his finest performances in a Leicester City shirt and showed why he’s their record signing. Controlled the midfield and constantly tested Manchester City’s high line with perfectly weighted through balls. Left no doubt on the penalty.
Dennis Praet- 8
Much like his compatriot Tielemans, had a fine game in midfield with some excellent long balls but didn’t quite pull a masterclass. Replaced by Maddison in the 69th minute.
Forwards and substitutes
Harvey Barnes- 5
Operating in an unfamiliar striker role, found acres of space on the lefthand side numerous times but didn’t seem to have the beating of Kyle Walker and Eric García with pace or footwork. Got a chance at goal later in the game but hit it straight down Ederson’s throat.
Jamie Vardy- 10 (MOTM)
Nothing short of a world-class performance. It’s hard to believe he’s 33 years old. Latched onto Tielemans and Praet’s through balls and stretched Manchester City’s high line. Drew and scored two pens (fairly, might I add), scored an outrageous back-heel finish and could have had an assist too. His hat-trick today made in 9 in 10 against City, and he only took 15 touches to do it. What’s more, only three hat-tricks have been scored against a Guardiola side and two of them have been by Vardy. The other? Lionel Messi.
James Maddison- 8
Following up on his cameo appearance in the Carabao Cup, Maddison looked sharper than ever on his return to Premier League football. In just 25 minutes on the pitch, he was able to bag a veritable screamer and draw the pen for the final goal of the game. Will really be pushing Praet and Tielemans to regain his place in the starting XI now he’s fit again.
Christian Fuchs- N/A
Came on for Jonny Evans due to injury and didn’t have much to do.
Kelechi Iheanacho- N/A
Subbed on for Vardy in the 85th minute and didn’t really have long enough to impact the game.