Leicester City moved to the top of Premier League with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the King Power Stadium.
The game started off cagey, with both sides waiting for the other to make the first move or mistake. Leicester City began to control the game through possession but lacked any sort of threat; until they got a fortuitous hand ball decision when Dennis Praet smashed a cross into the arm of the on-rushing Max Kilman. Referee Anthony Taylor had a couple of looks at the pitch side monitor and awarded the penalty which Jamie Vardy slotted away expertly.
The Foxes maintained their control and won another pen, when James Justin was brought down in the area. But this time Vardy had the spot kick saved by Rui Patricio. The game never really burst into life. Both sides slugged it out and apart from an incredible save by Kasper Schmeichel from a Ruben Neves curler, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men created very little.
With a game of few chances who controlled the game, and who deserves a pay rise in the player ratings?
Leicester City player ratings
Kasper Schmeichel – 7
He only had two things to do all day and did them very well. A Pedro Neto shot was smartly held and a wonderful finger tip save from Neves kept his side a clean sheet and still showed fans how good a keeper he is.
James Justin – 6
The England Under 21 international is clearly struggling for confidence but he definitely showed signs of improvement. He won the second penalty with a great run and set up Harvey Barnes with a brilliant burst of pace which is a refreshing sight. However, he gave the ball WAY too many times which must be a cause for concern. Defensively there wasn’t a lot to report as he stood up to everything Wolves threw at him especially Adama Traore when he was introduced.
Wesley Fofana – 9, Man of the Match
GIVE THIS MAN A PAY RISE. Whatever he wants, give it to him because my god is he an incredible defender. The 19-Year-Old is so aggressive and confident with whatever is facing him. His unbelievable sliding interception to stop Daniel Podence from equalising was world class and his display on the ball as well was Ramos-esque.
Johnny Evans – 7
After just coming back from injury you could have forgiven the Northern Irishman for being cautious, but he was far from it. He was dependable and commanding as ever. He might have an injury problem over the international as he looked like he twinged his back, but lets hope it’s nothing serious.
Christian Fuchs – 7
Not a lot to say really for the City veteran, but he has taken to playing as a wide Centre Back like a duck to water. His lack of pace was surprisingly never troubled, and he had a couple of good long range efforts. Very solid.
Luke Thomas – 4
I thought it was a very poor performance from the youngster. He was lazy on the ball and weak off it. Semedo definitely got the better of Thomas which is one of the reasons why Brendan Rodgers hooked him off at half time and moved Justin over to the left.
Papy Mendy – 7
One of Leicester’s best performers this year and this was another excellent performance. He was tenacious in midfield and tidy on the ball, and he set the tempo for everyone and was instrumental in this crucial win.
Youri Tielemans – 8
Isn’t it great to see Youri Tielemans playing well. He was at his best again today, controlling the whole football match and getting stuck in when called upon. The Belgian has found his confidence again and it’s no coincidence that Leicester City are winning again.
James Maddison – 7
Maddison is still trying to find some fitness hence his substitution after an hour but his quality is for all to see. Little passes, lovely turns and a big shift is now the hallmark of a good James Maddison performance. The England international was in the team to break between the lines against a pragmatic Wolves side and he certainly helped this Leicester side to control the game
Dennis Praet – 7
I’m a big admirer of Dennis Praet and this game proved why. In an unnatural position the Belgian showed moments of quality, his cross won the penalty and his effort for his side would have pleased Rodgers the most.
Jamie Vardy – 7
The match winner. He was as ever quiet but effective. 20 minutes would go by and you wouldn’t hear his name but then in the next five minutes he would run 50 yards with the ball on two separate occasions. The City legend will obviously be annoyed at missing the second penalty but in the grand scheme of things it didn’t make much difference.
Substitutes:
Harvey Barnes – 6
Literally had nothing to do, the game was petering out at that point.
6 – Again he had nothing to do, was brought on to sure up the back for the Foxes but in the end he warmed up for nothing.