Leicester City cruise past Greeks to top Group G and ensure they are one of the seeded teams in the last 32 draw on Monday.
With qualification guaranteed 2 weeks ago, the Foxes set about finishing off the job with a relatively strong line up for the last group game before the knockout stages in 2021.
Brendan Rodgers could easily have been forgiven for sending a novice eleven out to complete the first round of fixtures, but a thoroughly professional job was completed with little fuss. Mostly wrapped up in a two minute spell within the opening 15 minutes with strikes from Cengiz Under and a heavily deflected Harvey Barnes shot.
It could and should have been a higher score, with Under constantly shooting when within range and Barnes, Iheanacho, Praet and Perez amongst many that could have extended the lead further. Athens struggled to cope with the potency of the King Power team’s attack and mistakes at the back constantly cost the Greeks.
The next round will bring bigger tests but on the showing of the first 6 games, Leicester will have nobody to fear, with teams hoping to avoid them in the last 32.
Player ratings (NOTE: 7 is a steady performance):-
Danny Ward – 7
A relatively comfortable evening with little more than a few claims, catches and passes to get right. Perversely Ward will be hoping for more than zero shots on target in his next game to show what he can do.
James Justin – 8
Offered service down the right hand side where needed and kept trying to link up the play going forward. An unsung hero this season with the unprecedented levels of football he’s been playing.
Wesley Fofana – 7 – (subbed on 82)
As always kept the ball ticking over comfortably, but today his marauding runs and erratic positioning with a calmer approach. In many ways pleasing that he had a quiet game.
Jonny Evans – 7
Like his partner it was a quiet evening of defending for the Northern Irishman. Much of his display was holding positions and keeping the ball moving quickly for the midfield to angle key positions.
Luke Thomas – 8
Thomas development continues to grow with much needed minutes and a keenness to get forward and offer attacking threat. Laid the ball in for Barnes before his goal and was a constant threat.
Dennis Praet – 7
Seemed quiet in the opening 25 minutes before bursting into life and becoming a constant attacking threat. should and could have had a couple of goals second half if his reactions had been quicker.
Wilfred Ndidi – 8 (Subbed on 63)
Still not 100% and was left flailing at a first half tackle to prove this. But as the game wore on his influence on the game grew with key passes in build up play. Hopefully not too long before Wilf is firing on all cylinders.
Youri Tielemans – 7 (subbed on 82)
The form of Tielemans does seem to be up and down, but with the football he has played in 2020 its not surprising he can look jaded. A wayward first half shot and some neat long and short passes.
Cengiz Under – 10 (MAN OF THE MATCH)
A real swaggering performance which kicked into gear with a ferocious goal that nearly broke the net. From then it was all dropped shoulders, heel flicks and long range shots as Athens looked terrified whenever he had the ball. The argument for him to be a first team starter is growing every week.
Harvey Barnes – 10
An equally sensational game for the Englishman. Dribbling whenever he got the chance and really keen to show what he can do with the ball at his feet. A tad lucky with his deflected goal but another constant menace to Athens. Could and should have added more goals to his impressive Europa league tally
Kelechi Iheanacho – 6 – (subbed on 67)
Left flailing too often and consistently choosing the wrong option when holding onto the ball for too long. Should have connected with a back-heel flick and should have been more of a threat against a weak team.
SUBS
Nampalys Mendy – 8 – on from 63 minutes
Whats becoming more and more surprising with Mendy is how much he dictates the pace of the game. His passing is simple but the key is that there is a rhythm and tempo that urges his teammates to respond in kind. His arrival saw Leicester dominate more and more comfortably.
Ayoze Perez – 7 – on from 67 minutes
Following an impressive return in Yorkshire, Perez was given nearly half an hour up front as the lone striker for once. Although far from a great performance, he showed more aggression than Kelechi and nearly forced a goal in. Something to think about.
Wes Morgan – 7 – on from 82 minutes
A neat header and some efficient passing, but the game was done when he arrived.
Hamza Choudhury – 7 – on from 82 minutes
Neat and tidy arrival with typical energy from the big haired one.