Newcastle 1-2 Leicester: player ratings, tenacious Tielemans stars
By Joe Reilly
James Maddison and Youri Tielemans starred as Leicester City opened 2021 with a win over Newcastle at St. James’ Park, maintaining their third place position in the Premier League.
Stunning strikes from James Maddison and Youri Tielemans set Leicester City off to winning ways in 2021, retaining their grasp on this season’s Champions League spots. This leaves the Foxes undefeated in four games and set to take on Southampton on 16th January.
Leicester opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation with James Maddison in the hole, Harvey Barnes and Marc Albrighton supporting, and Youri Tielemans and Wilfred Ndidi at the pivot. Brendan Rodgers‘ men looked lively in the first half, dominating possession but failing to register a shot on target, entering the break at 0-0.
Newcastle United grew in confidence in the second half and looked to threaten Leicester at times, but the excellently marshalled Jonny Evans and Wesley Fofana ensured the game remained at deadlock. Leicester’s breakthrough came in the 55th minute, as Jamie Vardy’s cutback fell to James Maddison, who finished ruthlessly.