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.
17 minutes later, Youri Tielemans’ curling strike from the edge of the area put the away side two goals to the good, and Leicester looked to be cruising home until substitute Andy Carroll restored life into the game for the Toon. Despite a high-pressure closing period, City managed to take all three points back to the East Midlands.
Goalkeeper, Defence and Midfield:
Kasper Schmeichel- 6
Much like his counterpart Karl Darlow, Schmeichel was relatively untroubled today. Made an excellent save to deny the offside Callum Wilson that might’ve resulted in an equaliser had the situation been different. Distribution was passable.
James Justin- 7
A strong performance from the recent Leicester (and FPL) hero. Unnecessarily fouled Sean Longstaff late on resulting in a yellow card.
Wesley Fofana- 7
Solid at the back and dominant in the air, ensuring that Newcastle’s attack were unable to win knock downs high up the pitch and challenge Leicester’s 18-yard box.
Jonny Evans- 7
The perfect foil for the aforementioned young Frenchman. Evans‘ excellent positioning swept up Newcastle’s counter attacks on more than one occasion.
Timothy Castagne- 7
Strong at both ends of the pitch, but not exemplary at either. Since moving to the left-hand side, Castagne seems to be noticeably less involved, but I’m sure the Belgian will return to his pre-injury form soon enough.
Wilfred Ndidi- 8
If Wilfred Ndidi has a quiet game, you know he’s done his job well. Since the Nigerian’s return to the first team, Leicester look lightyears better defensively, despite the excellent work of his deputy Papy Mendy. A routine performance for the midfield general.
Youri Tielemans- 9 (MOTM)
Leicester’s metronome performed his usual role well in controlling the midfield, but it was a new element of his game that really stood out today. The Belgian showed an aggressive side seldom seem in a Leicester City shirt, dominating Joelinton despite a 10cm deficit in height. Capped off his performance with a stunning, well deserved goal.
Attack and Substitutes:
Marc Albrighton- 8
A determined performance from the veteran, advancing the ball well down the right-hand side and delivering well for Tielemans’ goal. Looked clumsy at times this afternoon, but worked hard and never shied away from tackle.
James Maddison- 9
This man’s return to form from injury has been nothing short of spectacular. A true catalyst alongside Tielemans in the centre of the pitch, with an assured finish for his goal. Looking forward to seeing more of this man.
Harvey Barnes- 6
Wasn’t quite up to his usual standard tonight, as play seemed to elude the left wing for large parts of the game. Didn’t look confident in his one-on-one with Darlow late on and resultantly didn’t score.
Jamie Vardy- 7
A quiet night for Leicester’s talisman tonight, who nonetheless managed to bag himself an assist. Newcastle’s back three made it difficult for Vardy to make his trademark runs tonight, so the Englishman turned creator instead.
Çağlar Söyüncü- 6
Leicester’s only substitution arrived late on, with Newcastle grabbing a goal not long afterwards. It would be unfair to pin this on the Turk, but the Foxes were noticeably less comfortable after moving to a back three. Regardless, some vital minutes in the legs for Leicester’s stalwart defender.