Brighton 1-2 Leicester City: Player ratings and MotM

Leicester City found a precious late winner away to Brighton & Hove Albion, ending a mini Foxes slump and moving to second in the Premier League table.

Brendan Rodgers said in his pre-match interview that the first goal was crucial for the home side, so obviously his team were obliged to give them the opener. Adam Lallana slotted home to score his first in 16 months (another Foxes classic) after a ricochet left him through on goal.

The Leicester meandered for the remainder of the first, half with a Sidnei Tavares’ long range effort the only notable action from them. The game continued the stereotypical King Power side performance with a better second half performance, and they reaped the rewards as a sumptuous Youri Tielemans pass put through Kelechi Iheanacho; who delayed ever so slightly and then chipped the on rushing Brighton keeper to put his side level.

After that Leicester were in control and put that advantage to use when Daniel Amartey managed to score from a corner – can you believe it?! – to give the Foxes a precious three points. It was a pretty poor display from everyone, but a great win nonetheless. Here’s the player ratings.

Kasper Schmeichel- 6

Couldn’t do anything for the first goal, made a good save from Lallana late in the game. His distribution was a lucky dip today, but overall a quiet day for the captain.

Daniel Amartey- 6

Partly at fault for the Brighton opener as he played everyone onside and again was a liability on the ball. Don’t really think there was a need for him to play today with Fofana back in the mix…. is what I wrote on the 85th minute, and boy am I thankful he proved me wrong with a brilliantly instinctive header to put Leicester City ahead.

Wesley Fofana- 5

Did OK in his first start since his injury, a couple of shaky moments, but he looked good whenever advancing from the back.

Caglar Soyuncu- 5

Sharing the blame with Amartey for the first goal as he charged out so recklessly. Gained his composure as the match went on, but looked like he misses his partner Jonny Evans.

Ricardo Pereira- 5

Looked brighter than he did in midweek, as he attacked with a lot more purpose and intent. However he still looks a yard off the pace.

Wilfred Ndidi- 6

A below par Wilf performance, which is better than most it can be said. Like his teammates he was so sluggish in that first half, but helped his side grab the initiative in the second.

Youri Tielemans- 7

Sloppy in the first half with too many passes going astray and indecision plaguing his first half display. But, as in midweek, he grabbed the game by the scruff of then neck and controlled the proceedings. A beautiful pass to set up the equaliser.

Timothy Castagne- 5

Completely anonymous in the first period. After the interval however, he came alive and got in behind the Brighton defence, but, like a lot of his peers who have returned from injury, looks woefully short of fitness and form.

Sidnei Tavares- 5

Good shot on target in the first half but he gave the ball away too much, and was way to indecisive, but given it was his full debut that is to be expected.

Kelechi Iheanacho- 7 MotM

Brightest spark in the first half, although that wasn’t hard. Brilliant finish for the equaliser further outlying his importance in the side.

Jamie Vardy- 5

Not as quiet as he has been as he had some good touches to bring teammates in to play, but looks desperately short of pace, being beaten by Lewis Dunk highlighting that fact in the first half. Somehow was denied a penalty late in the game.

Substitutes:

Marc Albrighton, Hamza Choudhury- 5

Great corner from Ablrighton; Choudhury on to close out the result.