Leicester City lost successive Premier League games for the first time this season as West Ham survived a late fightback to secure a crucial win.
It’s the hope that kills you. Despite the late fightback, the performance was horrendous for 75 minutes. Not for the first time this season, too many players were passengers, and no one seemed to have any urgency.
Jesse Lingard continued his fine form with a well taken goal, then he really didn’t have to work hard for his second, as the Foxes defenders presumed Jarod Bowen was offside, who then laid it off to the England international for a simple tap in.
The second half did little to change the momentum for Leicester as West Ham and Bowen seemingly killed the game off with a third goal. However, two late Iheanacho goals gave the Hammers a visibly nervous finish, but it ended in another defeat to only increase the anxiety amongst the players and fans.
Before we head into the ratings, I want to say that Brendan Rodgers was absolutely right in omitting Maddison, Perez and Choudhury. Those players have let the team, fans and themselves down with what they did. A lot of people would give anything to be able to spend lockdown in their mansions and their wealth, so to break lockdown rules is disgusting and quite rightly fans are outraged. Now the ratings.
Kasper Schmeichel– 4
Seemingly unsighted for the first goal which seems strange given he watched the ball go in, and I have no idea why he came out half-heartedly to make it so easy for Bowen to square it. If you look at how Lukasz Fabianski played in terms of how decisive he was, the difference was night and day. Distribution was up and down.
Daniel Amartey– 3
Really poor. As I’ve said time and time again, he shouldn’t be near this team. Where was he for the second goal?
Jonny Evans– 5
Decent on the ball in that first half, all the goals just evaded him, can’t pin any sort of blame towards him.
Wesley Fofana– 4
Where was he for the second and third goals?! The third one especially, he was nowhere to be seen until the last second.
Ricardo Pereira– 5
I, like everyone, misses a fully fit Ricardo. He doesn’t take anyone on anymore and gets beaten a hell of a lot more than he used to -although his tackle did set up Iheanacho’s goal-. He was so unlucky when he was played through, he just couldn’t get his legs sorted out. But you can clearly see how much his injury has affected his overall play.
Wilfred Ndidi– 5
Incredibly lucky to not be sent off in my opinion. Did his usual midfield antics, but in games like this his ability on the ball, or lack thereof, is highlighted very brightly.
Youri Tielemans– 6
As so often the case in games like these, everyone looked to him for some inspiration. He did his best, but it was just one of those days in his case.
Timothy Castange– 4
Offered absolutely nothing. He, like a lot players, is in a bad run of form at such a crucial time. Defensively he was OK, but it’s his attacking play that has been so non-existent. No dribbles, crosses or notable pieces of play.
Dennis Praet– 5
Neat and tidy here and there but had no effect on the game sadly, would love to see him have more confidence when he’s thinking of shooting
Jamie Vardy– 3
I’ve never seen him look this disinterested. It’s actually worrying how poor he’s been. If he’s not scoring then usually his work rate will bring something to the team, without that then he brings nothing to the table. You can’t keep playing him because he’s Jamie Vardy.
Kelechi Iheanacho– 7 Man of the Match
Great finishes from a man clearly full of confidence. He’s the main man right now. At times he had a few pointless efforts at goal, but I’m not going to have a go at him, he’s very confident at the moment so you shouldn’t discourage him from doing so. Would love to see him play up front on his own right now.
Substitutes:
Luke Thomas– 4
He was brought on to change the shape rather than him personally change the game. I can’t actually remember him doing anything.
Marc Albrighton– 7
What on earth was this?! He had a brief 10-minute spell at the end where he was untouchable. He’s such a great asset to bring on when the team are losing, because he whips balls in the box and that creates pressure. He shouldn’t start the next week because the game is completely different than it was when he came on.