What a horror show! Leicester City were once again given the run around from a David Moyes West Ham team and were beaten soundly on a troubling evening in London. So how did each player perform and where will Brendan Rodgers need to address the problems for Saturday’s trip to Norwich City?
(Note: a rating of 7 indicates an acceptable performance)
KASPER SCHMEICHEL – 6
As a goalkeeper, he produced some quality saves and even contributed a clearing punch from a corner. But his kicking was poor and led to some of the problems that led to the goals conceded and also as the captain he needed to organise his woeful defence better.
RICARDO PERREIRA – 5
A difficult evening for a player who started positively with his attacking intent down the right-hand side and link-up play but once he lost his right flank partner Ayoze Perez he was drawn further back to defensive positions where he struggled to make an impact, never stopped running though.
LUKE THOMAS – 5
A similar story to Ricardo as he tried to push forward on the left and make inroads with Harvey Barnes but as the games changed he was pushed further back. He looked tired and leggy after an hour and struggled to keep up with the pace of the game as his frustration showed through.
CAGLAR SOYUNCU – 2
Michail Antonio embarrassed him tonight but unfortunately for Cags, these performances are becoming more and more frequent. Not touch tight on so many occasions and frequently made mistakes that cost Leicester goals. He lacked leadership throughout and his pass back on goal number two was horrendous. He needs to learn from these errors quickly as there’s no way in a fully fit squad that he makes the starting lineup of a back four and maybe even a back three at this rate. Given the way he finished last season and a disastrous Euros with Turkey, his confidence is rock bottom at Leicester City.
DANIEL AMARTEY – 4
Amartey keeps battling on but his lack of profile for this centre-back position is very noticeable. His passes were too safe and he was scared to use the ball positively, frequently turning inside with his passes for fear of the West Ham counter. Struggled to impose any kind of defensive strength on the opposition. He knows he’s on borrowed time at the back but who knows how long that will be.
WILFRED NDIDI – 6
Wilf battled hard throughout and made some trademark challenges. But he was also bullied at times and was turned causing him to chase back too often. He needed to break the lines with passing or runs but did neither. Got harder with ten men.
YOURI TIELEMANS – 6
A strange night for the talisman, as many of his typical long-range passes fell short or even too long. Made a strong run into the box as he bundled his goal in. But never made any true impact on the game.
HARVEY BARNES – 5
A few positive runs in the first half showed early promise but he didn’t really get going or isolate any fullbacks or provide any service for Jamie Vardy. Was hooked for Patson Daka on 64 minutes.
AYOZE PEREZ – 4
The player rating is mainly for the red card, which rubber-stamped the defeat. A clumsy challenge that he was unlucky to land on Fornal’s leg but he had to go. Up until then, his link-up play had been promising with Ricardo and also finding space in key areas. But he was also guilty of turning inside a lot and questions remain whether he adds enough width to the right-hand side of this Leicester City team.
JAMES MADDISON – 4
Offered very little throughout except for falling to the ground too eagerly. Made a good run and positive cross that led to the goal but gave Vardy nothing to feed on throughout. Genuinely can’t remember a good game he has had since February, is he worth his starting position at the moment.
JAMIE VARDY – 3
Non-existent and should have been subbed earlier than he was. Granted, he had virtually no service but the West Ham defenders had an easy night throughout with no aggression from Vardy noticed anywhere. He also gave the ball away cheaply that led to the first goal.
SUBS:
PATSON DAKA – 6
Like all the subs he struggled to get into the game but his pace and enthusiasm were noticeably higher than Jamie Vardy managed.
BOUBAKARY SOUMARE – 5
Didn’t do enough to stop the cross that culminated in goal number 4. Chased shadows and made a few poor challenges.
KELECHI IHEANACHO – 5
Struggled to get into the game but will be baffled by how he has been used so little for Leicester City so far this season.