Leicester City succumbed to their third defeat of the season on the south coast, amidst some controversial refereeing decisions. But how did the player’s rate in another indifferent display and was it all bad?
(Note – 7 indicates an acceptable performance)
Leicester City scores: Kasper Schmeichel – 7
Not much that Kasper could do with either goal as he was beaten by a penalty and a well-placed header. He also made a few standard saves as Brighton never truly put the Leicester goal under any severe pressure.
Ricardo Pereira – 7
Not bad but still not back up to speed, with the worry that last year’s injury is still playing a part. Noticeably got forward more in the second half with Ademola Lookman ahead of him. Played a key part in Vardy’s goal. Needs to play more.
Caglar Soyuncu – 7
Given how poor he’s been in recent months, it shouldn’t go unnoticed how solid ‘Cags’ was today. His defensive challenges and aerial winning headers were on point and he is slowly building up his partnership with Jannick Vestergaard.
Jannick Vestergaard – 7
Similar to ‘Cags’ with his solid aerial presence and good movement from the back. The half-hour mark did not treat him well though. He was sneakily fouled by Neal Maupay, before flinging his arm in the air to draw attention to the foul before the ball struck his arm. That the video-assisted referee could not see or make this decision is nothing short of atrocious.
Ryan Bertrand – 7
Getting up to speed, the classy left-back normally does well. Possibly got too tight on occasions but did some half-decent defending. Would have had an assist to his name after providing the corner for Ademola Lookman’s disallowed finish.
Youri Tielemans – 6
Erratic and frustrating, but always dangerous. Constantly gave the ball away first half leaving Leicester exposed on the counter. Needs to start getting some long-range shots on target, otherwise he’ll be struggling to get his ‘big move’ next summer. That being said he set up Vardy’s goal nicely and would have had an assist if Ndidi’s header wasn’t ruled out.
Wilfred Ndidi – 7
Typically combative and competent as he broke up the play where he could. Gave away a cheap yellow card which is par for the course, still passes safely inside too often. Should have had his first goal of the season with a towering header that was cruelly ruled out.
Boubakary Soumare – 6
Seemed to be adopting areas that a number 10 would normally undertake in his first Premier league start. Didn’t really create enough to justify playing that far forward nor did he look comfortable there either.
James Maddison – 5
A few nice flicks and give and go’s but still no end product, no shots on target or big chances created. Wrongly played out on the right in a square peg round hole situation. Subbed at halftime but should never have started with Rodgers admitting his confidence is low at the moment. Poor decision and he will struggle to be anywhere other than the bench against Burnley next week.
Harvey Barnes – 5
Too quiet for too long and was at fault for two goals not being given that arguably could have won Leicester City the match. Livened up better in the second half with some nice moves. The most frustrating part was that he got Joel Veltman on an early yellow and refused to attack him. Needs to improve quickly or he’ll be keeping Maddison company on the bench.
Jamie Vardy – 7
A quiet first half but once again livened up and became more of a threat as the game wore on, taking his goal in classic style. Playing once a week will benefit him more in the long run.
Substitutes
Ademola Lookman – 8
Arguably changed the game as he pushed his threat further forward comparatively to the player he replaced. There is a lot to be said for a direct wide runner to balance out Harvey Barnes on the left. A key part of the goal and almost had a goal himself but we know why he didn’t. He won free-kicks and created problems.
Timothy Castagne – 7
Quiet and didn’t make a mark on the game as the rest of the game happened in front of him. Played out left as well which we thought he wasn’t best attuned to. Square peg, round hole again?
Kelechi Iheanacho – 7
Looked lively and positive again as he was given his obligatory substitute appearance. It’s still bizarre that last seasons top scorer has been put back to cameos when others ahead of him are struggling.