Oh what a difference a game makes! The swagger and aggression returned in abundance as Leicester City embarrassed the superstars of Manchester United with a dominant and assertive display. So how many players finally arrived this season?
NOTE: (7 indicates an acceptable performance)
Player ratings
Leicester City’s Kasper Schmeichel – 7
Far more assured and display from the captain. A few standard decent saves although the one great save he made technically didn’t count due to the offside flag. His passing was much more accurate although still on occasions he could have released it earlier and obviously he kicked one straight out of play. Not much he could have done on the goals.
Jonny Evans – 8
How we’ve missed this Leicester City player that is clearly better than his 80 million pound opponent. Moving the play quickly, marshalling a Portuguese fella and coaching ‘Cags’ and ‘Amartey’ throughout. He even got excited and started trying to start a counter attack mid way through the first half. Bless him. Would have been a higher rating but Rashford’s goal was a bit of a mess.
Caglar Soyuncu – 8
He needed this so much. A solid display with quicker passing and that classic aggression that when channelled right is difficult to manage. Was handed his goal on a plate but took it with relish. Although he was probably playing Rashford onside for the equaliser a minute or two later.
Daniel Amartey – 8
Was given the unenviable task of marking one of the greatest players of this generation. But with Ronaldo limited to next to nothing in front of goal, tells you all about how well the Ghanaian played in the back three with some key challenges, defensive headers and blocks. His main strength in this game was ensuring the shape was watertight and he did his chances of starting again no harm.
Ricardo Pereira – 8
Gave Luke Shaw plenty of headaches with crunching tackles and shepherding a misfiring Jason Sancho. Also ensured he was dangerous in attacking areas in the wing back role. A cross that almost heralded a goal in the first half and he should have hit the target with a good chance in the second half. Did lose Rashford for the equaliser though.
Timothy Castagne – 9
One of the most underrated Leicester players right now and one of the few that has played well all season. A fascinating battle with Wan-Bissaka throughout that the Belgian started to takeover in the second half, by consistently pushing him out wide. His ability to both defend and attack at will caused Manchester United numerous problems. Played a key part in the third goal with an excellent first touch and brave pass that he got wiped out for.
Boubakary Soumare – 8
A very pleasing display in midfield from the Frenchman. Offered lots all over the midfield areas keeping the play moving and breaking up any midfield momentum from the opposition. Still sat deeper than Tielemans mostly to ensure his Belgian counterpart could create more. Very difficult to shake off the ball and with more coaching some runs through the lines could become a feature we see more of.
Youri Tielemans – 9
Its been said before that when Youri ticks, Leicester tick. Today displayed that theory in all its glory. He somehow created a new genre of goal with the ‘cheeky spectacular’ equaliser. He also showcased his strength and work rate winning a midfield ball with desire before seeing his shot hit the post. Stood head and shoulders as an attacking force above any other player on the pitch and when you consider what the opposition players cost that shouldn’t be forgotten.
James Maddison – 8
Madders is back. The swagger and the ‘no look’ passes returned in abundance with an assured display. It certainly helped Maddison that he was given more space in areas, but regardless he brought players into the game and created space with his vision and desire. Maddison also needs to start being nastier and teasing players into fouling him more, although it would help his cause more if referees protected him by booking players when they smash him (Matic unbelievably not booked).
Jamie Vardy – 9
Same old classic Vardy forward play. Leading the high press and ensuring the United back line were given no rest throughout. Made some key runs that opened up space for late runners. And of course, scored a classic goal against another ‘big 6’ team. Many are waiting for him to retire, it won’t be for a while yet.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 9
Caused the most expensive English centre back (and most overrated) a torrid first half. Robbing Maguire with a lazily arrogant attempt led the way to an equaliser and he was a pest throughout. His levels of aggression and work rate are amazing, never has a player turned it around so spectacularly……..except for his strike partner I suppose.
SUBSTITUTES
Ayoze Perez – 8
Can the naysayers see his value yet? His ability to cause problems are showing through again with a tenacious display that opponents will not like to see. His first assists was lucky. His second one was genius as he drew in players long enough for Vardy to find space and then threaded a first-class ball through to the number 9. He even put more into the goal celebration than any other player.
Patson Daka – 8
The first of many goals we hope to witness. Looked busy and almost scored with his first touch as well as winning free kicks. Into injury time a tap in was gifted to him and he became the first Zambian to ever score a Premier League goal.
Jannick Vestergaard – 7
Had only a short time to come on and make an impression; and did little wrong.