After a seemingly bright start at Villa Park, the dark clouds of abject defending once again cast a shadow over another frustrating Leicester City performance where the first half was far better than the second. Only a handful of players come out of this game with any credit.
Note: 7 indicates an acceptable performance
Leicester City’s Kasper Schmeichel – 4
Pretty embarrassing and arguably culpable on both goals. Allowing his defence to defend a set-piece free-kick on his penalty spot shows how much confidence he has in leaving his line and claiming crosses. The first goal wasn’t entirely his fault but he got away with one on half time with a weak flapped save that led to him getting a hand on the ball and ground meaning the eventual goal was ruled out.
The second was truly awful. He was swamped by Villa bodies meaning he again had no interest in claiming a cross that was won by Konsa in the 6-yard-box and beat his near post. He made a couple of standard saves with his feet and did punch unconvincingly at a couple of crosses. He cannot organise his defence and his pointing and shouting at officials is making him few friends. This has been going on too long.
Luke Thomas – 7
A decent display from the left-back who was intent on pushing forward and supporting Harvey Barnes in attack with quick bursts of pace. Almost set up Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for a goal and made a crucial block from Ollie Watkins to prevent Villa from extending their lead.
Caglar Soyuncu – 6
His overall footballing display isn’t bad, but when it truly matters he is found wanting. On the second goal he completely lost his man (again!) and couldn’t make up lost ground. He would have been dropped long ago if more suitable replacements were available. But at least his passing stats are nice.
Jonny Evans – 6
Got caught in too many tussles with Ollie Watkins and was beaten on occasions. Seems to cut a frustrated figure when marshalling his defensive partners, but in truth, he isn’t pulling up many trees of his own. But still, at least his passing stats are nice.
Timothy Castagne – 5
Rarely got forward throughout the game and seems to be suffering from a lack of form, games seem to be catching up with him and he doesn’t seem as effective anymore.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 6
His first ever Premier League start will be one to learn from and help grow his game at Leicester City. Should have scored with a header first half that he was quiet in. But he grew in effect throughout just not enough to change the outcome. Some nice cross-field passes that Barnes wasn’t alert to and some hearty challenges. But he was also hustled off the ball and I didn’t like to see him go down easily trying to win a soft penalty when he should have been braver attempting a shot.
Wilfred Ndidi – 5
His performances have degenerated into a collection of poor passes, cheap giveaways and sloppy fouls. He does little to affect the game going forward and defensively he offers little support to his backline. This could be a formation issue but regardless, Ndidi is sorely lacking right now as a Leicester City player.
Harvey Barnes – 6
Had Matty Cash turning and back-pedalling in all directions in the first half and was rewarded with a coolly slotted finish. But as the game wore on, Cash simply rose his aggression levels and Barnes wilted under the pressure. He was ineffective second half except for an uncharacteristic header that nearly looped in. He hints at the player we saw last season but not for long enough.
Ademola Lookman – 4
Not vintage. Seemed to struggle against the ageing Ashley Young constantly being beaten in duels and giving away cheap fouls as well as the ball. Didn’t look sharp enough at all to have lasted for over an hour of football, not quite sure how he is retaining his place right.
James Maddison – 5
Didn’t make much of an impression on the game except for the holy trinity of a stupidly placed free-kick, then foul and yellow card all within 30 seconds. Had a couple of decent shots but rarely troubled the Villa defence.
Patson Daka – 8
The only bright spot on an otherwise forgettable day. Daka’s first Premier League start displayed fantastic hold-up play, aggression in closing down players, work rate, getting into striking positions and bringing other players into play. He expertly set up Barnes opener. He did fade into the second half but didn’t many Leicester City players. If Vardy does finish soon, his replacement looks promising.
SUBS
Jamie Vardy – 5
Had no effect on the game whatsoever. if he needs resting, why bother to play him even as a sub?
Ayoze Perez – 6
Got involved in the midfield play but only in angling for position, rarely in terms of changing the game.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 6
Despite a fantastic record against Aston Villa, he was afforded an entry on the 85th minute with little time to get involved. Hard to understand why he is being ignored so much.
Overall team performance 5/10
Although a poor result, Brendan Rodgers search for Leicester’s identity has finally been found in the 2021/2022 season. They are now looking at best a mid-table team within a completely abject defensive unit, that attacks with verve but wilts at the first sign of aggression. Expect inconsistency all the way till May.