On a balmy afternoon at Filbert Way, a mid-table clash between two teams comfortably away from any fears of relegation and too far out of contention of European spots met. The game was effectively decided with 2 moments of serious quality at the end of the first half before Crystal Palace re-emerged in the second half with a goal and a few scares. But Leicester City hung on for more points in their recent upturn in form, so how did the players perform?
Kasper Schmeichel – 8
An interesting afternoon for the Great Dane, his involvement was slight but when he was called upon he showed his true quality. Despite a first-half fumble his distribution was decent. When facing two Wilfred Zaha penalties he came up with two fantastic saves, only to see his bad habit of not pushing shots away from goal, haunt him after Zaha’s rebound goal.
James Justin – 7
Tasked with the tough challenge of marshalling Zaha, Justin equipped himself well but was possibly guilty of giving him too much respect and backed off too often. But when needed he stood up to the challenges well.
Caglar Soyuncu – 7
The Turkish internationals recent up-turn in form shouldn’t be forgotten given his poor quality at times this season. He was assured and won aerial challenges. But still he lost a man on the corner and his over eagerness led to encroachment on Kasper’s first penalty save.
Daniel Amartey – 7
Another impressive display by the Ghanaian, giving Mateta very little throughout and ensuring defensive errors were minimal.
Luke Thomas – 7
A hit and miss first half display but he grew into the game offering more support down the left hand side almost setting Ademola Lookman up for a goal. His persistence and resilience in his performances are what stands out most.
Nampalys Mendy – 8
Frighteningly consistent both on and off the ball. Mendy is playing so well that he is even starting to show facets of his game that we haven’t seen much of before. We all know how neat and tidy he is in possession but twice he broke lines with marauding runs and even started appearing around the box. If we see him shoot before the end of the season we’ll have seen it all. Outside chance of his career carrying on at The King Power Stadium.
Youri Tielemans -7
Fairly solid all round display but nothing spectacular to write home about, apart from one shot that went higher than the stadium roof. Not convinced he fouled Jordan Ayew for the penalty but it was a lazy leg. Nice headed challenge that simultaneously smashed snowflake Zaha to the ground.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 10
A nearly flawless performance showing his full repertoire of talent to the world, even getting Alan Shearer showcasing his talent in a man of the match showreel on Match Of The Day 2. His ball for Ademola Lookman’s goal was delicious and only six minutes later he notched his first Premier League goal in spectacular fashion with a twisted left foot curled smash. Most importantly with a break on and twenty seconds of the game remaining, he had the smarts to run in the corner and sensibly claim the victory. This player will go far as a Leicester City player.
James Maddison – 7
Although creatively it wasn’t his most notable afternoon and i’m still not sure about him playing out wide, his work rate never let up and he could have had a penalty second half.
Ademola Lookman – 8
Played on the shoulder well by pushing inside from his forward position. Snatched at an early chance but his goal didn’t take too long to come with an excellent finish. his work rate continues to be solid, too. Seems inevitable that City will be a permanent residence for the Nigerian next season.
Patson Daka – 6
The Zambian international has struggled in recent weeks to make an impact on games. This game was no different as he could not find a way into the game despite lots of hard work closing down from the front. He did find Dewsbury-Hall for his goal but this was a quiet performance on the whole.
Leicester City Substitutes
Kelechi Iheanacho – 6
Quiet and not assured like he can be, his old clumsy habits have crept in again.
Harvey Barnes – 6
Always showed promise when dribbling and opening his body up, but continues to take too long to make a decision on his next move.
Timothy Castagne – 9
Not much time to make an impact, but he did foul Zaha fairly quickly and became a Leicester hero.