With the high of a European semi-final still ringing in the ears of the Leicester City faithful, they were brought crashing back to earth with a last-minute sucker punch defeat on Tyneside. So with a much-changed eleven how did the player’s rate?
Kasper Schmeichel of Leicester City – 6
Maybe it’s harsh but the equalising goal looked clumsy with a lack of control of the ball and wide open legs for Bruno Guimaraes to stab the ball in. He is still married to his goal line and seems reluctant to help his centre-backs out when balls are played over the top, this will need addressing before it becomes a massive problem.
James Justin – 6
Defended decently on the whole, closing down a lively Allan Saint-Maximin. But his forward play was stunted and his late run wide left the team exposed for the winner.
Daniel Amartey – 6
Although harshly booked in the first minute for a soft foul Amartey defended okay. He was however outjumped by the gigantic Dan Burn for the equaliser and was the one launching the long ball for James Justin at the end which will annoy Brendan Rodgers. Didn’t do enough when Joe Willock was attacking him for the cross either.
Caglar Soyuncu – 6
Improving still from his early-season horror shows. He seems to be closing down space and winning headers better, but there is a lack of cohesion between himself and Kasper Schmeichel which nearly resulted in a penalty for Newcastle after a messy challenge on Chris Wood. Didn’t move the ball quick enough in possession either.
Luke Thomas – 6
Did the basics okay with neat passes and confident challenges but unfairly gets put with second choice centre backs whenever he starts these days, which will do little to aid his development or confidence.
Youri Tielemans – 5
Although in the first half he played at a half-decent level he hasn’t truly looked on it for weeks and put in a few of his trademark poor passes. He may be tired and he may be uncomfortable playing in a more defensive midfield role but his poor decision-making is costing us goals and matches. Should have taken a foul and yellow at the end to get the point in the bag. Maybe his mind has already started on not being a Leicester City player anymore.
Nampalys Mendy – 6
Did another tidy job of keeping the midfield ticking over. But wasn’t moving the ball dynamically enough to initiate attacks. Kudos for bringing down Joelinton at the end but to no avail.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7
Looked typically smart and was in the mix in many of the best moves. Played the corner expertly for Leicester City’s goal and drove a shot directly at Martin Dubravka. It’s surprising that his energy levels were so good after his exertions in Eindhoven.
Ayoze Perez – 7
Some decent link-up play particularly in the first half and a sublime flick to set up Lookman for an expert training ground goal. Faded as the game wore and subbed on the hour which is understandable as this was his first start since Boxing Day.
Ademola Lookman – 7
Always a threat going forward and took his chance well in the first half. Guilty of taking too many touches when in front of goal and will need to change this quick to become a clinical attacker.
Patson Daka – 5
Works tirelessly as always but has stopped being dangerous for a long time. Needs to work on movement and making dangerous runs and playing on the shoulders of his centre backs, if he keeps studying the number nine he’ll be fine, but on this showing he’s got lots to learn from.
SUBSTITUTES
James Maddison – 6
Made little impact, possibly still feeling the game in Holland.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 6
Needed longer to make an impact and did little in his 12 minutes.
Harvey Barnes – 6
The burst of pace and taking on his full-backs seems to have disappeared, is last season’s injury impacting his game? He’s not the same Leicester player from early 2021.