A return to the Premier League and to the King Power for Leicester City was met with defeat. As the Foxes were blown away by the visitors, conceding three first half goals, to which the home side never recovered from. Here are the Foxes of Leicester’s player ratings.
Leicester City’s Danny ward: 3
Despite not necessarily being at total fault for any of the three goals, the Welshman didn’t exactly have a stellar performance when it came to distributing or the command of his box. A less than impressive showing.
Timothy Castagne: 3
Although he may have been the best of the defence – which isn’t saying much – the probably only compliment you could give from his performance was that he gave some control to the Foxes in the second half providing an outlet down the right-flank.
Daniel Amartey: 1
The opening 90 seconds was a tour de force of how not to play under pressure at the centre-half position. The shockingly clumsy challenge on Joelinton which seemingly the catalyst for City’s horrendous start to the contest was coupled by some really poor defending throughout. The Ghanaian showed a worryingly lack of defensive fundamentals.
Wout Faes: 2
LCFC fans will be hoping that this woeful display is a complete anomaly in the 25-year-olds tenure at the club. The time off did not aid the usually confident, front-footed centre-half, a poor outing.
Luke Thomas: 1
The lack of defensive awareness for Miguel Almiron’s goal really summed up Thomas’ day. Extremely poor on and off the ball.
Boubakary Soumare: 3
Although he may have been fairly decent in possession after the opening eight minute horror show at the King Power. His inability to break down or cover any Newcastle passages of play through the lines hurt Leicester constantly and was big factor in the Magpies success.
Youri Tielemans: 2
Countless unenforced errors when trying to build play from deeper areas. No real efficient ball progression was shown from the armband-wearer until the game was effectively over.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: 3
Showed good work rate throughout the contest but like many other lacked any real sharpness and efficiency to his game. A day to forget.
Dennis Praet: 4
A slightly higher rating than most only due to him only featuring in the first 17 minutes before coming off injured. It would be harsh and also quite difficult to give him a fair rating due to the circumstances of the game at that point and his lack of contribution to the game state. Wishing him a speedy recovery.
Harvey Barnes: 3
At times looked dangerous but lack of high intensity match sharpness really played a factor for Barnes. His technique failed numerous times in the second period under little to no pressure. His normal impact on the game was not there in the slightest.
Patson Daka: 2
His runs in behind created a couple of chances but his poor hold-up play and poor technique in front of goal wasted some of the best opportunities the Foxes had in the tie. This Brendan Rodgers made to right call and brought him off at half-time.
Substitutes:
Ayoze Perez: 3
As per usual the work ethic was there with Perez but the quality on the ball was not. Not great execution or decision making in the final third either.
Jamie Vardy:4
Made the most impact of anyone in a Leicester shirt when he came on, created some danger for the opposition with good movement. However due to lack of service and Newcastle’s low-block in the second half any real opportunities for number nine were practically non-existent.
Wilfred Ndidi: 4
Limited minutes for the holding midfielder, but was efficient and progressive with some of his passing and did effectively halt some of Newcastle’s attacking play.
Kelechi Iheanacho: 3
Attempts to be positive in the short time he was on the pitch but much as it was the case for his teammates lacked quality in the crucial areas.