Leicester City 2-1 Chelsea: Player ratings
Leicester condemned Chelsea to yet another defeat, as goals from Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez saw the foxes run out 2-1 winners in the Monday night game at King Power stadium. The ninth defeat for the Blues this season sees them gasping for air at the bottom of the table in 16th place, only one point off the drop zone.
Meanwhile, the victory meant that Claudio Ranieri’s men continue on their merry run and now sit atop the Premier League with a clear two point gap from Arsenal.
Vardy gave Leicester the lead with his 15th strike of the season in the first half when he clinically slotted in a Riyad Mahrez pinpoint delivery. There was no respite for Jose Mourinho and Chelsea after the interval as Riyad Mahrez made it 2-0 to the home side within three minutes of the restart.
A late goal from Loic Remy gave the defending champions hope of a resurgence, but the comeback was never really on as the Champions fizzled to their ninth defeat of the season.
Here are the player ratings from Monday night’s action at Leicester.
Leicester City
Kasper Schmeichel (8/10) - Was largely a spectator in the first half. But came out on top when called upon to act. A vital save with his legs helped keep Diego Costa out from point blank range and helped secure all three points.
Simpson (6.5/10)- Was beaten for pace for the goal as Pedro’s nimble feet caught him out. However, did his job pretty well for most of the night first against Hazard and then Pedro.
Huth (8/10): Composed at the back and lead the backline well. His tandem alongside Morgan has proved to be one of the backbones upon which Leicester have built their success.
Morgan (8.5/10) - Dealt with the threat of Diego Costa with a sturdy hand. His dominance in his duel with Spaniard really set the tone for the whole team.
Christian Fuchs (7.5/10) – Kept Willian quiet for the majority of the game. The Brazilian, who was arguably Chelsea’ s best player on the pitch, pitched in with another energetic display all over the pitch, he hardly got any change from the steadfast Fuchs.
Marc Albrighton (8/10) – Full of running and was a constant threat down the Leicester left with his crosses. Did well to pick up Mahrez at the far post for the second goal, which eventually turned out to be the winner.
N’Golo Kante (8.5/10) - Set the whole tempo of Leicester’s spirited display once again. Not only did he again prove to be a great shield for the back line, but also was the first point of launching most of their swift attacks.
Danny Drinkwater (NA) – Frustrating afternoon for the Englishman, who had to be substituted with a hamstring problem early on.
Riyad Mahrez (9/10) – Best player on the pitch as the Algerian continues to weave his magic on the football pitches across England. Set up the first with a delightful cross for the onrushing Vardy. Later on, he took his opportunity quite brilliantly in the second-half to help Leicester extend their lead.
Leandro Ulloa (7/10) – Complemented Vardy extremely well and vindicated Ranieri’s decision to go in with an extra striker.
Jamie Vardy (8/10) – His dry spell lasted only ninety minutes. His movement and pace gave the Chelsea backline the fits, the whole of ninety minutes. Took his opportunity superbly to give Leicester an invaluable lead when the game was still in the balance.
Substitutes
Andy King (7/10) – Came in early in this game to replace Drinkwater. Combined well with Kante to stifle Chelsea in the middle of the park.
Gokhan Inler (7/10) – Replaced Mahrez with about ten minutes to go to sure up things in the middle of the park. Used his experience to do exactly that.
Okazaki (NA) – Came on late for Jamie Vardy to give the hosts a pair of fresh legs.