Match Ratings: Leicester City 4-2 Sunderland - Vote Now!

[Finnaldo]

First XI:

Kasper- 7, steady performance, fine saves at the start that helped us tip the game in our favour although a couple of shaky moments, early days however.

De Laet- 7, again a steady performance, not much more to note.

Morgan- 6, steady but leaked a couple that could've been avoided, however Morgan hasn't had much of a break and we've only just switched back to 2 CBs. As with Kasper, early days.

Huth- 6, as with Morgan, just back to 2 CBs but steady.

Schlupp- 6, played Defoe on but attacked well and like the rest of the defence, is playing a different role as LB to LWB, still got forward well and a steady display.

Mahrez- 9.5, this is where the displays really kick up a notch. Tore Sunderland to pieces, Van Aanholt the poor bugger had no chance. Two decent goals, nice header and with sublime skill to get the penalty followed by a fantastic finish to top it off. Could have had 4 and wholly deserved the brace.

Drinkwater- 8.5, welcome back Drinky! Back to what we saw in the 2013/14 season, brilliant midfield output and playing some great balls around, most notably the pass for Mahrez's run and chance later in the game. Hoping to keep that up and we'll have a more than decent midfield, especially if Inler comes.

King- 7, did well in his usual Kingy role, breaking up play and complementing Drinkwater well. Could have been an 8 had it not been for the sitter, we know what he can do and his goal scoring record doesn't lie, should've done better! Nevertheless, steady performance and played his role in a fantastic attacking display.

Albrighton- 9, the conduit for many an attack, goes to show as he set up Vardy's goal and Mahrez's first, as well as snatching the last (whether it was offside or not!). Had a difficult time personally over the summer but a stellar performance that should secure his place on the right flank, brilliant.

Vardy- 9, brilliant performance as ever, got the season off to a flyer and was unlucky not to add to it with a brilliant run and audacious chip. In between he was the usual pest and absolute nightmare. Deadly as usual.

Okazaki- 9, only a goal stopped it being a perfect debut! Showed a great deal of our attacking philosophy minus the blistering pace, but could still cause problems, chase the defence and hold the ball up fantastically. More of the same please Shinji!

Subs:

Benalouane- 5, fairly solid sub performance, not much to write home about. Could be a decent addition to the defence.

Fuchs- 5, see above, decent sub performance, nice addition.

Kante- 6, for a sub performance, he gave us a bit more of what he's about than the other two, can definitely see the 'mini-Makele' we've been told so much about and seems a very useful (and desperately needed!) midfield addition.

Ref- 4, a fair few bad decisions on both side, surprised Morgan wasn't booked for the Fletcher challenge and equally surprised Sunderland finish with 11 men, gobsmacked no one saw the handball.

Sunderland- 2, God save them, they could be right back in it again and looked just as bad as last season. I bet old Dick wished he'd listened to his wife now!

Ranieri- 8, many collective groans from some fans when the team and formation was worked out. But plaudits for not only making the correct tactical decisions, but to keep that attacking, fearless philosophy, with fantastic results. West Ham next week will be a new challenge but I'm sure a lot who had their doubts will feel a lot more confidence with the performance he orchestrated. Definite 'stay' for me.

Overall very happy, and hoping to be writing the same after West Ham next Saturday!

[Dickov22]

Drinkwater needs to be in the middle of the park dictating play. So often last season any opportunities he did get, he was part of a 3 and he didn't play as we know he can. Needs to be the main man in the middle

Delighted for him.

[Dan]

Schmeichel - Made a couple of saves early on which I think were pretty vital looking back. Either of them go in and the context of the game is changed completely. No idea what he was playing at for their second though. 6

 

De Laet - Can't really knock him although I thought defensively as a unit there were a few concerns. 6

 

Morgan - Thought he looked a lot more composed on the ball than usual and I think that's your continental influence from Ranieri. A good display from him although quite lucky to not get into trouble. 7

 

Huth - Thought he was the weaker of the two yesterday. Surprised at how easily he was beaten in the air for their second. 6

 

Schlupp - The weak link of the team for me. Played them all onside for the first and made a fair few mistakes on the ball during the game. I don't think he's got the brain to play as a defender. In a 4-4-2 he's a left winger all day long for me. 5

 

King - Good performance all-round. Impressed. 7

 

Drinkwater - Terrific. Absolutely ran the show in the middle. Reminded me of a certain someone we had last season. 9

 

Albrighton - I honestly think it's a matter of time before his name gets thrown into England contention. He can't keep playing this well by chance. 9

 

Mahrez - I've said before I think he's one of the most talented players I've seen at Leicester and the more I see him the more I think he might be THE most. He's one of the best dribblers in the division. 9

 

Vardy - Good performance from him. Works excellently with Okazaki. 8

 

Okazaki - Only thing missing was a goal. Him and Vardy will be a pain in the arse for any team through their sheer tenacity. Thought he had a lot about him on the ball as well. Looked like he'd played here years. 8

 

Subs all got a N/A from me.

 

Ranieri - I'm still sceptical about things but I feel a fair bit better after what I saw yesterday. Granted Sunderland were bilge but we retained our pressing game whilst adding a bit of a touch of class in the process and he's got to take some credit for that. A good start. 8

 

Sunderland - Embarrassing. That first half was as bad as Newcastle were last year, if not worse. Improved in the second half but two goals flattered them immensely. My pre-season tip for 20th and on that showing I'm quite assured about that. Dirtiest team to come here in a hell of a long time. I wouldn't be shocked if Advocaat resigned this week and decided to retire after all. 2

 

Officials - Embarrassing in the second half. A pretty decent first half from them but they completely lost control of the game. Our 4th was very dubious (I think there's a case for it counting though), Morgan lucky to stay on the pitch and Pantilimon even more so. How can everyone bar the referee see that? The one incident that summed up their performance for me was our free-kick towards the end when he drew the line, their wall overstepped it and after some talking to them he ended up drawing another line in front of them, thus completely defeating the point of the spray in the first place. Terrible. 2

[Countesthorpe Fox 1884]

Huth - Thought he was the weaker of the two yesterday. Surprised at how easily he was beaten in the air for their second. 6

If you Look back at it he's facing the wrong way and the sun is also in his eyes also Schmeichel did put him in a postion

[bluesbrothers]

Schmeichel 5 - A few tidy stops and decent distribution, but completely at sea for their second goal.

De Laet 8 - Menacing going forward and kept their left flank quiet all game. Really impressed, and suprised admittedly, proved me wrong today.
Morgan 7 - Tidy enough,
Huth 5 - Not the rock we know - good first half but at fault for both of their goals: let Defoe turn him way too easily then somehow lost a basic aerial duel with Fletcher of all people. Must do better.
Schlupp 7- Not a left back at all. Great during the first half when we were playing a 3-5-2 with him more advanced. No, really, we were - dunno where MOTD got that we played a 4-4-2 for 90 minutes from, we went to it for 20 minutes of the second half, conceded two shite goals and tightened up in a more defensive 5-3-2 to finish once Fuchs and Kante came on. I digress, a tidy enough game.

Albrighton 9 - Unplayable. Okay, was offside for his goal, but I doubt even the Sunderland fans could begrudge him it given A: the circumstances and B: his Guppy-esque crossing accuracy.
Drinkwater 8 - Some absolutely filthy through balls - watched that one that put Mahrez through back again and again. Keep it up Danny, with more defensive beef behind you in Kanté, you'll be a nailed-on first choice.
King 8 - As with Drinkwater, the link-up play was downright sexy at times, and has a defensive streak people don't give him credit for - always gets back. So unlucky to miss that cross from Vardy - any contact and that's in. First choice midfielder.
Mahrez 10 MOTM - If there was an 11 option I'd be tempted. About right though, should have had 4 or 5. Not seen a single player dick a team quite so much since Mr. Vardy embarrased Man. Utd. He gave Adam Johnson a nice taste of what to expect in prison by making Sunderland pick up the metaphorical soap today.

Okazaki 9 - Tenacious. The guy is going to break a leg or something, how someone of his stature can win so many balls from people twice his size is ridiculous. Vardy will get a hatful if he keeps it up. Top signing.
Vardy 9 - A couple of fine margins and he'd have a hat-trick of his own today - Pantillimon deserves some credit, but sublime finish that he clearly meant for his goal and the energy we all know. Him and Okazaki are a front pairing that will not only give any defense the poos, but hopefully will also help dispel the hole his casino antics dug himself given they're going to have to end up working closely and are far and away our first choice on that showing.

 

Subs all 7 - I like the look of all of them, especially Benalouane. We've got a team from front to back that won't let anyone get a second to breathe on the ball. Play that way and we're going to leave opposition crying in their sleep. I can't wait for the rest of the season - Mr Ranieri, I like what I see.

[CollinsLCFC]

Ranieiri - 7 - Great first game. A manager in a suit was good to see watching the team closely.

 

Kasper - 6 - Was great early on, but didn't seem at his peak.

 

De Laet - 7 - Did a good job, was good to see him back.

Morgan - 6 - Looked confident, bit silly with Fletcher and got away with it.

Huth - 5 - Not his best game at all.

Schlupp - 6 - Quiet first half, really came out towards the end and impressed.

 

Abrighton 9 - two assists and a goal. Great game. If he keeps it up he will be knocking on Roy's door.

Drinkwater - 8 - Great game. A lot of stick last season and didn't perform too well. Looked great and played some amazing passes.

King - 7 - Good game, however should of scored.

Mahrez - 10 - Sunderland couldn't handle him. Best player on the day throughout the league IMO.

 

Vardy - 8 - Brilliant header, ran his socks off. Should of scored more and would of got a 9.

Shinji - 8 - very impressed on his debut. Eager to impress and didn't fail. Ran his socks off and looked great, hopefully he keeps it up and shows even more.

 

Subs - All 6.5 - No problems. Too early to tell and compare to what they usually play like. Didn't seem bad at all.

 

Sunderland - 5 - Dire, already look out of their depth and if I was a fan, I would be worried for the season ahead.

 

Overall team performance - 8. Played as a team, played well together and very impressive. Bit unfortunate to concede 2 goals against a very poor Sunderland.

[Kitchandro]

I don't usually give 10s but the number has to be there for a reason, and Mahrez was that reason on Saturday. Exactly the player we all know he can be condensed into one match.

 

9 for Shinji, thought he was terrific. Had Vardy buried a couple of good chances or pulled it back on two further occassions when he should have he'd have also been a 9, but still a great performance.

 

Albrighton and Drinkwater both brilliant also.

[Bamba's Babes]

Results?

[Stuliasz]

Will be up tomorrow, sorry been a busy week!

[Bamba's Babes]

Will be up tomorrow, sorry been a busy week!

No worries!

[dibbdroid]

Ranieiri - 8 - Great start, should have got subs on about ten minutes earlier as we were starting to drop off the pace in the heat.

 

Kasper - 6 - good saves at the start but flapped in the heat later

De Laet - 6 - steady if uninspiring

Morgan - 6 - Solid and looks in good shape after the summer football

Huth - 6 - Not at his best but gets the best out of Morgan

Schlupp - 7 - One day Schlupp will realise his full potential.

Abrighton 9 - Insattiable appetite for the game and gives his all for the cause. Can't complain at a couple of assists and a goal (was it offside with Kaboul touching it last?)

Drinkwater - 9 - Impressive and back to his best which is great new. Hopefully he'll go on from this.

Kingy - 8 - Apart fom his first half miss, didn't do a lot wrong and really put a shift in.

Mahrez - 10 - On it from the start until he came off. Shame he couldn't sneak a hat trick but deservedly man of the match.

Vardy - 8 - Could easily have been a 10 but for some missed chances. Workes like a trojan for the team.

Okazaki - 9 - Relentless. Would have been man of the match on many other days with such an unselfish display. Like a ferret on steroids.

Subs - Fuchs - 6 - Looks assured, Kante - 6 - Nice pass to set up Shinji and good movement, Benalouane - 6 - looks like he has a bit of pace and tenacity

 

Sunderland - 4 - Awful defence and lots of wayward passing, only looked to get in the game when a few Leicester players tired

 

Mason- 2 - Got it wrong all over the park and probably more so for Sunderland's benefit as they were lucky to finish with eleven

[Stuliasz]

Results now here.