Match Ratings : Leicester City 2-0 Liverpool - Vote Now

[Sampson]

yeah perhaps. i thought he was very uninvolved in the first half and it wasn't good to see. as you said can't knock his defensive work helping out all the time but when we were on attacks he seemed to just stand on the touchline and not even ask for the ball, and then when it did get to him he didn't want it or know what to do with it.

wouldn't mind gray getting a start sometime soon but not in the next two, as like you said albrighton's work rate will be key if we're going to keep silva/sterling and then walcott/sanchez quiet.

He has created the most chances of any player in our team this season, yes his pass % isn't the best but he must have just about the best successful pass:chance created ratio of any player in the league, it takes him so many fewer passes to create a chance than pretty much anyone. http://www.squawka.com/football-player-rankings#pass-accuracy#player-stats#english-barclays-premier-league|season-2015/2016#all-teams#all-player-positions#16#44#0#0#90#08/08/2015#03/02/2016#season#1#all-matches#keypass#desc#total

It's the way he plays, we all know he doesn't hit everytime with his crossing and balls forward, but when it hits it creates chances, it's percentage football and I think fans undervalue it and his attacking contribution, because it can be at times frustrating when it doesn't hit and it isn't flashy like Mahrez, Kante, Drinkwater or Vardy. After all is it not a much used adage of our season that we're top despite having the lowest pass accuracy and the lowest possession in the league?

Do you think Gray or Mahrez would've played that ball forward first time on our second goal which essentially left us 3 on 2 rather than pass it sideways? I don't think many players would but it got it forward into a dangerous area and led to a goal.

Honestly, I don't think we score our 2nd goal if any other player (bar maybe Fuchs) gets the ball on the left-wing where Albrighton gets it.

[FireFox]

Albrighton is just following instructions, paid off for the second goal too.

[Thracian]

Excellent team performance but a definite 10 for Vardy. Plus another one for the genuinely unforgetable goal of a lifetime.

Kante got a 9 for yet another exceptional contribution and Mahrez the same for what will surely be pass of the seasonfor the Vardy goal, involvement in the second goal and taking the responsibity to shoot and trouble the keeper on several occasions. I'm really not bothered about what goes wrong so long as it's not match-changing, it's what he makes happen that is so valuable.

Drinkwater was excellent too and fully deserved his eight.

The defence earned a collective 8 for another clean sheet and restricting Liverpool to so few chances although individually they weren't necessarily quite up to their best. Morgan and Huth were rocklike but I do wish Huth would stop having his momentary rash moments.

Shingy rated 7.5 for his deflected assist for Vardy's second and a busy overall contribution marred only by his missed header and I didn't see any of the starting X1 as below a 7.

[shen]

Mahrez the same for what will surely be pass of the season

 

I'm sorry, but I do not understand the raving about this. He did well to win/keep the ball but he didn't even look up and just hit a punt down the channel. It's not like it was the first of that kind of quality either that game. Shelvey's pass for Janmaat in the buildup to Wijnaldums goal the other week, now THAT could be pass of the season. Or even Mahrez' own assist for Vardy against Chelsea which was inch-perfect and took all but Vardy off guard.

[Raw Dykes]

I know that Albrighton is following instructions, so he should be told to mix it up a bit. As things stand, the opposition RB knows exactly what he's going to do - go to the touchline, turn inside and cross with his right foot. If every now and then he did something else, it would mean the RB wouldn't be able to prepare himself each time. If he just did anything else at the first opportunity, he could probably carry on doing the same old thing for the rest of the match more effectively.

[shen]

I know that Albrighton is following instructions, so he should be told to mix it up a bit. As things stand, the opposition RB knows exactly what he's going to do - go to the touchline, turn inside and cross with his right foot. If every now and then he did something else, it would mean the RB wouldn't be able to prepare himself each time. If he just did anything else at the first opportunity, he could probably carry on doing the same old thing for the rest of the match more effectively.

 

Hence why Fuchs often goes on the overlap. Albrighton rarely goes past people which is why opposition players just close him down and stay tight to him so he doesn't have time or space to put in a decent ball and it eventually leads to a turnover. This seems to sometimes scare him, to a degree that when he gets the ball and Fuchs overlaps he lumps it forward immediately so as not to lose it in a vulnerable place.

[Foxxed]

Albrighton is just following instructions, paid off for the second goal too.

What are his instructions? Don't push up as far as Mahrez and try to feed balls into the area.

Really solid player. I'd like him to be more of a threat on goal though. But at least we have Fuchs pushing up, kicking threatening balls up - I believe it was a Fuchs pass that started the second goal.

[FireFox]

What are his instructions? Don't push up as far as Mahrez and try to feed balls into the area.

Really solid player. I'd like him to be more of a threat on goal though. But at least we have Fuchs pushing up, kicking threatening balls up - I believe it was a Fuchs pass that started the second goal.

Kante to Albrighton who hits it long first time, with his left foot. Didn't have much of a choice because of Kante's pass, but I would guess, especially after the first goal, that that would be part of the game plan.

Obviously I don't know Claudio's instructions to him, but he hasn't been dropped all season (except the first half of Stoke away when Kante started left wing with Inler central) so Claudio must be happy with what he is doing, or we just don't have a better option.

[shen]

Kante to Albrighton who hits it long first time, with his left foot. Didn't have much of a choice because of Kante's pass, but I would guess, especially after the first goal, that that would be part of the game plan.

Obviously I don't know Claudio's instructions to him, but he hasn't been dropped all season (except the first half of Stoke away when Kante started left wing with Inler central) so Claudio must be happy with what he is doing, or we just don't have a better option.

Bingo. Dyer has shown himself to be substandard, Gray won't be thrown straight into a title-chasing side and the most obvious alternative, Schlupp, is injured. All the while, Albrighton is just as dependable as King. He will always give 100% every game and can conjure the occasional sumptuous cross. And he is very very disciplined!

If Schlupp were fit and would get some game time, I genuinely think we would get more out of Albrighton in terms of end product because we'd be less predictable. This I believe is why Ranieri keeps giving Gray these short cameos, to keep the opponents guessing and having to adapt to a different threat.

[MattCan]

Vardy - 9.5

Mahrez - 9.5

Everyone else - 8

 

Go Leicester. Yes, you can.

[enmac]

Kasper 6 - Had little to do in all honesty. One stunning reflex save, but it wouldn't have counted anyway. His distribution in the beginning was atrocious, but his long kicks cause problems for opposition teams and helps us in many ways because we compete for every single ball. At worst, it's a throw in for the opposition deep into their own third and combined with our pressing it led to that super effort from Mahrez which Mignolet did well to save. It's just another player ability that we are using to maximize the efficiency of our team.

Simpson 6 - Emre Can and Moreno had the better of him most of the game and it's down that side Liverpool were most dangerous. Lucky for us, neither player had end quality, so it didn't have any consequence. Worked hard and did alright in all other aspects of the game. Could close down more, but I suppose he's instructed to play this way.

Huth 8 - Simply superb. Had a few hairy moments in possession and once again swung an arm out, but as long as it doesn't cost us, I'll turn a bit of a blind eye. Besides, Wasilewski will just come in and do the same stuff.

Morgan 8 - So so composed and looks supremely confident. I'm never worried when he gets the ball to feet this season. However, another air kick suggests to me he needs some new contact lenses!

Fuchs 7 - Did fine defensively and offered good support to Albrighton. Not as influential as he can be.

Mahrez 7 - Tried and tried again which I really like. He's a confidence player and needs succesful take ons and actions in a game to feed off. Two excellent early efforts, a very good pass for the assist (even though it was just hit in a general area, just like his teammates had been doing all game until then) and some nice skill here and there. Had many unsuccesful dribbles and occasional poor decision-making while it was a customary iffy performance defensively. Work rate was very good though.

Kanté 9 - Back to his best. Simply everywhere and perfect timing in his interceptions. Loved when Benteke spun around to bamboozle two of our players only to find Kanté a second later knicking it off him like an adult taking a lollipop from a baby. Good use of the ball in general with a couple of customary overhit passes, but crucial to our continuous pressing all game.

Drinkwater 9 - So much donkey work and particularly impressed with his aerial challenge, something he's not exactly known for. Great use of the ball and made countless of supporting runs forward. Super interplay in the buildup to the penalty claim. He's only marginally less crucial to our momentum that Kanté. Simply superb.

Albrighton 6 - Immaculate work rate as always and is a nuisance. Crossing wasn't as poor like against Stoke and Villa, but still rather ineffectual. It's only a minor concern when we perform like this, but we do seem comparatively blunt when attacking down our left.

Okazaki 8 - His best game for us, in my opinion. He's staying much more on his feet, his flicks and close control have improved vastly, he's actually looking dangerous and is starting to understand his role in the team. Fantastic work levels and won the ball back on many occasions while constantly offering his support to Vardy. Should have finished off the move he started for his big chance first half. Should have had a penalty after that scintillating move which he contributed greatly to, provided the 'assist' for the second and was waiting in support for the first had Jamie not chosen to shoot. Very very encouraging development.

Vardy 10 - He was flawless. The only 'mistake' - if you could even call it that - was his heavy touch leading up to Mahrez' effort that was tipped over. He ran, no sprinted, all game. He scored a worldy from something that wasn't even a half-chance, he jointly provoked the error leading to the second, which was superbly finished with predatorial instincts. He constantly made superb lay offs for Okazaki and Mahrez and laid it on a plate for Okazaki for his big chance. He virtually didn't put a single foot wrong and scored with the only opportunites that presented themselves. As I alluded to in the post-match thread, this was his best ever 90 minute performance for us, even eclipsing his 1 goal 4 assists game against Man Utd last season. Unplayable. Unbelievable.

Subs:

Gray 5 - Saw nothing to suggest he should start ahead of Albrighton. I'm fine with him coming in for the last 10-15 minutes to get used to the speed of Premier League (read: Leicester City paced) football. He is clearly not as high-intensive a runner as Albrighton and makes wrong decisions, although this is to be expected. Needs time.

Ulloa N/A - Not on long enough to make an impact.

King N/A - Same as above.

Riyad deserves more than 7!!! Best player on the pitch, closely followed by JV.

[enmac]

I'm sorry, but I do not understand the raving about this. He did well to win/keep the ball but he didn't even look up and just hit a punt down the channel. It's not like it was the first of that kind of quality either that game. Shelvey's pass for Janmaat in the buildup to Wijnaldums goal the other week, now THAT could be pass of the season. Or even Mahrez' own assist for Vardy against Chelsea which was inch-perfect and took all but Vardy off guard.

Are you the same who didn't rate EC? Cattermole is crap!

[MattCan]

...

 

Mahrez 7 - Tried and tried again which I really like. He's a confidence player and needs succesful take ons and actions in a game to feed off. Two excellent early efforts, a very good pass for the assist (even though it was just hit in a general area, just like his teammates had been doing all game until then) and some nice skill here and there. Had many unsuccesful dribbles and occasional poor decision-making while it was a customary iffy performance defensively. Work rate was very good though.

 

...

 

LOOOOOL ... I take it you don't like the guy .. THIS COULD BE THE ASSIST OF THE YEAR FOR GOD'S SAKE ... Ranieri could not believe it .. just a hit in a general area ?! ... Geez ..

[shen]

Are you the same who didn't rate EC? Cattermole is crap!

No, I am not. Maybe 7 is slightly on the harsh side, but he has set extremely high standards this year which is what I held his performance here up against. Most of what he tried didn't come off or was snuffed out, and he wasted several good openings to shoot or pass. On top of that, Liverpool had much joy down that side because he often wasn't there helping Simpson out.

That being said, he WAS involved in nearly everything going forward. Including the two early shots, the assist for the goal, his part in THAT move and his part in putting Sakho off leading to Vardy's second. I also admire that he kept trying and probing instead of letting his head sink. Hence I acknowledge his important controbution, while saying he's played better for us this season...on several occasions.

[shen]

LOOOOOL ... I take it you don't like the guy .. THIS COULD BE THE ASSIST OF THE YEAR FOR GOD'S SAKE ... Ranieri could not believe it .. just a hit in a general area ?! ... Geez ..

I love the guy! He's the most talented player I have ever seen in a City shirt. But the team had been launching early long balls down the channels all day (and have done all season to be fair) for Vardy to chase. It's plainly obvious that this a tactical instruction and a major part of our game plan.

That was not the assist of the year. It wasn't even his best assist this season. His pass for Vardy's goal against Chelsea was and that was outrageous.

[MattCan]

I love the guy! He's the most talented player I have ever seen in a City shirt. But the team had been launching early long balls down the channels all day (and have done all season to be fair) for Vardy to chase. It's plainly obvious that this a tactical instruction and a major part of our game plan.

That was not the assist of the year. It wasn't even his best assist this season. His pass for Vardy's goal against Chelsea was and that was outrageous.

 

This is certainly there with the best assists if not the best. I rather take Ranieri's word for it. Sports casts around the world are highlighting it together with Vardy's fantastic strike. The unexpected one-two sequence of the goal is what makes the goal so unreal.

[Guest]

some thought Fuchs wasn't that good. I'm surprised, I thought he was one of our best. Drinky and Kanté were our best with Kanté sneaking the motm for me. Was disappointed with one of the linesman - I think he through a strop/mardy because Vardy told him to ---- off and from then on made a number of bad calls otherwise officials and liverpool were alright.

 

Loved the Klopp interview afterward. He clearly thought his side should have tanked us and couldn't accept that we simply outplayed them. defending well and scoring on the break. Let's hope Pellegrini and Wenger feel the same after our games against them.

[shen]

This is certainly there with the best assists if not the best. I rather take Ranieri's word for it. Sports casts around the world are highlighting it together with Vardy's fantastic strike. The unexpected one-two sequence of the goal is what makes the goal so unreal.

 

Really? All I've seen is praise for the finish. Mahrez' punt was not unexpected as I've already pointed out. It's a common-place aspect in our style this season.

I've already highlighted his pass against Chelsea, but I'd argue that Drinkwater's first time pass on his weaker foot against Stoke was better. As was Fuchs' pass for Vardy against United. Or even Kanté's assist for Mahrez against Swansea.

 

Amazing how you'd choose to take Ranieri's word for it rather than believing your own eyes.

[glenelgfox]

My take bearing in mind from watching it live on TV then replay later after my adrenalin had dropped!

Kasper 6 - Wasn't really troubled to be fair. His kicking out was overall poor on the night.

Simpson 6 - Did okay considering Mahrez is poor at giving him defensive cover on that side and numerous times this season the opposition have exploited this. He doesn't offer alot in an attacking role either but he has been solid and reliable all season and he has turned me around re my opinion of him vs. my previous preference for RDL.

Huth 8 - Great game but his elbows may get him a red and he will certainly be under watch from my the Refs. He is too good as well as being big, mean and strong to be needing cheap shots.

Morgan 9 - Continues to defy critics etc. Captain reliable.

Fuchs 7 - Continues to be solid and reliable. What a pick up for us and amazingly for free.

Mahrez 6 - Getting back to his early season form BUT for all his brilliance and magic he continues to frustrate me with his poor defensive cover and the amount of times he tries to do too much and gives up possession when better options have been presented. Still though a player we must throw $$$ at and retain.

Kante 9 - Wow, just wow. Sometimes his first touch and passing is a little off and heavy but his work rate and defensive magic re tackles and interceptions are world class. Signing of the season for the whole PL.

Drinkwater 8 - Another great all round game - very much under rated outside of Leicester but he along with Kante are proving to be the best 1-2 midfield punch / combo in the PL.

Albrighton 6 - As others have said great work rate and is important to our starting 11. Needs to pick up his crossing however but that will happen.

Okazaki 7 - Improving each week and can't fault his work rate or his beaming smile. Still falls over too easily but is slowly getting stronger. Should have buried that header in first half and got lucky with his scuffed shot that fell for Vardy's second. Not sure he is the type of player who can belt them in from outside the box. One or two other chances or shots were soft and poor too. Still he offers more than Leo overall and compliments Vardy and his role well.

Vardy 10 - Back to his very best re all aspects of his game. I would dearly love him to get his first hatrick in coming games and finish the season as the leading scorer. I always thought from the get go he would do well in the professional ranks and his development to this point justifies why we forked out £1 million even if I thought that was high for an non league player at the time.

Subs:

Gray - Not on long enough to give "score" rating. As others have said he needs to find his feet and the pace of the game. He looks like a good longer term prospect.

Ulloa - Not on long enough to give "rating".

King - As above. I luv Andy King and "if" we do the impossible and win the League he would surely be in a very select club of players who would have won a title with one club in the top 3 divisions. He might well be the only one???

[drofmor56]

Agree with all the above comments...Albrightons crossing seems to be all about getting it in as quick as possible,but i preferred it when he took slightly longer and it had a bit more quality .However his work rate is vital for us.

 

Worried than Silva may exploit us down the Mahrez/Simpson side,but Mahrez is definately making a big effort to improve his defensive side

[Thracian]

I'm sorry, but I do not understand the raving about this. He did well to win/keep the ball but he didn't even look up and just hit a punt down the channel. It's not like it was the first of that kind of quality either that game. Shelvey's pass for Janmaat in the buildup to Wijnaldums goal the other week, now THAT could be pass of the season. Or even Mahrez' own assist for Vardy against Chelsea which was inch-perfect and took all but Vardy off guard.

[/quote

He gets a 65-yard pass, gets there first and makes a yard or so of space against the defender on haring after it, and, having already realised their goalkeeper was off his line, hammers a precision shot over the stranded keeper in the only place, just under the crossbar, that would have given him success. Raving? You bet.

[shen]

 

I'm sorry, but I do not understand the raving about this. He did well to win/keep the ball but he didn't even look up and just hit a punt down the channel. It's not like it was the first of that kind of quality either that game. Shelvey's pass for Janmaat in the buildup to Wijnaldums goal the other week, now THAT could be pass of the season. Or even Mahrez' own assist for Vardy against Chelsea which was inch-perfect and took all but Vardy off guard.

[/quote

He gets a 65-yard pass, gets there first and makes a yard or so of space against the defender on haring after it, and, having already realised their goalkeeper was off his line, hammers a precision shot over the stranded keeper in the only place, just under the crossbar, that would have given him success. Raving? You bet.

 

 

I wasn't talking about the finish, rather the assist which you claimed was the best of the season.