Leicester City toiled to a hard-fought home draw against Southampton at the weekend to continue their inconsistent start to the season.
The reigning Premier League champions struggled to get going throughout the 90 minutes and could have easily suffered their first defeat at the King Power Stadium in over a year. Nonetheless, as both teams tired due to European exploits mid-week, each earnt a well-earnt point. In a game of arguably mostly below-par performances, who was the Man of the Match for Claudio Ranieri's men?
Defence
Kasper Schmeichel - 7/10: One of those who did put in a solid performance against the Saints. Had it not been for a few important saves from the Dane, the Foxes could easily have lost the game. Plucking the ball out of the air from a clever Charlie Austin chip when the England international was through on goal turned out to be a key moment in the game.
Danny Simpson - 8/10: Despite most of the time not getting the plaudits he deserves, the ex-QPR defender put in an impressive display at the weekend. Competing with Dusan Tadic on the right-hand side, he kept the Serb relatively quiet throughout the 90 minutes. Using his strength and no-nonsense defending strategy, Simpson could be a very decent bet for the man of the match.
Wes Morgan - 6/10: A solid if unspectacular performance from the Jamaican international. At times he did struggle with the pace of Nathan Redmond but gaining a second consecutive clean sheet in all competitions, the 32-year-old cannot be too harshly criticised. One aspect to note is the Foxes seem far better at set-piece situations now after losing 4-1 against Manchester United.
Robert Huth - 6/10: Oddly, Huth looked the more erratic of the two central defenders at the weekend after being so impressive since joining the Foxes. The German international struggled with the pace and strength of Charlie Austin and had it not been for the interventions of his 'keeper, Huth could have been at fault for the Saints opening the scoring. The ex-Chelsea man will hope to get back to his best after the international break.
Christian Fuchs - 6/10: Again, another to turn-in a sub-par display against the Saints. The former Austrian captain struggled to contain the Southampton attack and allowed far too many crosses into his own box. Also failing to close down Charlie Austin when through on goal, the Englishman was only thwarted by the far post. Failed to make those marauding runs down the left-flank that Leicester fans are accustomed to seeing.
Midfield
Riyad Mahrez – 6/10: After playing a starring role in the Foxes’ 1-0 win over FC Porto mid-week, the Algerian looked to continue his fine run against the Saints. Beginning well with numerous mazy runs, the former current PFA Player of the Year faded towards the end of the clash and the ‘magic touch’ that fans saw so often last season wasn’t present all too often. Often looked lackadaisical when tracking back and defending.
Danny Drinkwater – 7/10: Despite not making the cut for Gareth Southgate’s first England squad reportedly due to a groin problem, Drinkwater impressed against Southampton. Moving the ball with purpose and efficiency, the ex-Manchester United trainee impressed yet again. As a matter of fact, he could have even have got his name on the scoresheet with a driving run into the box, only to flash his shot into the side netting. Possibly not as defensively aware as usual but still a good performance nonetheless.
Daniel Amartey – 6/10: Having impressed in recent weeks with solid performances in the centre of the park for Ranieri’s men, the young Ghanaian was a little quiet this weekend. Displaying the same enthusiasm as always, he was unfortunately overwhelmed by the packed Saints midfield and that could have been a main factor as to why he didn’t perform to top standard.
Marc Albrighton – 5/10: Another poor performance from the Birmingham-born wide-man. He failed to make much of an impact in an attacking sense and even when approaching the Southampton penalty area, his crosses were usually over-hit. Replaced early in the first half by Demarai Gray.
Attack
Islam Slimani – 6/10: Following his heroics in the Champions League mid-week, the former Sporting Portugal man was again using his strength and skill in an attempt to open the Saints’ defence. However, thanks to a strong rear-guard from the visitors, the Algerian international was prevented from earning any clear-cut chances. Although, he will feel slightly unlucky not to have scored after a great block from Oriol Romeu.
Jamie Vardy – 4/10: In two words, extremely disappointing. The 29-year-old does not look like the same, free-scoring player that the Premier League feared last season. Laboured, hesitant and reluctant to close down, Vardy was a passenger through the majority of the match. Even when through on goal, the England international was hesitant when faced up with Fraser Forster and spurned a glorious opportunity. Substituted for Shinji Okazaki mid-way through the second period.
Substitutes
Demarai Gray – 6/10: After notching his first strike for Leicester with an outstanding long-distant effort against Manchester United last time out, Gray again came on as a substitute yet again. Replacing Marc Albrighton, the former Birmingham City youngster provided some speed and skill on the left-side. However, was marshalled well by the Southampton defence and failed to have much of an impact on the result.
Shinji Okazaki – 6/10: Being brought on in place of Jamie Vardy, the Japanese forward brought his trademark effort and work ethic. Again, like Gray, he failed to have too much of an impact on the outcome of the match despite fashioning himself a good chance with a good header from a difficult angle that just bounced wide.
Leonardo Ulloa – 5/10: Introduced in the later stages of the game, Leicester’s former record signing replaced Islam Slimani but struggled to get comfortable. With both teams settling for a point in the last few minutes, the supply to the Argentine was cut off. However, he did waste a great chance to snatch the three points with a shot just inside the area which he blazed over the bar.