Leicester City ran rampant in Newcastle as they comprehensively beat The Magpies by three goals.

This meant that The Foxes went top - one point clear of Manchester United in second - and secured their second clean sheet of the season.

The first half looked destined to end 1-0, but Jamie Vardy's late goal saw Leicester take a deserved lead into the second half. It was much of the same after the break and the lead was increased not long into the half when Leonardo Ulloa converted an inch-perfect cross from Riyad Mahrez. The third goal came quite late on and was of a very scrappy nature, Shinji Okazaki bundled the ball in after Danny Simpson's shot was blocked.

Which Leicester players particularly impressed on Tyneside?

Defence

Kasper Schmeichel - 6/10: The Danish shot-stopper had next to nothing to do and very rarely got a touch of the ball. However, from Mbemba's header from the corner, a mix of Schmeichel and Drinkwater did well to clear the ball from the goal line. Schmeichel will be happy to have picked up only his second clean sheet.

Danny Simpson - 7/10: On his return to St. James Park, the former Magpie will be very happy with his performance, a very solid defensive showing mixed with a bit of a threat going forward, which he hasn't shown at all this season. His key moments were when he blocked a goal-bound Newcastle shot in the first-half and then a powerful shot from a marauding run from right-back that was saved by Rob Elliot.

Wes Morgan - 6/10: A fairly routine performance from the Leicester skipper meant the threat of Perez and Mitrovic was silenced. Not really called into action on too many occasions but did what was needed when called upon.

Robert Huth - 6/10: A rock-solid performance from the German but was overshadowed by the possibility of him being sent off early on when he raised his hands to Mitrovic's throat after a disagreement between the two. A rash tackle earned him a place in the referee's book only seconds after the Mitrovic incident, but he read the game well and didn't put a foot wrong all game.

Christian Fuchs - 7/10: The Austrian captain showed, once again, that he was a quality summer signing. He showed composure defensively throughout the match and also helped going forward, starting several attacks from his passes at left-back. His giant throw-ins caused some problems in the Newcastle penalty area and he looked a threat down the left side with the ball at his feet.

Midfield

Marc Albrighton - 6/10: A mixed game from the former Aston Villa winger. His supply of crosses for Ulloa and Vardy were brilliant but his work when running at players wasn't the best as he just lacks that turn of pace. He did well to work back and help with defensive work on occasions and his contrasting style to Mahrez offers something different going forward.

N'Golo Kante - 8/10: The French midfielder was absolutely brilliant in the middle of the park, his work-rate to intercept nearly every single Newcastle pass was fantastic. The midfielder's partnership with Drinkwater is becoming one of the best in the league. His perfectly-timed tackles and endless interceptions make him a contender for Man of the Match, whilst his forward was faultless.

Danny Drinkwater - 7/10: Another workmanlike show from Drinkwater must be giving Roy Hodgson a headache. Although he was caught in possession a couple of times, on each of the occasions he won the ball straight back and he orchestrated many of Leicester's attacks. His goal-line clearance typified his performance along with several of his cross-field balls which Leicester fans are getting very used to.

Riyad Mahrez - 8/10: Man of the Match:  The Algerian forward was influential once again for the Foxes. The string of performances he has put together this season are really making teams sit up and think about his threat. The abilities to use both feet, change direction and deliver a perfect ball are becoming trademarks for the £400,000 man. His passing set-up several chances for Vardy and he also assisted Ulloa's goal with a ball that was weighted to absolute perfection.

Attack

Leonardo Ulloa - 7/10: Claudio Ranieri took a risk putting the Argentine back into the starting XI and the risk paid off very well. His hold-up play was brilliant and he even chipped in with a well-taken header and lovely assist for Vardy's goal. Although he doesn't move as well as Leicester's other attacking options, he offers something completely different, an aerial threat. 

Jamie Vardy - 8/10: The England international scored for the 10th match in a row and could've had plenty more than just the one goal. Rob Elliot denied Vardy many times as the former non-leaguer could've finished the game with a bag full of goals. However, there was at least twice where he could've played a pass instead of going alone. One time if he had have found Mahrez, it would've been a definite goal but instead ran the ball into Elliot's gloves. His finish wouldn't have been out of place in El Clasico as he deceived the 'keeper by striking the ball into his near post perfectly. His running and tenacity didn't give the defenders a moment's peace all game long.

Substitutes

Shinji Okazaki - 6/10: He came on with around 30 minutes left for Ulloa and his hard work was rewarded with a goal late on, however scrappy it turned out to be. His endless running doesn't let defenders think and that's what got him his well-earned goal.

Andy King - 5/10: He replaced Jamie Vardy with 15 left on the clock. He didn't really do anything wrong, but the Welshman wasn't on the pitch long enough to get a higher rating.

Nathan Dyer - N/A: He came on with a matter of minutes to go for Riyad Mahrez and possibly didn't even get a touch of the ball before the final whistle.

VAVEL Logo
About the author