Leicester City continued their brilliant resurrection under new manager Craig Shakespeare as they defeated bottom feeders Sunderland 2-0 at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday night.
Sunderland offered a bigger threat in the first period of the game and managed to put the home defence into some pressure, with the Foxes threatening sporadically on the counter. However, Leicester had their tails up in the second half and they finally managed to break through in the 70th minute, when substitute Islam Slimani got on the end of a cross from fellow substitute Marc Albrighton to head home. And not long after Jamie Vardy made it two with a thumping effort to put the game to bed after more good work from Albrighton.
It was the Foxes’ fifth win in five league games under Shakespeare and they now find themselves in the tenth position, well away from the threat of relegation. Here is how the Leicester players fared on the night:
Leicester City Player Ratings
Kasper Schmeichel – 6/10
The Danish international had hardly anything to do in the game apart from a couple of routine stops on either sides of the half-time.
Danny Simpson – 7/10
Another solid performance from the defender. Made a few important blocks and joined his team in the attack when afforded with an opportunity.
Robert Huth – 7/10
Forced two saves from Jordan Pickford in the Sunderland goal on either side of the half-time. Robust at the back, charging down anything that came his way.
Yohan Benalouane – 6/10
Another decent display at the back from the Tunisian international. Making sure he makes the most of the opportunities that he is getting.
Christian Fuchs – 6/10
Steady at the back, keeping the Sunderland attack at bay. One mishit clearance in the second period provided Victor Anichebe a chance, but the Black Cats forward hit the post.
Riyad Mahrez – 6/10
Was sloppy with his passing on a few occasions. Did not offer a great deal of threat on the flank either. Far from his best display.
Danny Drinkwater – 7/10
Looked tired at the beginning of the game, but dug deep and kept Leicester ticking in the middle of the park. Could do with a rest.
Wilfred Ndidi – 7/10
Couldn’t recapture the heights of Saturday, but another dogged and solid effort in the midfield from the 20-year old.
Demarai Gray – 6/10
Came so so close to opening the scoring with a stunning effort. Frustrating on a few occasions with his decision making letting him down, but asked some serious questions of the Sunderland defence.
Shinji Okazaki – 6/10
Another tireless performance from the Japanese forward. Gave his all and received a standing ovation when substituted, but wasn’t very effective.
Jamie Vardy – 7/10
Buried the ball into the roof of the net to put the result beyond doubt. It was his fifth goal in five games. Definitely rejuvenated.
Substitutes
Islam Slimani – 7.5/10
Replaced Okazaki on the hour mark and made immediate impact scoring the opener with a strong header. The record signing’s sixth of the season. Added a threat at the top.
Marc Albrighton – 8/10
Came on to replace Gray as part of a double situation around the hour mark. Set Slimani up for the opener with a peach of a cross from the left. Teed up Vardy for the second goal. Impact substitution.
Andy King – NA
Came on for Ndidi with less than 10 minutes on the clock.