Full Time: Leicester City 2-0 Everton
Leicester City began the Claude Puel era with an impressive 2-0 win over Everton at the King Power Stadium, on Sunday.
Eighteen minutes into the game, Leicester took the lead, after some brilliant work by Demarai Gray, who played Riyad Mahrez through, after which the Algerian found Jamie Vardy, who opened the scoring with the simplest of finishes. The Foxes doubled their lead in the 29th minute, with Gray in the thick of things once again, as the England youth international’s cross into the box was diverted into the net by Everton defender Jonjoe Kenny, with Gray being credited with the goal.
New manager Puel will be a pleased man after the performance from his team and here’s how the Foxes’ stars fared on the day against the Toffees.
Leicester Player Ratings
Kasper Schmeichel – 6/10
Had very little to do in goal and was a spectator for large parts of the game. Showed good command in the box when he needed to.
Danny Simpson – 7/10
Another solid and reliable display from the former Newcastle man. Kept things tight on the right-hand side of the defence.
Wes Morgan – 7/10
Was strong physically and showed good positional awareness to keep the visitors’ attack at bay for almost the entire game.
Harry Maguire – 7/10
Stood tall and strong against the Toffees, more so after the break when they decided to switch things up with Oumar Niasse.
Christian Fuchs – 7/10
Lucky to have got away with a penalty shout, after a poor challenge on Aaron Lennon at the half-hour mark. Otherwise, it was another assured display from the Austrian.
Wilfred Ndidi – 7/10
Battled hard in the middle of the park and made the most number of interceptions in the game (4). Looked solid.
Vicente Iborra – 7/10
Helped his team keep things under check in the midfield. Missed an opportunity to make it 3-0 late in the game. May not be the most eye-catching player, but is slowly growing into a vital cog.
Demarai Gray – 8.5/10
Given a chance by the new boss, the youngster grabbed it with both hands. Was a livewire and played an important role in both the goals.
Riyad Mahrez – 8/10
Operating centrally in Puel’s new setup, the Algerian was a threat for most parts of the first period. Set Vardy up for the opener, but went quiet after the break, before being subbed off.
Ben Chilwell – 7.5/10
The left-back started in an advanced role on the flank and seemed like a good fit. Showed good instincts and can grow into the new role.
Jamie Vardy – 8/10
Was a handful for a struggling Everton defensive pair of Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka. Took his goal with a simple finish in the first period.
Substitutes
Shinji Okazaki – 6/10
On for Mahrez in the 75th minute.
Marc Albrighton – N/A
Replaced Chilwell with 7 minutes left.
Kelechi Iheanacho – N/A
Came on for Vardy in added time.