Full Time: Newcastle United 2-3 Leicester City
Leicester City continued their revival under boss Claude Puel as they won third successive Premier League match, beating Newcastle United 3-2 at St. James’ Park.
An Ayoze Perez own goal in the 86th minute gave the Foxes three points in what turned out to be a cracker of a match.
Newcastle took the lead in the 6th minute, courtesy of Joselu’s close-range finish. But the visitors rallied back and equalised through Riyad Mahrez’s 25-yard pile-driver into the top corner.
Demarai Gray put them in front after the break with a shot that found the net via a deflection off Florian Lejeune before Dwight Gayle levelled matters with a shot that came off Harry Maguire and went past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
However, the Newcastle fans were shell-shocked when Perez poked the ball into his own net as he tried to prevent Shinji Okazaki from scoring.
Here’s how the Leicester players fared in the exciting 3-2 win at Newcastle.
Leicester Player Ratings
Kasper Schmeichel– 7/10
He had no chance to stop either of the two goals. Looked assured in his collection and distribution.
Danny Simpson- 7/10
Showed great energy and speed on the right flank. Got into good areas in the opposition box.
Wes Morgan- 7/10
The skipper was decent but was given a torrid time by Gayle at times.
Harry Maguire- 6.5/10
The centre-back was solid at the back, making some timely interceptions and blocks. However, Gayle’s shot took a wicked deflection off him for the equaliser from Newcastle.
Ben Chilwell- 7/10
Played a poor pass that almost led to a Newcastle goal. Otherwise, a good display.
Vicente Iborra- 6/10
The former Sevilla man was a mixed bag. He at times shockingly mislaid passes, but on the other side seemed to boss the midfield.
Wilfred Ndidi- 7/10
A combative and energetic display in the middle of the park from Ndidi.
Riyad Mahrez- 8.5/10
Mahrez showed what he is capable of, curling in a 25-yard strike past goalkeeper Karl Darlow to cancel out Joselu’s goal. His pace on the right terrified Javier Manquillo. A cracker of a performance from the Algerian.
Demarai Gray- 8/10
Gray has netted three goals in seven Premier League appearances since Puel took charge. This shows the confidence the manager has put in Gray, who was able to transfer it onto the pitch. A super show at Newcastle.
Marc Albrighton- 7/10
As usual industrious and teed up Gray for his goal. Needs to improve his crossing.
Jamie Vardy- 7.5/10
Vardy was unfortunate not to score his 50th Premier League goal but it was he who provided the cross to Okazaki that forced Perez into his game-deciding error.
Substitutions
Shinji Okazaki- 5/10
Vardy played a smart cross for Okazaki to score, but just when the Japanese was about to pull the trigger, Perez, in an attempt to stop him, poked the ball into his own net.
Leonardo Ulloa- N/A
Replaced Vardy in the 90 minute to eat up the remaining time left.
Christian Fuchs- N/A
Just like Ulloa, he came on for Mahrez with the same moto.