Full Time: West Brom 0-1 Leicester City
Leicester City managed to get past Tony Pulis’ West Bromwich Albion 1-0 at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League.
Both the teams struggled to get anything going in the attacking third, but it was Leicester who broke the deadlock through Jamie Vardy minutes before half-time. Chances continued to come at a premium for both teams in the second period as well and the Foxes managed to hold onto their slender lead to return home with the three points.
The win sees Leicester move into the 11th position in the league table and all but confirms their place in next season’s Premier League, highlighting the good job manager Craig Shakespeare has done since taking over. They now sit nine points clear of 18th-placed Swansea City. Here is how the Foxes’ players fared:
Leicester City Player Ratings
Kasper Schmeichel – 7/10
Made one splendid save in the first-half and dealt with everything that the Baggies threw at him quite comfortably.
Danny Simpson – 7/10
Another solid performance from the right-back. Made several important tackles and blocks, kept Chris Brunt in check.
Robert Huth – 8/10
A rock at the back for Leicester as he swept up everything that came his way with great solidity. Strong in the air, good in tackles – an excellent defensive display.
Yohan Benalouane – 6/10
A strong showing at the back from the 30-year old, but his distribution left a lot to be desired. Booked in the second half.
Christian Fuchs – 7/10
Got forward always on the left-flank to support his teammates in attack, while remaining responsible with his defensive duties.
Riyad Mahrez – 6/10
Showed glimpses of what he can do, but once again failed to take the game by the scruff of the neck and have a major impact.
Danny Drinkwater – 6/10
Looked edgy and dove into tackles in the first-half. Booked for such a challenge and was walking on a tightrope for the rest of the game. But remained steady.
Wilfred Ndidi – 7/10
A battling performance in the middle of the park from the promising 20-year old. Offered a lot of energy and a combative edge to Leicester.
Marc Albrighton – 7/10
Continued his recent good form as he proved to be a great outlet for Leicester down the left-hand side with his driving runs and crosses.
Shinji Okazaki – 7/10
The Japanese forward put in another display full of hard work. Teed up Vardy for the opener and almost found himself on the end of a cross from the Englishman in the second period.
Jamie Vardy – 8/10
Constant menace for the West Brom defence with his running. Took his goal excellently to continue his brilliant goal-scoring form in recent weeks.
Substitutes
Leonardo Ulloa – 6/10
Came on for Okazaki in the 67th minute. Added a physical presence at the top, but could not impact a great deal.
Andy King – NA
Replaced Mahrez with less than 10 minutes left to play as Leicester looked to protect their lead.