Full Time: Crystal Palace 2-2 Leicester City
Leicester City were held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace at the Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League.
The Foxes did not take long to get ahead as veteran defender Robert Huth put them ahead as early as the 6th minute, with a wonderfully placed header from a long throw-in. Palace mounted pressure on the visitors from then on, but Huth was in imperious form at the back as well, keeping the Eagles’ attacks at bay, to help his team go into the break with the lead intact.
Soon after the restart, they drove home the advantage when Jamie Vardy doubled the lead after some good work from Huth and Riyad Mahrez in the 52nd minute. Palace bounced back immediately through Yohan Cabaye 2 minutes later and completed the turnaround in the 70th minute through star striker Christian Benteke’s header.
After controlling the game for long periods, Leicester let slip a two-goal advantage to come away with just a point from the tie. With Stoke City winning their game, the Foxes slipped down in the standings to 12th position. Here is how the Leicester players fared on the day:
Leicester City Player Ratings:
Kasper Schmeichel – 6/10
There wasn’t a lot he could do about the goals. Thwarted Benteke from close-range on occasions. Apart from that, he was rarely put into action.
Danny Simpson – 6/10
Had a difficult time on the right-hand side of the defence, with Palace targeting him on occasions. But did put in some timely challenges.
Robert Huth – 8/10
Opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a very good header. Was strong and solid at the back with Palace pumping in so many aerial balls into the box.
Yohan Benalouane – 6/10
Was solid under pressure for long parts and will feel hard done for Benteke’s goal. Limped off the field, which will be a cause for concern for Leicester.
Christian Fuchs – 6/10
Grabbed an assist with a long throw that resulted in Huth’s opener. Was always an outlet on the overlap, but could have been a little more solid defensively.
Riyad Mahrez – 6/10
Displayed his skills and creativity on a couple of occasions. Sent Vardy through on goal for the Foxes’ second goal in the second period.
Andy King – 6/10
The long-serving midfielder put in a decent shift in the middle of the park. Was made to work hard but to not much avail.
Wilfred Ndidi – 6/10
Could not have the same impact as he had in recent weeks, but his height and physicality helped his team defensively on a few occasions.
Marc Albrighton – 7/10
Another hard-working display from the 27-year old. Tried to get forward and get crosses into the box, while covering for his full-backs at the back.
Leonardo Ulloa – 6/10
A rare start for the Argentine forward, but worked his socks off for his team. Was visibly tired as the game progressed.
Jamie Vardy – 7/10
Took his goal brilliantly in the second half, as he had plenty to do after receiving the ball from Mahrez. Good to see him continue his form.
Substitutes
Danny Drinkwater – 6/10
Replaced King in the 64th minute with Leicester looking to add fresh legs to the midfield. Did not do much wrong.
Demarai Gray – 6/10
Came on for Mahrez with 15 minutes left to play. Did nothing of note.
Ben Chilwell – 6/10
Replaced the injured Benalouane in the 75th minute. Withstood some late pressure.