Claude Puel’s Leicester got a morale-boosting victory over Everton but at the bet365 stadium, they had to set their foundations. Stability and consistency is hard to come by in English Premier League but Leicester City looked to establish just that as visitors to the home of the Potters. Ibotta’s early goal provided a huge advantage but that was cancelled out by Shaqiri. Peter Crouch rescued Stoke after Riyad Mahrez had struck a sweet goal in the second half. Leicester have got a point away from home but much of their journey depends on how they will fare after this. Here’s how they’ve been rated:-
GK: Kasper Schmeichel – 7/10
Had to make a few fantastic stops and he saved a good effort from Shaqiri. Ryan Shawcross’s dangerous effort was saved as well. A good day for Kasper as an individual.
RB: Danny Simpson – 6/10
He played a little higher on the pitch than he usually does and he looked decent as the game went on. Nothing special but dealt with Sobhi effectively.
CB: Wes Morgan – 7/10
The captain was involved a few times and he did well. His challenges were well timed today and he recovered nicely when concerned.
CB: Harry Maguire – 4/10
Held his own but he had an average game. Didn’t deal with Crouch properly either.
LB: Christian Fuchs – 5.5/10
Partly guilty for being drawn out wide for Shaqiri’s goal. He was mediocre today.
CM: Vicente Iborra – 7/10
His influence and impact spoke volumes on the pitch today. He silenced the stadium with a nice opener and he fared very well until he had to be taken off due to an injury.
CM: Wilfred Ndidi – 6.5/10
His desire to compete was impressive. His performance gave the foxes strength in the midfield.
RM: Riyad Mahrez – 9/10
Typical Mahrez in the way he got his goal. He could have scored a few more with the chances he got. A good performance today and a reminder for Puel that he still can produce top performances.
LM: Demarai Gray – 6/10
Started the game with energy and created a few chances but he certainly did fade in the second half. There’s so much potential though and he troubled Diouf a lot.
CF: Shinji Okazaki – 6/10
Worked without showing any signs of fatigue.
ST: Jamie Vardy – 5.5/10
Leicester couldn’t utilise his pace because Stoke dealt with him well. He blew a shot wide and he could have won it for Leicester.
Substitutes:-
CF: Kelechi Iheanacho – 6.5/10
Tried well and made a chance for Vardy but the striker wasted it. Decent.
CM: Andy King – 6/10
Made a few passes for Leicester to counter-attack with and that would be it.
LM: Marc Albrighton – N/A
Came on late.
