Leicester 2-4 Newcastle: Player ratings as Magpies run riot against timid Foxes

Leicester City’s hopes of holding on to a place in the top four were dealt a huge blow as they were thumped 4-2 by a rampant Newcastle United.

It was Newcastle who began brightest. After Allan Saint-Maximin forced an excellent save from Kasper Schmeichel, Joe Willock did find the back of the net as he pounced on a mistake from Caglar Soyuncu and slotted home after 22 minutes. Wesley Fofana almost responded instantly, but Paul Dummett made it 2-0 with an powerful header after the half-hour mark.

Leicester did decide to turn up after the interval, but they were caught on the break in the 63rd minute as Callum Wilson showed real composure to round Schmeichel and tap home, and he bagged another ten minutes later from an acute angle.

The Foxes set up a nervy finish with two late strikes from Marc Albrighton and Kelechi Iheanacho, but Newcastle held firm and sealed a huge three points.

Kasper Schmeichel (GK) – 6/10 – The only Leicester defender who looked up for this. Made an excellent save to deny Saint-Maximin early on but was helpless for the goals.

Wesley Fofana (CB) – 4/10 – Should have scored a header to equalise at 1-0, but went on to get mauled by Dummett for the second goal. Not powerful enough at either end.

Caglar Soyuncu (CB) – 3/10 – Yikes. An error-strewn performance which saw him commit needless fouls, nearly give up a penalty and fluff his lines for Willock’s opener.

Timothy Castagne (CB) – 4/10 – Moved to CB to replace the injured Jonny Evans, Castagne still charged forward like a wing-back. Left his side exposed far too often. Under-hit his back-pass for Wilson’s goal.

Ricardo Pereira (RM) – 4/10 – Still looks to be reeling from his injury. Was barely involved in attack and could not keep up with Newcastle’s attack down the left.

Youri Tielemans (CM) – 5/10 – Was not himself at all. Could not compete with Newcastle’s press and was caught on the ball too often. A miserable birthday.

Wilfred Ndidi (CM) – 4/10 – One of Ndidi’s worst showings in a Leicester shirt. Offered nothing as a DM and was far too wasteful in possession.

Marc Albrighton (LM) – 4/10 – Drafted in late because of the Evans injury, Albrighton looked like a man who had not prepared himself for this one. Didn’t do enough on the defensive side and left Soyuncu exposed too often.

James Maddison (AM) – 4/10 – Had an excellent first five minutes and then seemed to call it a night. Didn’t move enough for his team-mates and couldn’t get on the ball enough.

Jamie Vardy (ST) – 5/10 – Isolated for a large part of the game, but Vardy’s energy was impressive. Did well to create a half-chance for himself before the break. Disrupted Newcastle’s centre-backs on occasion.

Kelechi Iheanacho (ST) – 5/10 – Starved of creativity behind him. Did manage to fire in a few decent efforts but never really looked like scoring until his late effort found the bottom corner.

Ayoze Perez – 5/10

Luke Thomas – 5/10

Nampalys Mendy – 5/10

Martin Dubravka (GK) – 8/10 – Leicester were off, but they still created some good chances. Fofana, Iheanacho and Vardy all could have scored before the break, but Dubravka rose to all challenges.

Jacob Murphy (RB) – 7/10 – Had a pretty easy job defensively as Leicester didn’t really threaten. Looked a menace on the counter as well.

Emil Krafth (CB) – 6/10 – In an unfamiliar central role, Krafth did alright. Wasn’t particularly impressive in the air but did enough to put his opponents off.

Federico Fernandez (CB) – 7/10 – Krafth’s aerial struggles were masked by Fernandez, who won everything that came his way. Did well to cope with Vardy’s pace.

Paul Dummett (CB) – 7/10 – Showed real power and commitment to head his first goal in over five years. Just wanted it more than Leicester.

Matt Richie (LB) – 7/10 – Looked happy dealing with Ricardo. Chalked up an assist with a nice corner for Dummett.

Jonjo Shelvey (CM) – 6/10 – Perhaps Newcastle’s weakest link. Didn’t get on the ball as much as you’d like but did move around enough to make himself a problem for Leicester’s midfield.

Joe Willock (CM) – 8/10 – Four straight games with a goal now. Terrorised Leicester with relentless energy, forcing mistakes and keeping his side moving forwards.

Miguel Almiron (AM) – 7/10 – Caused countless problems with his energy. Happy to drop deep to defend and enjoyed bursting forward. Did pull off one of the worst volleys you’ll ever see though.

Allan Saint-Maximin (ST) – 7/10 – Should have scored his early chance but did well for the rest of the game. Weaved past Leicester’s defenders like they were stuck in mud.

Callum Wilson (ST) – 8/10 – Showed excellent movement throughout to tear Leicester’s defence apart and deservedly netted two excellent goals. A fantastic performance.

Sean Longstaff – 6/10

Joelinton – N/A

Jeff Hendrick – N/A

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