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Regardless of your view on the Jamie Vardy’s red card, Leicester City’s initial response was poor. Yes, they clearly felt aggrieved, and they were dealing with the extra problem of losing a man, but they looked out of control for the rest of the half. Not just in the sense that they were racking up bookings, but the play was ragged and the team shape broke down.
I don’t know what Claduio said or did at half time, but it worked. All that energy wasted in the first half, as the team descended into chaos, was finally being channelled the right way. If they can recreate that feeling, they’ll win plenty more games. Consistency hasn’t been a strength so far though.
Kasper Schmeichel - 8
With an adequate backup, it can be easy to forget what you’re missing. Kasper reminded us all early and often that he can pull off fantastic saves that most others simply can't.
Danny Simpson - 5
Most parts of his game were fine, but how’s this for a telling stat: more penalties conceded (1) than successful tackles made (0).
Wes Morgan - 6
A solid effort from the captain, who made some key blocks and clearances.
Long game, had to battle hard, not easy with 10 but great character from the boys to stick at it. A point out of nothing - Wes is satisfied
Robert Huth - 7
Nearly a big day at both ends. A goal line clearance, and only a good save kept him out at the other end. Of all the suspended players, he’s the least replaceable.
Christian Fuchs - 8
A good Fuchs performance is becoming quite formulaic; a solid defensive and one great cross. That’s certainly good enough for me, although I’d prefer if our fullbacks were on the ball less than they are.
— Christian Fuchs (@FuchsOfficial) December 17, 2016
Riyad Mahrez - 7
The new Riyad Mahrez looks a lot like the old Riyad, from before his magical award winning season. He has a spark, he can run with the ball, pass it and find space, but the end product just isn't coming.
Andy King - 5
Made an important block early on, but that was about it. Still working hard, but he’s not making much of an impact with or without the ball at the moment.
Daniel Amartey - 7
If you’d asked me which of the starting 11 would score, Amartey wouldn’t have cracked my top 8 guesses. He certainly did find the net though, which atones for another fairly lacklustre performance.
I’m very happy to score and the team needed it. I went straight to the fans because at 2-0 down they were still singing. It was good to go and celebrate with them - poor Dan loves us and we’re nothing but mean
Marc Albrighton - 6
He always works hard and adds to the team defensively. That’s important right now because his attacking output is so hit and miss. Another miss this time, as he failed to ever really create chances.
Islam Slimani - 6
He doesn't look the same player at the moment that made such an impact early on. If Vardy is suspended, it might be good for Slimani, who would probably rather be playing as the main striker.
Jamie Vardy - 4
Whether it was a red card or not, it was a stupid challenge and it gave the referee a decision to make. That was his only real contribution.
Jamie Vardy's appeal against his sending off on Saturday at Stoke will be heard by the @FA tomorrow. #LCFC
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) December 19, 2016
Leo Ulloa - 7
How soon we all forget the goals that kept us up in our first season. He’s not the quality we want if we’re looking at playing in Europe and finishing in the top half, but with the current hoof and hope style we’ve adopted, he might be the best fit.
Demarai Gray - 7
He certainly can make things happen. He’s inconsistent and can disappear, but he’s 20 years old. The kid has talent and needs a regular opportunity to show it. You don't develop consistency with 20 minutes every now and then.
Ahmed Musa - 6
The manager and team still seem unsure how to use Musa, and it shows. He’s struggling to get on the ball when he plays.
Another weird performance for the league’s least predictable side (for the second year in a row). My Man of the Match is Kasper Schmeichel, which is odd in a game we score and conceded twice. Who was yours?