Premier League Player Ratings: Leicester City 1-0 West Ham

Although they were left holding on to an extent in the second half, this was a very good display from Leicester City in their 1-0 win over West Ham. The urgency was back and we played some good high tempo football, while pressing the opposition and making them look uncomfortable.

I feel like I’ve said this before, but hopefully this win will help the team kick on for the rest of the season. No year will ever live up to the highs of 2016 (we might be the only people saying that), but that doesn't mean 2017 can’t be a great one.

Kasper Schmeichel - 8

He consistently makes the great saves that the average keeper won't, but his help marshalling the defenders in front of him might be more impressive. Maybe they’re just more used to playing together, but they don’t look the same back line in front of Zieler.

Danny Simpson - 8

The thing I least like about Simpson’s play is how dull my write up has to be. That and he adds nothing going forward. That’s not his job though and I’m always happy with what he provides at his end, including a couple of crucial clearances.

Wes Morgan - 7

Aaron Cresswell’s crosses were West Ham’s biggest threat all day. They were good, but it plays right into our defensive strengths and the captain was equal to the task of heading them clear.

Robert Huth - 8

The big German was immense today, using his size and strength well to dominate his area and keep Andy Carroll at bay. He also took up Wes’ regular role of throwing himself in front of the ball, blocking an impressive 4 shots. Was unfortunate to get booked and we don't want to lose him again.

Ben Chilwell - 7

A solid continuation from the young fullback. Has much more skill on the ball than our other defenders, but he might be trying a little hard to impress right now. Already a good defender, and does well enough in the air despite his relative lack of size. Takes a boot to the chest better than I would.

Danny Drinkwater - 8

The impact he makes on the team was fairly clear to see. His energy and defensive work make life easier for his midfield partner, while his quality on the ball provides a a reliable outlet, while giving the playmakers another option. He spread the ball around well, as ever.

Daniel Amartey - 7

I’ve been increasingly impressed with Amartey over recent weeks and his defensive work is becoming very good. Still not great on the ball, but he does add height that the team mostly lacks.

Marc Albrighton - 7

His distribution was up and down again and he picked out the first defender with too many crosses. That said, his cross for the assists was a beaut and his defensive work is always excellent.

Grit, determination, everything - we showed it in abundance and we need to build on this result in the new year

Riyad Mahrez - 7

I guess I was wrong for doubting this shift, I thought Mahrez looked pretty dangerous centrally. He tested the defence and the keeper plenty of times, although he never broke through.

Demarai Gray - 7

Much like Chilwell, his talent and his youthful over exuberance were both clearly on display. If he can learn to shoot/pass/cross a touch or two earlier, he could be a fantastic player.

Islam Slimani - 8

He still gives the ball away more than you’d like and he’s not a good passer, but if he can continue to get into the box and get on the end of crosses, he’ll be a player we’re all very glad to have.

Slimani’s header was a masterpiece. When the ball comes from the cross, Slimani is fantastic. We have to make more crosses for him - the manager was full of praise

Christian Fuchs - 6

Seems to have taken to his (probably temporary) demotion pretty well, and his appearance in this game suggests Ranieri still trusts him more in tight games. He’s right too as well, as Fuchs is always the calmest man at the back.

Shinji Okazaki - 5

He worked hard and did his job, but he had a couple of good chances to kill the game off and couldn’t do it.

Leo Ulloa - 5

Our only player who regularly gets on the ball more than once a minute, but he didn't get much done with it this time.

After a difficult few games, my Man of the Match is Islam Slimani; he put the team ahead with an excellent header and nearly doubled it, but for the post. If we see this Slim more often, we’ll get ahead more and win more.