Premier League Player Ratings: Leicester City 3-2 West Ham

For the first twenty minutes, it looked like Leicester City’s white knuckle win over West Ham would be a walk over. The Hammers simply weren't at the races, while Leicester looked to be continuing their great recent form. The sides looked poorly matched and the two goal lead didn't flatter the Foxes.

Unfortunately, the team gave away far too many unnecessary free kicks (especially against a team so strong at set pieces), and the first gave West Ham a lifeline. Lanzini’s goal appeared to wake them up and from then on the game became a struggle to hold on.

Kasper Schmeichel - 10

I’d give him an 11 if I could, but that way madness lies. Few keepers, if any, can make the saves this man can.

We had the goalkeeper to thank for making some pivotal saves, crucial saves that helped us win the game - you can say that again, Shakey.

Danny Simpson - 7

It feels like an oddly long time since I got to say Simpson was boringly effective. Antonio’s speed and power are a tough combination in a winger, but he coped well enough.

Yohan Benalouane - 6

Looked solid enough throughout, but ended up marking no one for the second West Ham goal.

Robert Huth - 7

Another good day of the big German, who bagged another goal for himself. Struggled as the pressure came later on, but didn’t we all?

Christian Fuchs - 6

Was pinned back often and failed to make an impact with the ball. A very good first half defensively, but was a bit overrun towards the end.

Riyad Mahrez - 8

His goal wasn’t intentional, but he did deserve one. His play on the ball is starting to show the confidence that was so evident last year.

Danny Drinkwater - 6

Put in his usual high effort performance, despite the injury that’s kept him out of the England squad. His quality wasn't quite there though, and he gave away a very unnecessary foul for the first goal.

Wilfred Ndidi - 7

Another who was to blame for a lot of fouls in dangerous positions, but he makes so many tackles all over the pitch that you can forgive it.

In Wilfred Ndidi they have a new star, only 20 years old. Big future - former Foxes forward James Scowcroft has high hopes for Ndidi

Marc Albrighton - 8

This rating is almost entirely based on one fantastic, cheeky chipped cross with the outside of his foot.

Shinji Okazaki - 6

He and Mahrez in particular struggled with the added physicality the Hammers brought as the game went on, and spent a lot of time on the deck. The ref didn't help, though.

Jamie Vardy - 7

Couldn’t find the room to give defenders the headaches he has recently, but one great chance fell to him and he put it away. If others had been so clinical it would've been a very different game.

Islam Slimani - 6

Came on to add a bit of size and strength up front, but still struggled to hold the ball up. Had a good chance to kill the game off but couldn’t take it.

Ahmed Musa - 3

Really didn’t get anything going at all. No help defensively, couldn’t win, hold or pass the ball.

Ben Chilwell - n/a

The tone of the last few minutes was already set and no substitution was going to change that.

You could definitely look at this game as a disappointment, considering how strongly they started. I’d rather look at the positive right now, and there’s no denying that the team showed some heart and mental strength to hold on that they definitely lacked earlier in the season. At this point, Man of the Match needs to be renamed to the Kasper Schmeichel Award.