Premier League Player Ratings: Leicester City 1-2 Manchester City

That was...I have no idea. Leicester City narrowly lost out to Manchester City, in one of the least predictable games (by players and officials combined) that I’ve seen in a very long time. There were positives to take, by both sides, but it’s hard for those to not be overshadowed by the less savoury aspects of the game, in particular the refereeing.

The sequence surrounding the second penalty might have been the worst 5 minutes of football I’ve ever seen. The tackle by Clichy was foolish at best. Then Mahrez took one of those stupid stutter step run ups, slipped and kicked the ball twice. The referee managed to spot it and awarded Man City a free kick, despite the fact that two Man City players were inside the box and the keeper was off the line. Not that any of that should have happened in the first place, because the foul clearly took place outside the penalty area in the first place. Unbelievable.

Anyway.

Kasper Schmeichel - 7

There were certainly issues with the first goal and you can’t expect him to save penalties, no matter how good at it he is at it. Did an excellent job as a sweeper when asked to.

It’s three times offside, which makes it inexplicable to me why it wasn't given - Kasper’s never been one to mince his words post game.

Danny Simpson - 6

Did a decent job defensively, but he was often rushed and often poor on the ball, generally contributing to a poor passing game that left us unable to ever hang onto the ball.

Yohan Benalouane - 6

Looked pretty decent throughout, especially with a completely new partner, but the penalty was a very poor challenge.

Christian Fuchs - 7

Compared to Crystal Palace last week, we did pretty well with a makeshift defence and Fuchs should get plenty of credit for that.

Ben Chilwell - 6

Looked very dangerous with the ball at times, but also gives it away plenty. Was beaten a few times by Sterling and was lucky it didn't lead to anything more.

Riyad Mahrez - 7

He missed the penalty, but it should have been a re-take, but he won it, but it shouldn't have been a pen in the first place. No idea. I guess that’s a push? Outside of that, he was actually dangerous looking at times.

Mahrez is so difficult to control. He is an exceptional player - says Guardiola, who’s seen a few decent players in his time

Wilfred Ndidi - 5

In a game where the opposition has 66% of possession, you’d hope for a defensive midfielder to have a bigger impact on the game. His effort and tackling might be Kanté-esque, but his positioning isn't yet and good teams can exploit that.

Andy King - 6

Quick, think of something King did in the match. No, getting injured doesn't count. He was...ok.

Marc Albrighton - 7

Not sure if my highlight of the game was Sterling moaning about handball as Albrighton came off bleeding from the face, or the crowd booing him for diving as he showed the ref his swollen eye. He did surprisingly well despite all that.

However, he should have been sent off for his challenge on Fernandinho. Not so much for the danger in the challenge, but for the intent behind it. No attempt to get the ball, or prevent the clearance or anything other than wiping out the opposition player. I don’t blame him for wanting to do it, but it was a bad decision.

Shinji Okazaki - 8

Where did that come from?! Shinji has been saving up all his goals from the last 23 games and cashed them all it at once with that volley.

Jamie Vardy - 7

As always, a constant thorn in the defenders’ sides. Even when his teammates can't get him the ball as much as they'd like, you can't let him out of your sight for a second.

Daniel Amartey - 5

Only playing through real need at the position right now and it showed. Didn't look comfortable on the ball at all.

Islam Slimani - 5

7 touches isn't a lot to judge a player on, but he had plenty of time to get himself into the game more.

Demarai Gray - 5

6 touches isn't a lot to...

We won't see another game like that one any time soon. At least, I hope so. Pretty sure Marc Albrighton does too, although he only saw it through his right eye. Man of the Match is Shinji Okazaki, for one good volley.