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After an exciting, but ultimately fruitless opener, a calm and comfortable victory was exactly what Leicester City needed to get points on the board in this new season. That’s exactly what we got, as the Seagulls were put away 2-0 in a result that never looked in doubt.
The overall performance might not have had as much individual brilliance as against Arsenal, but we were better organised and played more effectively as a team.
Kasper Schmeichel - 7
Only tested with two shots on target, but he did well with both of them. Never lost concentration despite long stretches with very little to do.
Danny Simpson - 7
I can’t say I really remember an attack that came down the Brighton left. Simpson was once again quietly competent, perfect for playing behind a winger like Mahrez.
Wes Morgan - 6
A much more solid outing from the captain, even if I was probably was too harsh on him last time. A second yellow in as a many games isn't a good sign for a player we’re worried is slowing down, though.
Harry Maguire - 9
I might have over praised him last week, but he fully deserved it this time. No mistakes defensively (although we weren't tested much), but his most impressive displays might have been with the ball. In the absence of Drinkwater, Harry Maguire led the team in touches, passes attempted and completed. A defender who can do that changes the way we break down defensive teams like this. He’s also the team’s best set piece target and scored a goal. Not bad.
Christian Fuchs - 7
Defensively calm and assured as ever. His ability on the ball, like Maguire, was also helpful in controlling possession.
Riyad Mahrez - 8
He took stick last week, possibly rightly, but compare his performances so far with Coutinho or Van Dijk, two other stars under transfer scrutiny. Mahrez is still working for his team and was comfortably our most dangerous attacking player.
Wilfred Ndidi - 6
The defensive work comes without question by now and was good again. The young Nigerian got himself onto the ball a lot more this week, but again his passing % was in the 60s. Possession passing isn't our game, nor all it’s cracked up to be, but it needs to be better than that.
Happy to get a win in our first home game with a clean sheet,great support from the fans. The marathon continues #yeswecan
— Ndidi Wilfred (@Ndidi25) August 19, 2017
Matty James - 6
His performances are never likely to stand out from the stat sheet and he quietly went about his business again. A solid display, but not the sort that will keep Drinkwater (or maybe Iborra), out of the side.
Marc Albrighton - 7
The transition from workmanlike wide midfielder to genuine creative threat has been fun to watch. He still puts in the work, but is always a danger to whip the ball into good areas.
Shinji Okazaki - 8
In nearly 1600 minutes last season, Shinji managed just three Premier League goals, as was consistently noted by his detractors. They’ll have a harder time now, as he notched his 2nd of the season in just his 73rd minute.
He’s really diligent without the ball and he gets around midfield players to cause problems and it helps us get the ball back. But we spoke about getting him in the box more when we have the ball. He’s a goal threat - manager Craig Shakespeare says the upturn in scoring is no accident
Jamie Vardy - 7
When teams come to us and sit deeper like Brighton did, there’s never going to be the same space for Vardy mayhem. Still his energy in pressing defenders is so important to the way this team plays. Let’s hope he’s fit for next week.
CS: "@vardy7 took a knock on his ankle, but he sounds okay. He's with the physios now and I'll see him before he leaves." #LeiBha
— Leicester City (@LCFC) August 19, 2017
Islam Slimani - 5
Had almost no impact on the game. Didn't do much defensive work, though not much was required either, and had just four touches of the ball. He’s better than Ulloa, but you can't deny that Leo gets himself involved.
Demarai Gray - n/a
Subbing a player on for the last minute every week might keep a FIFA player happy, but I suspect it won't work as effectively in the real world.
The performance was everything you should expect against opposition as underwhelming as Brighton were, but it’s good to see a professional job done, and points on the board ahead of a very difficult trip to Manchester United. Man of the Match is Harry Maguire.