Premier League Player Ratings: Leicester City 2 - 1 Southampton

The season continued its odd start on Saturday when Leicester City once again stole a victory despite large periods of inferior play. Southampton was the stronger side for just about the entire first half, but neither side looked particularly threatening as they both lacked attacking endeavor. Regardless, it was the Foxes who took the three points with a 2-1 victory thanks to Højbjerg’s red card and a late stunner from Harry Maguire.

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Kasper Schmeichel - 8.5

It took a superhuman strike to beat him on the day as anything less was dealt with. He made a number of incredible efforts to deny what looked like certain goals from the Saints.

Daniel Amartey - 6

He was targeted all game, overrun on a number of occasions, and was guilty of a foul throw and an extremely careless back-pass. He did, however, seem to settle in after a while.

Wes Morgan - 7

What he lacked in pace, he made up for in good positioning. He was still overrun on a few occasions, but at least he found himself in position to clear the ball several times.

Harry Maguire - 9

He wasn’t at his best in the first two games, but he certainly was in this one. Slabhead was immense defensively all game and tallied 10 clearances (whoscored.com). And oh yea, he scored a 25-yard winner in extra time.

Ben Chilwell - 7.5

He continued his excellent start to the season, albeit with a slightly less dominant performance. Still, he was solid on both ends of the pitch again.

Wilfred Ndidi - 7.5

Not even a bandaged head could stop Wilf from doing Wilf things. He did what he does best and wracked up four tackles.

Nampalys Mendy - 7

Somehow it looks like Mendy may have secured his spot in the XI for a little while longer. He went from record-signing to flop afterthought to now perhaps a first-choice midfielder.

Ricardo Pereira - 7

Found himself back on the wing with Amartey behind him and continued to look extremely comfortable there. He also tracked back effectively to help cover when Amartey was overrun.

James Maddison - 6

The exciting summer signing didn’t quite live up to the expectations he’s starting to build for himself and was subbed off in the 77th minute without having made much impact.

Demarai Gray - 7

He was hardly involved in the first half and slightly loose with the ball on the rare occasions he did get involved. He did redeem himself with a second-half goal, though.

Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images

Kelechi Iheanacho - 6

Had a solid chance to impress with Vardy suspended, but didn’t do much with it and looked frustrated with himself after being substituted.

Marc Albrighton - 6.5

Was surprisingly left on the bench to start but came on in the 66th minute and provided a burst of energy with his hard running. He also assisted Maguire’s winner, though it was a simple pass.

Rachid Ghezzal - 5

Came on in the 77th minute and was mostly unable to assert himself.

Shinji Okazaki - 5

Came on in the 87th minute and was credited with just two touches. He obviously didn’t have much time to make a difference, but it was still good to see him back on the pitch.

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The performance wasn’t necessarily one that should excite fans, but still City will happily take the three points. With all the week’s fixtures completed the Foxes sit seventh in the table, a position they will hope to maintain or even improve upon.

While Kasper Schmeichel was near peak form, it wasn’t quite enough to steal Man of the Match from the day’s hero Harry Maguire. That makes three Man of the Match designations given to defenders in three games, with all three coming thanks in large part to their offensive exploits. Puel’s influence is noted.