Player Ratings: Leicester City 2 - 0 Arsenal

Leicester City hosted Arsenal at the King Power for a battle of clubs aiming for 2020-21 continental competition. The Foxes came away deserved 2-0 winners thanks to second-half goals from Jamie Vardy and James Maddison. Though the game occasionally felt a bit stretched, it was City’s players who performed best.

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Kasper Schmeichel - 7

The Gunners could only put one shot on target in the match so he wasn’t troubled much despite a few threatening counters from the opponents. He also completed 88% of his passes, including three out of five long balls.

Ricardo Pereira - 8

Another standout performance for the City’s most consistent player. He was second on the team with five total tackles and also made three clearances and blocked two shots. Pereira completed two successful dribbles and one key pass and was instrumental to the build-up of both of the team’s goals. He was a consistent firm presence on both ends of the pitch.

Jonny Evans - 8

Continued his strong run of form. He made one tackle, four interceptions, and three clearances, and was safely confident in possession, completing 92% of his passes.

Çağlar Söyüncü - 8

Similar to Evans, imposing in defense and confident on the ball. Söyüncü tallied two aerial duels won, one tackle, and six clearances as well as leading the team in touches (95) and completing 92% of his 85 passes. He also pulled off another daring Cruyff turn.

Ben Chilwell - 7.5

A subtly effective performance for the young left back. Chilwell’s form seems to have stabilized as he settles back into the routine performances of last season. He pushed forward well and and tracked back to mark Arsenal’s wing backs and forwards.

Wilfred Ndidi - 8.5

There is very little new to say here. He was defensively elite, as always, with three aerial duels won, six tackles, four interceptions, two clearances, and one blocked shot. He also hit the bar from inside the box and completed three dribbles, including one that was instrumental to Vardy’s goal.

Ayoze Perez - 6.5

Lively early on but not quite sharp enough to make the major difference. Not as many defensive interventions as he can often accumulate either.

Youri Tielemans - 8

He wasn’t perfect, but he did provide end-product with an assist which is a staple of his game. Tielemans made two tackles and one interception in addition to three key passes.

James Maddison - 9

It was a stunningly heavy attacking output of four shots, two on target, three key passes, one successful dribble, four fouls drawn, and one game-sealing goal. He even chipped in with three total tackles and one clearance.

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Harvey Barnes - 6.5

Not a starring performance, but a somewhat positive one nonetheless. He progressed the ball well with simple passes and added one key pass and one successful dribble.

Jamie Vardy - 8.5

He continues to shatter all xG models with remarkably hot shooting. He took three shots, scored on one of them, and produced an assist as well. Vardy’s low-volume high-end-product form might not exactly be sustainable, but he continues to defy expectations.

Substitutes:

Demarai Gray - 7.5

Continued what appears to be a breakthrough run of form. Came on in the 59th minute and added sharp, smart dribbling and distribution to the team.

Dennis Praet - 6

Subbed on in the 73rd minute and played a steady, safe game without many standout moments.

*all stats courtesy of whoscored.com

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The three points put the Foxes up to second in the Premier League after 12 weeks, No, really. The team’s hot start to the season continues.

There were several standout performers for Leicester City once again, Jamie Vardy was lethal, Wilfred Ndidi was a machine, and the defenders held firm. The Fosse Posse Man of the Match, however, was once again James Maddison (second week running). His influence in attack was instrumental.