Premier League Player Ratings: Tottenham Hotspur 3 - 1 Leicester City

Leicester City traveled to Wembley Stadium and left as undeserving 3-1 losers to Tottenham Hotspur. The Foxes played an enthralling brand of football/soccer and created enough chances to be outright winners, or at the very least earn a draw. The sport is cruel, however, and left the team with less than they deserve yet again.

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Kasper Schmeichel - 6

Made one impressive save on a shot from Danny Rose, but was unable to play the hero on any of Spurs’ three goals.

Ricardo Pereira - 7

It was a quiet first half from the right back and an eventful second. He created several chances (four key passes) including the assist on Vardy’s goal, but he also gave away possession with a bad pass that led to Tottenham’s second goal.

Jonny Evans - 6.5

A quietly effective performance for Evans. He tallied two interceptions, six clearances, and four aerial duels won.

Harry Maguire - 7

There was a bit of everything from Maguire on the day. He forced a save with a header early on, contributed two interceptions, two clearances, three blocked shots, seven aerial duels won, and participated in the build-up to City’s goal with a well-timed run forward. He was also unable to stay in front of Davinson Sánchez for Spurs’ opening goal.

Ben Chilwell - 8

Incredibly active in attack as he finished with the most touches of any City player with 97 (17 more than the next closest). He totaled four shots, two on target, one key pass, one successful dribble, and two fouls drawn. In defense he added three aerial duels won, five interceptions, three clearances, and one blocked shot.

Wilfred Ndidi - 8

It was one of Wilf’s better games in some time. He completed 84 percent of his passes, including one impressive cross-field switch to Pereira in the build-up to the goal. He was also very active in defense with three aerial duels won, six tackles, two interceptions, and two clearances.

Youri Tielemans - 8

The exciting new-man was a revelation on his debut. He consistently played the threaded lead passes into dangerous areas that have been missing from this team. He completed 92 percent of his passes, many of which were far from simple, and set Ricardo free before his assist to Vardy. He also attempted an unforgettably audacious volley from just about the corner flag that forced a difficult save out of Lloris.

Rachid Ghezzal - 6.5

It was an understated yet effective performance from the much-maligned Algerian. He kept possession well, completed 86 percent of his passes, and made three tackles and three interceptions.

James Maddison - 8.5

Madders was back to his creative best. He drew two fouls including one penalty, was accurate on an astounding nine of his ten crosses, and most importantly played seven key passes. He was City’s most consistent presence in attack.

Harvey Barnes - 7

With a bit more luck it would have been a hat-trick and a 10/10 for Barnes, but he just couldn’t quite find the finishing touch. Still, he contributed two key passes, two successful dribbles, and was constantly running into dangerous areas.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Demarai Gray - 6.5

Played as the lone striker and kept himself involved by occasionally drifting wide. He took two shots and put them both on target, but he was unable to finish either or threaten as much as he would probably like.

Jamie Vardy - 6.5

Came on in the 59th minute and immediately took and missed a penalty. Given his proven record from the spot (much better than any other Fox), I can’t begrudge him for taking it. I even admire the confidence required to do so, but the shot itself was poor. Still, he recovered to score City’s only goal later on.

Kelechi Iheanacho - 6

Subbed on for Ghezzal in the 71st minute and looked a bit more confident than he has all season. He wasn’t particularly decisive, but played his part well.

Shinji Okazaki - N/A

Came on in the 87th minute and had just two touches on the ball.

*all stats courtesy of whoscored.com

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It’s not often a 3-1 loss will yield such positive ratings, but it would be hard to discredit anything the Foxes did at Wembley. Most would agree that City was the more threatening side of the two and looked exceedingly dangerous for most of the game.

Regardless, poor finishing is an issue that must be resolved for Leicester. It has plagued the team for much of the season and cost them several points as there has been no shortage of chances created in recent weeks.

Many of City’s creative players once again shined in this fixture and created constant danger. Ben Chilwell, Wilfred Ndidi, and Youri Tielemans were all seemingly at their best. Tielemans in particular caught the attention of supporters as he appeared to be the answer to everything that has been missing from the side on his debut. Still, the Fosse Posse Man of the Match is James Maddison instead. The consistency of his attacking influence was simply overwhelming and deserving of the MOTM designation.