Leicester City was in desperate need of a win at the King Power after a number of losses in a row cost Claude Puel his job. Mike Stowell took over as caretaker for the day while new boss Brendan Rodgers sat in the stands. Both the caretaker and the new boss would likely have been pleased with the result as the Foxes came away with a 2-1 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.
Kasper Schmeichel - 8
Brighton had three shots on target, two of which resulted in classic saves from the Dane. There was likely nothing he could have done about Brighton’s goal.
Ricardo Pereira - 7
Not quite as incisive in attack as previous games, but still a threat on occasion. He also added three tackles, one interception, and nine clearances.
Jonny Evans - 7.5
A comfortable performance in which he tallied one tackle and nine clearances and appeared confident on the ball.
Harry Maguire - 8
Did a heavy amount of work in defense with two tackles, two interceptions, and eight clearances. He also ventured forward on a few occasions including one memorable moment in which he dribbled past defenders with a successful step-over.
Harry Maguire did them like that pic.twitter.com/R3PrABz3rV
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 26, 2019
Ben Chilwell - 7.5
Perhaps not his steadiest game in defense, but he was unlucky to have a cross deflect off of him in the build-up to Brighton’s goal. He did, however, complete three key passes.
Wilfred Ndidi - 6.5
Not as dominant in defense as he has been in the past, but still somewhat effective with two tackles, one interception, two interceptions, and one blocked shot, as well as six aerial duels won.
Youri Tielemans - 7.5
Started the game with immense influence including a threaded pass to assist Demarai Gray’s goal. He also started the build-up to the second goal with a subtle touch past a defender and a pass that set Ricardo free. His influence waned as the game progressed and he was subbed off in the 68th minute.
Demarai Gray - 8
Was very active down the wing. Scored a goal early in the proceedings with a run into the box and a composed finish. He was unlucky not to get a second a few moments later when Mat Ryan made an impressive save on another of his shots. He also completed two dribbles and one key pass.
James Maddison - 8
Yet again City’s most creative player in attack. He totaled three successful dribbles, two fouls drawn (in dangerous areas, as always), and five key passes.
James Maddison has now created more chances than any other player in the Premier League this season.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 26, 2019
• 39 from set-plays
• 35 from open play
What a right foot. pic.twitter.com/606gldo6k8
Harvey Barnes - 8
Was City’s most consistent threat in attack. He was active at all times and seemingly never stopped running. Finished the day with seven shots (though none on target), one key pass, and four successful dribbles.
Jamie Vardy - 7.5
His involvement was limited but proved lethal when he received a chance. He buried his shot from a somewhat difficult angle with power.
Nampalys Mendy - 5
Came on for Tielemans in the 68th minute to add more in defense, but registered zero defensive interventions.
Shinji Okazaki - N/A
Came on in the 90th minute and didn’t have much to do.
Kelechi Iheanacho - N/A
Subbed on in the dying seconds of the game.
*all stats courtesy of whoscored.com
With the season and the club in a state of flux a calming result was needed. Thankfully, the Foxes obliged and took care of the opposition despite some moments of worry. The three points put Leicester at 35 for the season after 28 games.
Once again City looked dangerous and fluid in attack, though perhaps not as accurate with their shots as they would assuredly like. Still, this resulted in a number of impressive performances, most notably from James Maddison, Demarai Gray, and Harvey Barnes. The most consistent of the bunch, however, was likely Harvey Barnes, which is why he is the game’s Fosse Posse Man of the Match. Gray and Maddison had crucial interventions, but without Barnes’ constant threat their presences may have been nullified.