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Leicester City looked to be in for a challenging day after going down a man in just the fourth minute at Turf Moor. The recovery, however, was promising and the Foxes were eventually able to take down Burnley 2-1 with a goal in the dying moments of the game.
Kasper Schmeichel - 5.5
Made a crucial save right at the end of the game, but probably could have done better on Burnley’s goal. It was a powerful strike from Dwight McNeil, but the angle and distance of the shot left enough time for a reaction and Schmeichel didn’t get down to it quickly enough. He also misplaced a few passes throughout the contest.
Ricardo Pereira - 6.5
With the Foxes down to 10-men he couldn’t be quite as adventurous as he sometimes is, but he maintained a decent level regardless.
Jonny Evans - 6.5
A difficult one to judge as it was his mistake that started Burnley’s attack en route to their goal, but he was very productive outside of that moment. He totaled two tackles, two blocked shots, and 15 clearances.
Harry Maguire - 3
A fourth minute red card might be grounds for a rating of zero in most cases, but he actually made a decent effort to get back into the play without fouling the attacker. Unfortunately, he slightly clipped the heels of Johann Gudmundsson.
Ben Chilwell - 7
Had a very similar game to Pereira, but was slightly more involved in defense. He tallied five clearances on the day.
Wilfred Ndidi - 7.5
He had a busy day defending well in the midfield (though he may have been lucky to get away with a foul in the box). He contributed four tackles, one interception, and three clearances. This one play in particular epitomized his efforts.
I honestly don't understand how Ndidi got to this ball pic.twitter.com/Hrrgoi7Ezc
— michael (@MichaelEFranca) March 16, 2019
Youri Tielemans - 8
The stat-sheet may not show it, but Tielemans was a decisive figure in this one. He defended well (two tackles and two clearances) and made several incisive passes, especially when the team was pushing hard towards the end. It was his cross that resulted in the winning header, though some may not credit him with an assist because of a deflection it took along the way.
James Maddison - 8
Once again he was CIty’s guiding light in attack. Madders did as he always does: led the game in key passes (three this time), and got fouled in dangerous areas. This time, however, he buried the free kick that came from one of those fouls. His beautiful curling strike gave the 10-man Foxes the lead in the 33rd minute, but it was his touching tribute to Sophie Taylor that was truly beautiful.
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Demarai Gray - N/A
Unfortunate to be subbed off in the fifth minute to make way for Wes Morgan after Maguire’s red card.
Harvey Barnes - 6
Perhaps not at his lively best on the day, but ran hard to contribute as he could before being subbed off in the 76th minute.
Jamie Vardy - 7
Pressed and pestered as he always does, but with even more importance given the man disadvantage. He still managed to muster two shots (one on target), one key pass, and one successful dribble despite limited service.
Wes Morgan - 8
Came on in the fifth minute following Maguire’s red card and immediately solidified City’s defense. The captain kept things calm and made his mark with four aerial duels won, one tackle, one interception, one blocked shot, and seven clearances. Oh yea, there was also the game-winning header in the 90th minute. Good day for the newly-extended captain.
Christian Fuchs - 6.5
Surprisingly subbed on for Maddison in the 63rd minute but produced plenty with four clearances and several long balls.
Nampalys Mendy - 5
Subbed on for Barnes to sure things up further in the 76th minute, but made almost no impact. He had just three touches.
*all stats courtesy of whoscored.com
Though the game figured to be a difficult one after the early red card, it ended up being exhilarating. Leicester may have been lucky to come away with all three points, but they certainly did enough to deserve at least one.
There were several standout performers despite the challenging circumstances, primarily in the midfield. Wilfred Ndidi worked hard to make up for the missing man and James Maddison provided just enough individual brilliance to make a difference, but it was Youri Tielemans who stood above the rest as Fosse Posse Man of the Match. His consistent eye for passes was particularly important on a day where the chances were sure to be limited.