Player Ratings: Leicester City 5 - 0 Newcastle United

Leicester City thrashed an overmatched and outmanned Newcastle United side 5-1 at the King Power. The Foxes took the lead through an early Ricardo goal. A 43rd minute red card by Isaac Hayden then opened the flood gates and made the rest of the day quite easy.

Kasper Schmeichel - 7

Almost nothing for him to do on the day. Newcastle managed zero shots on target and didn’t put any pressure on him.

Ricardo Pereira - 8.5

Had the second most touches of any player on the pitch with 131, made three tackles, and scored a spectacular solo goal. The right back made a run from about the halfway line, moved infield, and curled a left-footed strike from just outside of the box into the bottom corner of the goal. It was a remarkable piece of skill for a right-footed defender.

Jonny Evans - 7

It was a casual day for Evans as he wasn’t troubled much. He did have one tackle and one clearance.

Çağlar Söyüncü - 8.5

He wasn’t challenged often either, but he was more involved defensively than Evans. He tallied one tackle, four interceptions, and three clearances. There was one instance where he sprinted back from the Newcastle box and snuffed out a counter by making a tackle at the halfway line. He also completed 99% of his 82 passes.

Ben Chilwell - 8

He had the most touches of any player on the pitch (134) and popped up threateningly around Newcastle’s box frequently. He was also credited with three interceptions and three clearances.

Wilfred Ndidi - 9

It was a thoroughly dominant performance from Wilf. He ran all over the pitch and made his presence felt in all phases. He made 12 recoveries, nine tackles, and five interceptions and completed 92% of his 61 passes. He also capped off his performance with a goal (no really) in the 90th minute.

Dennis Praet - 8

A mostly simple and tidy performance for much of the day, but two second half moments elevated his performance. He provided an accurate long ball to Harvey Barnes who then assisted Vardy for the team’s second goal. Praet then sent in a cross that was deflected into the net for an own goal. He also was the victim of a brutal red card tackle by Isaac Hayden.

Youri Tielemans - 7.5

Comfortably controlled the ball in midfield completing 90% of his 68 passes. He also completed one key pass and one successful dribble. He took corner duty in place of the injured James Maddison and sent in some dangerous deliveries. Additionally, he provided some defensive work with four tackles.

Ayoze Perez - 6.5

A decent but unspectacular performance against his former team. Perez nearly scored in the opening moments of the game, but couldn’t get enough on the shot to redirect it properly. He also gave the ball away a bit too frequently.

Jamie Vardy - 9

Had the least touches of any City starter, but didn’t need more than that to bag himself a brace. He scored his first goal with his left foot from an extremely tight angle, which is basically routine for him now. His second goal was a bit easier as he headed the ball past the keeper from point blank.

Harvey Barnes - 8

He was lively from the onset and connected well with Chilwell. His most impactful contribution came when he deftly chipped in an assist to Vardy for the team’s second goal.

Substitutes:

Marc Albrighton - 8

Came on for Barnes in the 58th minute and immediately made his presence felt. He was heavily involved in the proceedings and whipped in a flawless cross that met Vardy’s head for City’s fourth goal.

Hamza Choudhury - 7

Subbed on for Praet in the 78th minute but didn’t have much to do as the game was settled and Newcastle didn’t pose much of a threat.

Demarai Gray - N/A

The third and final sub. There was little left to play for when he came on.

*all stats courtesy of whoscored.com

The massive win keeps City third in the Premier League with a +8 goal differential. It also keeps the momentum going heading into a difficult game against league-leaders Liverpool at Anfield.

The Magpies didn’t provide much of a challenge, but the Foxes did their part to dismantle what was placed in front of them. Nearly every individual Leicester City player had a standout performance, including Ricardo Pereira who scored a spectacular goal and Jamie Vardy who grabbed a second-half brace. The Fosse Posse Man of the Match, however, was Wilfred Ndidi. He controlled just about every aspect of the game, even scoring a rare goal.