Leicester 1-0 Leeds: Player ratings as Foxes edge past improved Whites
A much-improved Leeds United slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Leicester City in Jesse Marsch's first game in charge of the Whites.
Leeds looked far more solid than they have in recent weeks and also threatened going forward, but some poor finishing and heroics from Kasper Schmeichel prevented them from scoring. They were then dealt a sucker punch after the break when Harvey Barnes netted to earn three points for the hosts.
The first half was a thrilling watch, akin to a basketball match with both sides counter-attacking effectively. Leeds, who looked a different team to the side that were thrashed by Tottenham last weekend, probably just shaded it in terms of chances.
Jack Harrison almost finished off a lightning-quick move, only for his low effort to be kept out by Schmeichel, while Rodrigo fired over unmarked from the edge of the box.
That is not to say that the home side did not threaten. Leicester had the best opportunity before the break with Wilfred Ndidi nodding a free header straight at Illan Meslier on the stroke of half time.
The home side came out slow in the second period with Leeds creating several decent opportunities. First, Stuart Dallas' header from a corner was saved by Schmeichel, and then Raphinha was somehow denied again by the Dane from inside the six-yard box.
Leeds were made to rue their wastefulness just after the hour mark when a neat one-two with Kelechi Iheanacho allowed Barnes a sight at goal and he made no mistake, sliding the ball into the far corner.
Once ahead Leicester tightened up at the back and when an injury to substitute Tyler Roberts effectively forced Leeds to play with 10 men, the Foxes were able to see out the victory without too many issues.
Here are your player ratings...
Leicester player ratings
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Kasper Schmeichel (GK) - 8/10 - Kept his side in it with a string of fine saves. A captain's performance that he has not always delivered this season.
Hamza Choudhury (CB) - 6/10 - Not too shabby as he was once again fielded in an unfamiliar centre-back role.
Daniel Amartey (CB) - 5/10 - So uncomfortable in possession. His passing was poor.
Caglar Soyuncu (CB) - 6/10 - Shaky start but recovered to make a string of vital blocks.
2. Wing-backs & midfielders
Marc Albrighton (RWB) - 4/10 - Fairly disappointing. Made a few uncharacteristic errors. Moved to right-back in the second half.
Wilfred Ndidi (CM) - 5/10 - Started okay but after the interval he allowed Leeds far too much space to shoot.
Youri Tielemans (CM) - 5/10 - Seemed to shirk some of his defensive responsibilities. Underwhelmed on the ball.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (CM) - 7/10 - Broke out of midfield to press the Leeds' backline. His close control in tight areas was joyous.
Luke Thomas (LWB) - 5/10 - Usually quite assured but struggled here, making several errors.
3. Forwards
Jamie Vardy (ST) - 6/10 - Huge boost to have him back. He was dangerous in the first half, getting plenty of joy against Ayling. Taken off after an hour as an injury precaution.
Harvey Barnes (ST) - 8/10 - Started very strongly, playing some nice one-twos and getting behind the Leeds backline. Excellent finish when his side were in dire need of inspiration.
4. Substitutes
Ademola Lookman (RW) - 6/10 - Added some energy to the ranks.
Kelechi Iheanacho (ST) - 7/10 - Made a near instant impact, setting up Barnes for the opener.
Nampalys Mendy (CM) - 6/10 - Nice to see him finally rewarded for an impressive AFCON tournament.
Leeds player ratings
5. Goalkeeper & defenders
Illan Meslier (GK) - 5/10 - Was alert to sweep up a few balls from deep. Got a hand to Barnes' effort and should have kept it out.
Stuart Dallas (RB) - 5/10 - Impressed with a few jaunts forward but Barnes had him on toast multiple times, including for the goal.
Luke Ayling (CB) - 4/10 - Just doesn't look like a centre-back, particularly in a back four.
Pascal Struijk (CB) - 5/10 - Looked sluggish and picked up a yellow card for his troubles.
Junior Firpo (LB) - 7/10 - Looked great going forward with his overlapping runs causing the Foxes serious problems. Defended stoically too.
6. Midfielders
Robin Koch (CM) - 6/10 - Provided Leeds with the solidity they have been sorely missed in midfield recently.
Mateusz Klich (CM) - 6/10 - Sometimes late closing down passing lanes in midfield but made a lot of tackles. The double pivot is the way forward.
Raphinha (AM) - 6/10 - Not as influential as he know he can be but did beat Thomas easily more than once. Missed a huge chance.
Jack Harrison (AM) - 7/10 - Worked extremely hard and looked sharp in possession. Excellent crossing.
7. Forwards
Daniel James (ST) - 6/10 - Looked more comfortable than he has for some time. Decision making was a bit slow.
Rodrigo (ST) - 6/10 - Played his role out of possession but little impact in the final third.
8. Substitutes
Joe Gelhardt (ST) - 6/10 - Involved from the outset, firing narrowly wide with his first touch.
Adam Forshaw (CM) - 6/10 - Tidy.
Tyler Roberts (AM) - 6/10 - Picked up an injury second after coming on.
