Jamie Vardy was once again the difference maker as Leicester City secured a narrow 1-0 win over Wolves on Sunday.
Leicester City continue on their merry ways this month following yet another narrow victory at King Power Stadium – this time against Wolves.
The Foxes were pretty much the better side for the majority of the game, especially in the first half, where their relentless attacking endeavours unsettled the opposing backline. They were, however, quite lucky to get a penalty out of a Max Kilman handball, with Jamie Vardy making no mistake in converting that chance in the 15th minute.
Leicester continued to dominate and earned a far less controversial second penalty, though this one was saved by Rui Patricio. While it was always going to become costly for the Foxes, they did extremely well in maintaining a solid shape and remaining disciplined throughout the course of the game, effectively preventing Wolves from finding an equaliser.
Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will take a look at both the teams, following this fascinating fixture at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.
Leicester City
Kasper Schmeichel: 7.5/10
Kasper Schmeichel made an outstanding save to deny Ruben Neves in the second half, though he did not have much to do otherwise, aside from saving an effort from Pedro Neto.
Wesley Fofana: 9/10
Wesley Fofana was one of the best performers in this game, showcasing surreal confidence and skill for his age. He most notably made an interception to prevent Daniel Podence from scoring while his ball distribution was top-notch.
Wesley Fofana has made more clearances (18) than any other Leicester City player so far this season and they have only conceded two Premier League goals with him on the pitch.
At 19 years old, he's only going to get better. ? pic.twitter.com/c4tmzVmwjW
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 8, 2020
Jonny Evans: 7.5/10
Jonny Evans provided the necessary support to Fofana, though he did appear to be rusty one or two times. It was ultimately enough to see Leicester through.
Christian Fuchs: 8/10
Christian Fuchs deserves a lot of credit for stepping up in the absence of Caglar Soyuncu and the Austrian was once again solid in preventing Wolves a clear cut opportunity.
James Justin: 7/10
A mixed game for James Justin, who did win the second penalty even though it was missed by Vardy. The youngster was clumsy on the other hand and could have done a bit better in terms of ball-retention.
Youri Tielemans: 8/10
It was a trademark Youri Tielemans performance in midfield as the Belgian relentlessly pressured the opponents for the entirety of the ninety minutes. His passing was also good and his overall influence was key in helping the Foxes dominate this game.
Nampalys Mendy: 8/10
Nampalys Mendy played a vital role in Leicester’s second line of press. His aggression, tenacity and willingness to win back possession for his team were key in denying Wolves the opportunity to dominate the proceedings.
Luke Thomas: 5/10
Luke Thomas lacked a bit of confidence, especially while he was on the ball as he gave away possession in tight areas, at times. He needs to improve if he is to have any chance of moving ahead of Timothy Castagne and James Justin in the pecking order.
Dennis Praet: 8/10
Dennis Praet once again showed his all-round game by not only creating chances but also playing a key role in Leicester City’s first line of press. He pressed the opposition and looked quite confident in possession, linking up well with Justin on the right flank.
James Maddison: 8/10
James Maddison’s technical presence in the final third was essential in helping Leicester City have a chance of breaking down the Wolves. As such, he kept the opposition busy with his neat footwork and deceptive movements.
Jamie Vardy: 7.5/10
Vardy may have been lucky to get the first penalty, but deserves credit for burying his chance. He was also involved in the game, using his intelligent movement and pace to keep the opposition occupied, even though the Englishman did miss the opportunity to double his tally.
Love VAR. @vardy7 converts a penalty that in all seriousness was another nonsense.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 8, 2020
SUBSTITUTES
Marc Albrighton: 7/10
Offered a more direct presence on the left flank after replacing Thomas at half-time. The experienced winger looked calm in possession as well while he also whipped in a few crosses. A smart substitution by Brendan Rodgers.
Harvey Barnes: 5/10
Did not do a great deal after coming on aside from attempting a shot on goal.
Wes Morgan: N/A
Offered an additional defensive body during the final phase of the game after replacing Praet. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Wolves
Rui Patricio: 7.5/10
Rui Patricio did an excellent job in saving Vardy’s second penalty and giving his side a chance to come back into the game. A good game for the Portuguese international.
Willy Boly: 6.5/10
Had to remain resilient and strong in dealing with the threat of Vardy and the defender did well, to an extent, using his imposing frame to good effect.
Conor Coady: 6.5/10
Conor Coady played a vital role in dealing with the Leicester City, but would have hoped for better support from the midfielders in terms of cutting off their supply.
Max Kilman: 6.5/10
Max Kilman was extremely unlucky to concede the first penalty. He did a decent job during the defensive situations, though, given how Leicester City poured forward.
Nelson Semedo: 6.5/10
Nelson Semedo did a fairly decent job on the right flank, where he found a lot of freedom against Thomas. Did not manage to crop up something out of the top drawer.
Leander Dendoncker: 6/10
Leander Dendoncker could have done a little better in providing defensive coverage in the middle of the park and preventing the likes of Tielemans and Mendy from dominating the proceedings.
Ruben Neves: 4/10
It was a bad day at the office for Ruben Neves, whose lack of progression in terms of movement with the ball at his feet hurt Wolves’ overall transition game. His remarkable effort on goal was also saved by Schmeichel.
Spectacular from Schmeichel ??
Neves thought he'd drawn Wolves level, only to be denied by a terrific stop from the Leicester goalkeeper.
? Watch on Sky Sports PL
? Follow #LEIWOL here: https://t.co/tKYMTIFqFG
? Download the @SkySports app! pic.twitter.com/skUWZYWZpz— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 8, 2020
Rayan Ait-Nouri: 3/10
Rayan Ait-Nouri failed to replicate his performance against Crystal Palace and looked troubled in dealing with the likes of Justin and Praet on the flanks. Also conceded the second penalty with a rash tackle on Justin.
Pedro Neto: 5.5/10
It was a frustrating game for Pedro Neto, who often got isolated by the Leicester City defenders. Despite his best efforts, the attacker failed to create anything of substance.
Daniel Podence: 5/10
Daniel Podence never got going against Leicester City. Progressed the ball forward pretty well at times, but was often stopped in his tracks.
Raul Jimenez: 5/10
Raul Jimenez was just wasn’t competent enough to get the better of the opposition. The Mexican international looked out of pace and fatigued throughout the game.
SUBSTITUTES
Adama Traore: 6.5/10
Offered some much-needed pace and directness on the right flank after coming on Podence around the hour mark.
Marcal: 6/10
Provided better protection on the left flank after replacing Ait-Nouri, but the change should have been made much earlier.
Fabio Silva: N/A
A late replacement for Neto. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
