JibrinLeicester City player ratings v Southampton as teenager deserves more opportunities after 8/10 in defeat
Leicester City’s struggles continued as they suffered another loss to Southampton, exiting the FA Cup.
James Bree headed in an extra-time goal for the Saints as City’s winless streak extended to seven matches across all competitions, with interim manager Andy King unable to engineer a morale-boosting revenge mission on the south coast.
City had arguably been the stronger side during the 90 minutes, taking the game into extra-time after Oliver Skipp netted a brilliant overhead kick in response to Cyle Larin’s penalty, and later seeing a last-minute scramble cleared off the line.
But Southampton capitalized on the decisive extra-time opportunity to eliminate City on a weekend where they also slipped into the Championship’s bottom three, with Blackburn’s victory at QPR moving them ahead.
The 16 changes across the two lineups – six for City, ten for Southampton – resulted in a somewhat disjointed first half, with both teams struggling to create significant attacking opportunities.
City, however, appeared to have the edge. The opening two attempts saw Jordan Ayew draw saves from George Long, first with a tame header and then with a low strike from the corner of the box that required a parry.
As Divine Mukasa became more involved, City began to construct promising sequences, including one exchange where Ayew released Stephy Mavididi down the left flank.
Inside the box, the winger’s initial shot was blocked by Long’s feet, only for the ball to rebound off Oriol Romeu and over Long. But just before it crossed the line, Ryan Manning recovered to head it off the crossbar.
Southampton had barely threatened until they were gifted a golden chance on the verge of halftime—and they took it.
Skipp lost a 50-50 duel to Samuel Edozie on the edge of the box, and then Caleb Okoli, flawless until that point, lunged in and fouled the Saints winger. Larin calmly converted the penalty.
Yet within 15 minutes of the second half, both players involved in the penalty had made amends.
Firstly, Skipp produced a stunning equalizer. After a short corner, Mukasa delivered the ball to Jeremy Monga, whose blocked effort looped into the air.
Skipp received it, and with his back to goal, had to improvise. He executed brilliantly, connecting with a clean overhead kick into the bottom corner. It was only his second City goal, and he could hardly believe it.
At the other end, Okoli also redeemed himself. Kuryu Matsuki’s shot was spilled by Jakub Stolarczyk, and Cameron Archer seemed certain to score from close range. But Okoli got a toe to the ball first to divert it wide.
Chances for a winner were scarce until stoppage time, when City twice came close from corners. First, Mukasa headed over from inside the six-yard box, then, when Ben Nelson’s flick looped over Long, Josh Quarshie cleared off the line.
City initially looked the stronger side in extra-time, but the Saints converted their one clear chance, Bree heading in from a free-kick to eliminate King’s squad. Here’s how we rated the players:
Jakub Stolarczyk: He spilled a shot poorly and was rescued by Okoli, and couldn’t get sufficient contact on Bree’s header in what were his only notable moments with his gloves. He was quick off his line to intercept a Saints counter and avert danger though. 5
Bade Aluko: Outstanding. He was solid in defence, staying tight to Edozie and making crucial tackles. Going forward, he linked well with Monga and displayed impressive skill at times. He appears much more assured since his red card a few months ago and deserves further opportunities. 8
Caleb Okoli: Perfect until the penalty, winning physical and mental duels with Larin and Archer, but lunged in unnecessarily to concede the spot-kick. He later redeemed himself with an excellent block to deny Archer in the second half. 7
Ben Nelson: Early on he played a few wayward passes, but thereafter was immaculate, delivering simple balls and organising the back-line effectively, restricting Saints counterplay. 7
Victor Kristiansen: He consistently supported Mavididi, enhancing City’s threat on the left flank, even if he wasn’t always directly involved. Defensively, he failed to close down Matsuki’s shots and crosses sufficiently. 5
Oliver Skipp: Offered himself well to teammates but weakly lost a 50-50 leading to the penalty. Made up for it with a superb overhead kick and displayed notable confidence on the ball afterwards. 7
Louis Page: Perhaps his most composed showing in a City shirt. Defied his age with intelligent, tidy ball play, navigating tight spaces and supplying through balls to attackers. Covered plenty of ground. 7
Divine Mukasa: Technically brilliant. His footwork and passing in confined areas were exciting and made City more dangerous offensively. His influence faded as the game progressed, looking fatigued. 7
Jeremy Monga: Quiet in the first half but became more active in the second, moving across the pitch to get involved. Ball control excellent, weaving through gaps, though less threatening in the box than others. 5
Jordan Ayew: Improved from recent displays, partly due to increased tempo. Forced Quarshie into a mistake for a first-half chance, and provided a neat through ball to Mavididi for a goal-line opportunity. 7
Stephy Mavididi: Active both offensively and defensively in the first half, creating danger when dribbling and running behind. Had moments of quality in the second half but his impact declined as the game went on. 6
Jibrin
