JibrinLeicester City player ratings vs Middlesbrough as one man leads by example
Leicester City faced Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium this evening – here’s how we rated the players
Leicester City produced a battling and organised display to earn a 1-1 draw at promotion-chasing Middlesbrough.
Caleb Okoli’s first goal of the season midway through the first half gave Gary Rowett’s team a surprise lead – only for the defender to invite Boro back into the contest.
Just before the interval the centre back conceded possession playing out from the back as City were opened up and Riley McGree levelled the scores.
Rowett made two alterations to the side which drew at Stoke, one enforced as Victor Kristiansen’s injury saw Luke Thomas return to the starting eleven, the other by choice as Bobby De Cordova-Reid replaced Jeremy Monga.
De Cordova-Reid was probably the standout among the City players in what was an excellent first half undone by an injury time lapse that saw them go into the break at 1-1.
Boro started quickly and pushed City back into their own penalty area with Okoli and Oliver Skipp showing up well in an early rearguard action.
But Rowett’s team settled and De Cordova-Reid started to influence the game, the winger was brought down in the 18th minute by Adilson Malanda, gifting the visitors the free kick from which they scored. Divine Mukasa delivered an inswinger which was headed home by Okoli from close range.
It was the high point of a superb 45 minutes from the Italian who let himself down two minutes into stoppage time when his pass was intercepted and Hayden Hackney played Tommy Conway into the space behind Ricardo Pereira.
The forward pulled back for McGree to wipe out City’s advantage.
That advantage should have been restored early after the restart when Luke Ayling made a hash of Thomas’ punt forward and allowed the ball to bounce up in his own area. Daka chased it down but could only head wide with Sol Brynn stranded.
Boro took command as the second period wore on and McGree forced a sharp save out of Begovic late on but City were resilient and organised to hold on for a hard-earned point.
Begovic 6.5
City shielded him well in the first half, in which he produced a fine save to deny Conway. Kept out McGree late on and looked assured throughout.
Ricardo Pereira 6
Struggled to track the runners in behind him in the opening 45 minutes – and was caught out for the equaliser.
Okoli 8
Was outstanding for the first 47 of the first 48 minutes, strong in defence and clinical in attack, then he invited Boro back into the contest.
Nelson 7.5
Defended well in the opening period and in the second half produced a vital intervention to deny Strelec.
Thomas 7
Had his hands full with Brittain and Browne going down his flank and just about kept his head above water. His long throws caused Boro problems.
Winks 7.5
Gave away a couple of needless free kicks and allowed McGree to run off him for 1-1 but when he did have the ball he used it wisely. Overall a solid performance.
Skipp 8.5
Committed and tireless display as he blocked up the spaces to keep Boro at bay. Really studious in his work without the ball. Tried to pull his team upfield late on and led by example.
De Cordova-Reid 7
A very positive return to the team, caused problems and showed good energy, won the free kick for the Okoli goal. He’ll be valuable in the run-in.
Mukasa 7.5
Excellent delivery for Okoli and a surging run that saw Ayling booked. Picked up a harsh caution trying to retrieve his own loose touch. Otherwise he looked threatening every time he touched the ball.
Mavididi 6
A couple of bright moments in the first half – but also poor in possession at times. Had no real impact in the second and his failure to track an overlapping Brittain saw him substituted.
Daka 6
Worked hard to get his team up the pitch but really should have punished the hesitant Ayling instead of heading a glorious chance wide at the start of the second period. More perspiration than inspiration.
Substitutes
Fatawu (for De Cordova-Reid, 62) Threatened to conjure something magical – without doing so. 6
Ayew (for Daka, 62) Ineffectiveness manifested in poor judgement 5
Aribo (for Mavididi, 76) N/A
Page (for Mukasa, 88) N/A
Not used: Stolarczyk, Gray, Aluko, Monga, Richards
Opposition
BORO: Brynn; Brittain, Ayling (Fry 83), Malanda, Targett; Browne (Sarmiento 66), Hackney, Morris, Whittaker (Strelec 62); McGree, Conway. Not used: Wildsmith, Gilbert, Munro, Sene, Hansen, Ibeh
Goals
Boro: McGree (45+2)
City: Okoli (18)
Jibrin
