Leicester moved up to second in the Premier League table on Sunday afternoon as first-half goals from James Maddison and Harvey Barnes helped them secure a 2-1 win over Aston Villa.
The visitors started the game strongly and they opened the scoring when Maddison stroked home from just outside the box.
Minutes later they doubled their lead through Harvey Barnes, who reacted quickest to smash home the rebound from Jamie Vardy's snapshot.
"This fearless team are doing the business again away from home!" ?
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 21, 2021
With Gareth Southgate watching in the stands, Harvey Barnes gets his 13th goal of the season ?
? Aston Villa vs Leicester on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event pic.twitter.com/1c4dMNb7dw
Villa came out strongly after the break and managed to pull one back through Bertrand Traore early in the second half. Following this poor start, Leicester managed the game professionally and saw out their victory without too much trouble.
Here are your player ratings for both team from Villa Park.
ASTON VILLA
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Emiliano Martinez (GK) - 5/10 - Little he could do for the first goal but he dropped a clanger for the second, spilling it straight to Barnes.
Ahmed Elmohamady (RB) - 5/10 - The drop-off in quality compared to Matty Cash was noticeable. He was torn to shreds by Barnes and fluffed a clearance in the buildup to Leicester's second.
Ezri Konsa (CB) - 6/10 - Looked pretty hapless in the first half with Maddison's movement causing all sorts of problems. He improved thereafter, finishing the game with three blocks.
Tyrone Mings (CB) - 5/10 - Far from convincing. He was slow to get out and block Maddison's shot and Vardy's pressing gave him a few nervy moments.
Matt Targett (LB) - 6/10 - Provided a delicious cross for Villa's goal. Other than that, his delivery was pretty average.
2. Midfielders
Douglas Luiz (CM) - 6/10 - He was woeful early on, allowing Maddison an obscene amount of space. Improved markedly after the break, chipping in with some destructive tackles.
John McGinn (CM) - 5/10 - Played in a more advanced role than usual and was often caught too high up in the first half.
Ross Barkley (CM) - 5/10 - Did not track Maddison for his goal. Next to no impact to the attacking phase as well.
3. Forwards
Bertrand Traore (RW) - 7/10 - Made up for a peripheral first-half display by scoring just after the break. Did not build on this throughout the second period though.
Ollie Watkins (ST) - 6/10 - A tireless display. He moved into the channels intelligently but did not have many chances to score.
Anwar El Ghazi (LW) - 4/10 - Replacing Jack Grealish is not an easy task. Even still, he was pretty underwhelming.
4. Substitutes
Trezeguet - 5/10 - Did not add a great deal.
Jacob Ramsey - 6/10 - Got through a lot of running.
Morgan Sanson - 6/10 - Not a lot to be learned from his ten-minute cameo.
LEICESTER CITY
5. Goalkeeper & defenders
Kasper Schmeichel (GK) - 6/10 - Nothing to do in the first half. Got involved in a needless fracas after Villa's goal.
Timothy Castagne (RB) - 7/10 - Slotted back into the side seamlessly after an extended injury layoff. His presence back in the side is a big boost.
Jonny Evans (CB) - 7/10 - One or two rash decisions aside, he did well. He won most of his headers and moved the ball efficiently.
Caglar Soyuncu (CB) - 7/10 - Dominated the air and ground. He was assertive in his defending, pushing up out of the back four when necessary.
Luke Thomas (LB) - 8/10 - Made a goal-saving block in the first half and generally defended solidly. A little bit tentative at times but he supported the attack throughout.
6. Midfielders
Youri Tielemans (CM) - 7/10 - Covered well defensively, before being moved into a number ten role when Maddison got injured.
Wilfred Ndidi (CM) - 6/10 - Mistimed more than a few tackles, racking up four fouls. He was neat in possession.
James Maddison (AM) - 8/10 - He caught the eye in the first half, finding plenty of space between the lines and scoring a fantastic goal. His withdrawal in the second half through injury was a real shame.
7. Forwards
Ricardo Pereira (RW) - 7/10 - Looked comfortable in a more advanced position. He was heavily involved early on, firing off a few shots, but his influence did wane as things progressed.
Jamie Vardy (ST) - 6/10 - Ensured Villa's defence did not settle by pressing relentlessly. Lacked his usual clinical edge though.
Harvey Barnes (LW) - 8/10 - With Gareth Southgate in attendance he further strengthened his England chances with a first-half assist and goal. Looked dangerous all afternoon.
8. Substitutes
Nampalys Mendy - 7/10 - Kept things very safe and simple, as was his job.
Daniel Amartey - 6/10 - Defended stoically after coming on for the final ten or so minutes.
Hamza Choudhury - N/A
Source: 90min
