Watford vs Leicester City Player Ratings as Ricardo Pereira shines bright from Leicester

The Watford vs Leicester City fixture has historically never disappointed, and the two clubs delivered yet again with an enthralling 2-1 victory for Leicester City on Saturday evening at Vicarage Road. 

Watford vs Leicester City: A close fought contest

Watford were dealt with an early blow as striker Vakoun Bayo was injured just 2 minutes into the game. Patson Daka opened the scoring for Leicester from the penalty spot in minute 11. After half-time, Ricardo Pereira quickly doubled the lead for The Foxes with a swift finish. Abdul Fatawu earned an assist from the Pereira goal.

Watford, at home, kept knocking at Leicester City’s goal and finally broke through with an Emmanuel Dennis goal just after an hour on the clock.

Despite creating more opportunities and having 13 shots compared to Leicester’s meager 5, Watford couldn’t score an equalizer. Leicester clinched a narrow 2-1 win. The Foxes will head into their next battle 11 points clear at the top of the EFL Championship table.

Meanwhile, Watford will stay stuck in the middle at 11th in the league. On that note, let’s take a look at the player ratings for Watford vs Leicester City. 

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Watford vs Leicester City Player Ratings:

Watford:

Ben Hamer (GK): 6.5/10

The goalkeeper made one save and completed 37 passes on the night, however, failed to influence the game majorly. 

Tom Dele-Bashiru: 6/10 

Tom struggled to hold his own defensively and lost possession 8 times. He was dribbled past once on the right.

Ryan Porteous: 6.75/10 

The center-back completed 64 passes and won 3 out of 4 aerial duels. 

Wesley Hoedt: 7/10

Captain Wesley Hoedt had a good outing in defense. He completed 56 passes and won 5 out of his 8 duels. The Dutchman also played 1 key pass. 

Jamal Lewis: 6.5/10

Lewis had a mediocre night out and failed to create any opportunities higher up the pitch. He completed 90.9% of his passes.

Ismael Koné: 8/10

Isamel was a ray of light in an otherwise uninspired Watford team. The young Canadian won 8/11 duels and won all his tackles. He also completed 87.2% of his passes, with 5 successful long balls. 

Jake Livermore: 6.5/10

Livermore played 1 key pass and won 2 fouls for Watford. 

Giorgi Chakvetadze: 6.25/10

The midfielder tried his best to influence the game, but wasn’t effective. He lost possession 10 times and won only one duel. 

Matheus Martins: 6.0/10

Martins was barely involved in the game and only completed 9 passes before being taken off. 

Vakoun Issouf Bayo: NA

The striker was injured in minute 2. 

Ken Sema: 6.75/10

Sema played 2 key passes and completed 16/20 passes.

Watford Substitutes:

Mileta Rajović: 5.5/10

The Danish international was subbed on early for Vakoun Bayo but failed to make an impact. He completed only 6 passes with a poor 66.7% completion rate before being subbed off. 

Yaser Asprilla: 6.0/10 

The Columbian completed 70% of his passes and took one shot off target. 

Emmanuel Dennis: 7.25/10 

Watford’s goalscorer, Dennis, was a revelation as he helped Watford fans to dream of equalizing in the second half. 

Ryan Andrews: 6/10 

He created one chance in the 29 minutes he played for Watford vs Leicester City.

Leicester City:

Mads Hermansen (GK): 6.5/10

Hermansen was crucial to Leicester holding the lead in the dying embers with some important run outs and saves. 

Benjamin Nelson: 6/10

Nelson held his own in a 3 man-central defense and completed 29 passes. 

Wout Faes: 8/10

Faes had an opportunity to leave last season after Leicester’s relegation to the Championship. However, the club will appreciate his loyalty as he helped the club win tonight. Wout made 7 clearances, blocked 3 shots and won 3 tackles. He also completed 61 passes. Clutch performance. 

James Justin: 7.5/10

Just like his partner in defense, Faes, James Justin was crucial to Leicester retaining the lead. James made 8 clearances and won 1 tackle. 

Ricardo Pereira: 8.25/10

One of Leicester’s goalscorers on the night, Pereira was key in attack. Ricardo also created a few big chances, while winning 6 out of his 8 ground duels. Certainly Leicester’s man of the match.

Harry Winks: 6/10

Winks had a night off as the Englishman struggled to create opportunities. He still had an impressive completion pass rate of 94.8%

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku: 7.6/10

The teenager was crucial to Ricardo Pereira’s goal with his brilliant assist. 

Dennis Praet: 7/10

Veteran Praet had a sublime outing, completing 30 passes and winning the penalty for Leicester’s first goal.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: 7/10

Dewsbury-Hall helped Leicester maintain control in the midfield. He completed 39 passes and won 4 ground duels.

Kasey McAteer: 6.5/10 

McAteer was invisible in a rather lively performance by The Foxes. Kasey won 2 aerial duels and made 3 clearances.

Patson Daka: 7.5/10

Zambia’s Daka had an excellent game as he scored from the penalty spot to give Leicester the lead. He also boasted a passing completion rate of 84%. 

Leicester City Substitutes: 

Callum Doyle: 6.25/10

Doyle was subbed on in the 62nd minute, and he aided City’s defense well. He won 2 ground duels. 

Jamie Vardy: 6.5/10

Legendary Jamie Vardy came on for the last 18 minutes to re-enforce Leicester’s attack. 

Hamza Choudhary: 6/10

The Englishman came on in the 82nd minute and had barely any time to make a difference. 

Stephy Mavididi: 6/10

Mavididi started an exciting counter in the dying embers but couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity. 

Next up after Watford vs Leicester City:

The man of the match was certainly Leicester City’s Ricardo Pereira as his game-winning goal kept Leicester top of the league. Leicester will now host Sheffield Wednesday on 13th February.

Meanwhile, Watford will visit Norwich City in the Championship on 13th February.

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