Leicester City took a big step towards Champions League qualification as they cruised to a 2-0 win over Sheffield United on Thursday evening.
Leicester dominated possession in the first half, culminating in the opening goal of the game, when a lovely team move allowed Premier League debutant Luke Thomas to pass into the box, where Ayoze Pérez was free to take a touch and fire a low effort into the bottom-left hand corner of the net.
In the second half, Chris Wilder’s side were much better than they were in the opening 45, after 3 half-time changes. But they still found it very difficult to threaten Kasper Schmeichel’s goal, and Leicester still maintained a consistent run of chances from counter-attacks. One of these quick breaks eventually led to a second for the Foxes, as Jonny Evans played a lovely ball over the top for Jamie Vardy to chase, and the league’s top scorer was able to pass across goal to fresh substitute Demarai Gray, who slotted the ball past Henderson.
Leicester’s win sees them climb to within one point of Chelsea in third ahead of their trip to Anfield next Wednesday, giving them a real chance of finishing in the top four. Meanwhile, Sheffield failed to capitalise on their game in hand, and they remain in eighth, just one point ahead of Arsenal in ninth.
Player Ratings
Leicester City
Kasper Schmeichel – 7
Ryan Bennet – 8.5
Wes Morgan – 7.5
Jonny Evans – 8
James Justin – 6.5
Luke Thomas – 8
Wilfred Ndidi – 7.5
Youri Tielemans – 8
Ayoze Pérez – 7.5
Harvey Barnes – 6.5
Jamie Vardy – 8.5 (MOTM)
Subs:
Hamza Choudry – 6.5
Demarai Gray -7.5
Sheffield United
Dean Henderson – 7
Chris Basham – 6
John Egan – 6.5
Jack O’Connell – 6
George Baldock – 6.5
Sander Berge – 5
Oliver Norwood – 6.5
Ben Osborn – 5
Enda Stevens – 5.5
Oliver McBurnie – 6
David McGoldrick – 5
Subs:
Lys Mousset – 6
John Fleck – 6
John Lundstram – 5.5
Billy Sharp – 6
