Player ratings as Patrick Bamford’s masterclass sinks the foxes

A Patrick Bamford masterclass rocked Leicester’s title hopes at King Power Stadium, as the striker scored one and created two more to put Brendan Rodgers’ side to the sword.

Rodgers had said before the game that he didn’t want his team drawn into a ‘basketball game’ but you get what you get when you play at Leeds.

The Foxes took the lead early on thanks to Harvey Barnes, but were caught within minutes when Stuart Dallas arrived late to enjoy a great heist game from Bamford.

Each team then had a goal ruled out before the break (you don’t get that in basketball), but just as Leicester started to take control within 45 seconds, it was Leeds who took the initiative.

Bamford put them in the lead with an incredible finish with 20 minutes remaining, and the forward turned creative to secure points late, facing Jack Harrison for a simple finish.

Let’s move on to some player reviews!

Kasper Schmeichel (GK) – 7/10 – Must have been at his best shot save sometimes in the first half and didn’t look happy about it. There wasn’t much he could do with either of Leeds’ goals in the second half.

Timothy Castagne (RB) – 5/10 – It looked good before a groin injury forced him to leave before half-time.

Wesley Fofana (CB) – 5/10 – Engaged far too easily for Leeds’ equalizer and looked awkward after being moved to the right-back at the break.

Jonny Evans (CB) – 5/10 – It’s not his best performance as he struggled to win his battles against Bamford for the most part.

James Justin (LB) – 7/10 – Competent to move forward and so aggressive defensively. Won the ball ten times without reporting a foul.

Nampalys Mendy (CM) – 6/10 – Loaded the role “Ndidi” and did it pretty well. Swarmed every time he touched the ball but treated the press confidently for the most part.

Youri Tielemans (CM) – 5/10 – Involved in a few promising counterattacks, but his passing and decision making was not as sharp as usual.

James Maddison (AM) – 7/10 – Put on the opener for his 17th goal of the season. Passed out in and out of play but served as the nucleus for most of Leicester’s attacks.

Marc Albrighton (RW) – 5/10 – A fairly calm first half before being sacrificed to change form at the break.

Ayoze Perez (CF) – 6/10 – Selfless and efficient, held the ball well but often dropped too deep to make a real impact.

Harvey Barnes (LW) – 7/10 – Sensational race for the opening even though there was no significant challenge in sight. Another brilliant performance.

Ricardo Pereira (Castagne, 36 years old) – 5/10 – Moved to the right wing after Albrighton’s withdrawal and was ineffective.

Caglar Soyuncu (Albrighton, 46) – 5/10 – Introduced as part of a tactical reshuffle, but struggled in a makeshift back row.

Illan Meslier (GK) – 6/10 – Composed in his cast and confident to claim crosses when needed. Great stop to deny Perez an equalizer.

Luke Ayling (RB) – 7/10 – Ambitious with his runs forward but generally strong defensively. Suffered a nasty cut to the head but that didn’t stop him from flying in every 50/50 that came along.

Liam Cooper (CB) – 6/10 – Commander in the back even if his decision-making was sometimes a little offbeat.

Pascal Strujik (CB) – 7/10 – Often gone out to retrieve the ball and usually won it. Tidy in its distribution even if it favored the safe pass.

Ezgjan Alioski (LB) – 6/10 – Difficult to nail him to a basic position sometimes with his movement. Buzz on the pitch and makes his presence felt in all phases of the game.

Kalvin Phillips (DM) – 6/10 – He saw unusually fewer touches on the ball than any other outfield player, but made the right decision whenever it came to him.

Stuart Dallas (CM) – 7/10 – Another who covered so much ground that it was hard to tell which position he was actually playing in. Momentarily a striker with his finish made up for the first goal.

Rodrigo (CM) – 4/10 – Oddly, he started out as a forward central midfielder, but an injury reduced his involvement before he could justify the odd move.

Raphinha (RW) – 7/10 – Quick thinking and keen execution made the second goal. Quiet outside of it but the great moments are where it counts.

Patrick Bamford (CF) – 8/10 – Done the first, scored the second, made the third. Displays.

Jack Harrison (LW) – 6/10 – The quietest of Leeds’ forward three, but hasn’t half covered the pitch. Rewarded for his effort with a late tap-in.

Mateusz Klich (Rodrigo, 21) – 7/10 – Set up a quarterfinal after his introduction and kicks for goals two and three. I can’t complain about this.

Helder Costa (Raphinha, 80) – 5/10