Watford 0 Leicester 1 player ratings: Riyad Mahrez's superb strike sets him apart during vital Foxes win
Who impressed us at Vicarage Road?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Leicester extended their lead at the top of the table to five points thanks to an excellent defensive display which helped them earn a 0-1 win over Watford at Vicarage road.
Following the 2-2 draw in the north London derby earlier in the day, Leicester knew they had a great opportunity and started the game with a real intent, inside three minutes Jamie Vardy latched onto a long ball-up field and rounded an on-rushing Gomes only to see his shot cleared off the line.
After seeing off the early Leicester pressure unscathed, Watford began to create some chances of their own, Nathan Ake rising highest in the box to meet a Ben Watson free-kick only to see his header loop on to the cross-bar and behind, Watford dominated possession without creating many chances for the remainder of the half.
Watford began the second period pressing as they had been for much of the first, Mario Suarez forcing a smart stop from Schmeichel after a driving run out from the back.
For all Watford’s possession they had failed to create any real clear cut opportunities and on 56 minutes they were made to pay, Riyad Mahrez taking one touch to get the ball out of his feet on the corner of the Watford box before curling a sensational effort through a crowd of bodies to beat Gomes at his near post.
With the momentum on their side Leicester pushed for an immediate second, Drinkwater and Vardy linking up well to release the front man but Vardy’s shot was cleared away off the line by a lunging Ake.
There was a real scare for the foxes on 79 minutes when Mahrez appeared to pull up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury, the winger was substituted shortly after and Leicester will be desperately hoping their best player won’t miss any games on their run in.
Other than an Ighalo header in the 81st minute which looped straight into the welcome arms of Kasper Schmeichel, Watford were unable to penetrate a rock solid Leicester defence and the league leaders held on for an excellent win.
How did we rate each player at Vicarage Road? Check out our gallery...
Do you agree with our ratings? Let us know in the comment below.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments