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Player Ratings: Leicester City 0-1 Stoke City

Sports Mole takes a look at the players involved in today's 1-0 win for Stoke City over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

Stoke City secured all three points at the King Power Stadium against Leicester City this afternoon thanks to a 64th-minute strike from Bojan.

The Spaniard latched on to Jonathan Walters's pass and cooly struck a left-footed effort past Ben Hamer and into the bottom corner.

Below, Sports Mole scrutinises the players involved today.


Anthony Knockaert of Leicester City battles for the ball with Marc Wilson of Stoke City during the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Stoke City at The King Power Stadium on January 17, 2015© Getty Images

LEICESTER CITY

Goal

Ben Hamer: Retained his place despite the signing of Mark Schwarzer, he kept Stoke at bay well until Bojan's goal. (6/10)

Defence

Danny Simpson: Offered little going forward for the Foxes. Dealt well with Moses, making a couple of important blocks. (5/10)

Wes Morgan: Would have been interesting to see him face Peter Crouch for longer, with Stoke rarely threatening aerially. (6/10)

Marcin Wasilewski: Very lucky not be shown a second yellow card for a challenge on Begovic just after half time. (5/10)

Paul Konchesky: Also failed to get forward as often as he did against Aston Villa last week. Struggled to contain Arnautovic at times, not that he was at his best either. (5/10)

Midfield

Anthony Knockaert: Went close with one effort in the second half. Too often wasted set piece opportunities thanks to poor delivery. (5/10)

Danny Drinkwater: Did a decent job in the middle, but was not the presence that Esteban Cambiasso might have been had he been fit. (6/10)

Andy King: Showed little to suggest that he's capable of a lengthy Premier League career, misplacing a few passes in decent positions. (5/10)

Jeffrey Schlupp: Used as an outlet down the left, he had some success during the first half. Surprised to see him subbed as the Foxes looked to equalise. (6/10)

Attack

David Nugent: Saw a header drop just wide before going close with a looping effort, the forward showed the odd glimpse of being capable up front today. (6/10)

Jamie Vardy: Worked hard and ran fast, almost forcing Begovic into a mistake. However, unlikely to score more than three more goals this season, based on this performance. (5/10)

Substitutes

Andrej Kramaric: On for Vardy just after Stoke broke the deadlock. Had one shot easily saved, but looked keen to get involved up front. (6/10)

Leonardo Ulloa: Won a couple of knockdowns against a back line which lacked the injured Ryan Shawcross. However, did not look like scoring. (5/10)

Tom Lawrence: Came on with 10 minutes left, making little impact. (5/10)


Bojan Krkic of Stoke City celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Stoke City at The King Power Stadium on January 17, 2015 © Getty Images

STOKE CITY

Goal

Asmir Begovic: Did the little that he had to do very well and will be happy to have kept a first clean sheet in four games. (7/10)

Defence

Phil Bardsley: Got stuck in well on his return to the side. Should retain his place from here onwards. (6/10)

Philipp Wollscheid: The only survivor of the defence from last Sunday's lesson from Alexis Sanchez, the loanee will have been happy to face a difference in quality today. (6/10)

Marc Wilson: With Shawcross out, having Wilson back was important for Stoke. He played well, often putting in a strong challenge. (6/10)

Marc Muniesa: Deputised well for Erik Pieters, though does not offer as much of an attacking threat. (6/10)

Midfield

Steven N'Zonzi: Shook off a knock to take his place in the team. Forced a good save from Hamer with an excellent volley. (7/10)

Glenn Whelan: Kept things ticking over in the midfield, playing well again alongside Nzonzi. (6/10)

Victor Moses: Positively lively on his return to the team, with one or two runs setting up good chances for them. Will surely only get better from here onwards. (7/10)

Marko Arnautovic: Much improved since last weekend. Should have done better when played in by Moses early in the second half. (6/10)

Attack

Bojan: Lovely finish to win the game, stroking low with his left foot. Showed moments of class which make you remember he learned his trade with Barcelona. (7/10)

Jonathan Walters: Held the ball up well like usual, and had a big hand in the goal, laying the ball off for Bojan. (6/10)

Substitutes

Peter Crouch: Went close with an audacious effort from the touchline, attempting to lob Hamer. (6/10)

Geoff Cameron: Cameo role as Stoke saw the clock out. (5/10)


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Leonardo Ulloa of Leicester City celebrates scoring the opening goal with team mates during the FA Cup Third Round match between Leicester City and Newcastle United at The King Power Stadium on January 3, 2015
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