Leicester City fans were thrilled with the lineup chosen by Ruud van Nistelrooy, who stuck with the same attacking quartet that had impressed in the weekend’s victory.
However, their optimism turned to frustration as the match followed a now-familiar script. Jannik Vestergaard allowed Jean-Philippe Mateta to breeze past him, round Jakub Stolarczyk, and slot the ball into an empty net.
The mood at the King Power Stadium worsened when Marc Guehi fired in a well-executed free-kick, doubling Crystal Palace’s lead and effectively sealing Leicester’s sixth consecutive Premier League defeat.
Leicester now sit 19th in the table, two points away from safety, with time running out to turn their season around.
Here’s how Leicester City News rated the Foxes’ performances against Crystal Palace:
Leicester City Player Ratings
Jakub Stolarczyk – 5
Not much to say about the goalkeeper. Wasn’t at fault for any of the goals but conceded two more.
The Foxes are reportedly looking at a new goalkeeper and you can understand why since they are conceding at least two every game.
James Justin – 5
Wasn’t too bad in fairness and was defensively sound but he’ll be frustrated with failing to keep a clean sheet and be on the winning side.
Wout Faes – 6
Faes deserved his place in the XI after impressing against QPR and was solid individually but once again, part of a defence incapable of keeping attacking sides at bay.
Jannik Vestergaard – 4
Played Mateta onside for the goal and is far too weak to let him run round and score. Fell to pieces after the first goal.
Victor Kristiansen – 5
Like Justin, was solid in his own right but not solid enough to help his side be on the winning side.
Harry Winks – 5
Looked back to his usual self after his uncharacteristic mistakes against QPR and exchanged some neat passes.
Boubakary Soumare – 6
Had some brief moments here and there but none to really change the course of the game. Hit the crossbar and didn’t stop running.
Facundo Buonanotte – 5
Always wanted to get on the ball and make something happen but couldn’t execute that final ball. Leicester fans made their feelings known when he was subbed as there were audible boos.
Bilal El Khannouss – 6
Very assured first-half performance and looked the main source of inspiration for anything good coming Leicester’s way before being substituted at the expense of the formation change.
Stephy Mavididi – 5
Had a brilliant first half but as has been all too common this season, faded away in the second half and looked scared to take on the full-back he had gotten the better of in the first 45.
Jamie Vardy – 4
Had two or three great chances but was incredibly wasteful at a time where Leicester cannot afford to pass up moments like that.
Substitutes
Oliver Skipp – 5
Didn’t really do anything of significance and when you pay £20m for a player, you’d hope that they can impact games when they play.
Another example of where the Foxes’ recruitment has let them down.
Kasey McAteer – 6
Looked bright and lively when he came on and offered something from a wide point on the right-hand side of the pitch.
Put in a wicked ball across the box but none of his teammates were quick enough to react.
Patson Daka – 5
Ran tirelessly up top with Vardy but was erratic and didn’t have any key chances, nothing more than 50/50 efforts here and there.
Kept dropping deep into the midfield which isn’t what you need when you need two goals.
Jordan Ayew – N/A
Wasn’t on long enough to make an impact.
