Premier League: Ndidi In Action, Iheanacho Benched As Leicester Beat Villa To Go Second

The Foxes had the advantage at halftime, courtesy of strikes from Maddison and Barnes in the 19th and 23rd minutes. Either Englishman would be a man-of-the-match contender after that first-half display. Bertrand Traore reduced the deficit for Dean Smith’s men barely three minutes after the restart, but Leicester City delivered another excellent performance – typified by the industry of Nigeria’s Ndidi – to earn all three points at stake. Ndidi, who dropped a man of the match display in the comprehensive defeat of Liverpool last week, showed again why he is considered one of the best central midfielders in the country. Having been booked in the opening period for illegally stopping a swift counterattack from the hosts, the Super Eagles star still managed to pull off two tackles and win five duels without seeing a second yellow card. With Villa desperately in search of an equaliser, Ndidi’s two key interceptions and three clearances ensured that the home side’s attempts were all in vain. The Foxes are now on 49 points, seven points behind Manchester City.