Player ratings vs. Napoli

Very disappointing result, not because I thought we deserved better, but for the fact we looked like we were coasting at 2-0. From having the opportunity to take charge of the Europa League group, it now looks a distinctly uphill struggle for 1st.

Here are my ratings:

Schmeichel: 8 - Some excellent first half saves to keep us not just level at half time but ahead. My choice for our MOTM.
Castagne: 6 - Given a tough time by Insigne. Stayed in the battle.
Evans: 5 - Didn't look sharp at all, and moreover looked like he was running in treacle at times.
Vestergaard: 7 - Got done once in the first half but positive in possession and generally solid in defence.
Bertrand: 7 - Showed his experience to largely lock down his wing. Also contributed to some nice attacking forays from time to time.
Ndidi: 7 - Took on some playmaking responsibilities as well as defensive ones. Too often left alone to deal with Napoli attacks. Would have scored higher but for the late red card.
Soumare: 5 - Occasionally classy on the ball. Anonymous off it. Looks like he doesn't yet know what he's supposed to be doing in the team; his teammates passed him by at times and he often turned down a positive pass.
Perez: 7 - Started the first half well, scored the goal and then faded with the formation change. I was surprised he was substituted.
Iheanacho: 7 - Determined and bullish, although unable to forge a good chance for himself. Will have done his starting credentials no harm.
Barnes: 7 - Bagged a goal and an assist, but still doesn't look entirely himself and faded badly toward the end. Should have been subbed.
Daka: 5 - Keen in the press and finished an offside goal nicely, but too often had the ball taken off him. Looks like he's still in the school of kicking the ball past someone and running, which won't work at this level.

Soyuncu: 4 - Looked unsure of himself throughout and got easily out-jumped for the equaliser. Not showing any signs of improving either. Needs a spell out of the team working on his game.
Tielemans: 7 - Brought some much-needed control to the centre of the park, but probably should have come on for Soumare.
Lookman: 6 - Doesn't look in tune with his teammates yet. Tends to run around a bit aimlessly, although looks to have a threat when he does get in the right places.
Maddison: 7 - Improved work rate this evening and generally tidy.
Vardy: n/a - A last, desperate throw of the dice once the lead had been thrown away.


In Napoli, we faced another team who looked sharper, more focused, tidier and just generally better. And of course having 12 men also helped. Even so, we, again, looked too often timid and unsure of ourselves. Passing moves regularly ended up back at the goalkeeper. Positive passes were rejected across the pitch for safe passes back to defenders, against a team who quickly put those defenders under pressure.
Rodgers insists it can get better. If we want anything out of this season other than a solid finish and an exit from the Europa League quickly after the group stage then the team will have to find it. Unfortunately, this is looking more and more like the start of a transition rather than pushing on.