Abdul Fatawu faultless, Stephy Mavididi invisible - Leicester ratings v Birmingham
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Credit: Imago
Ben Palmer
Fri 29 August 2025 22:10, UK
Abdul Fatawu scored a screamer to give Leicester an all-important victory against Birmingham.
Bilal El Khannouss was a notable absence for Leicester as they took all three points at the King Power on Friday evening (29 August).
The Morocco international sat in the stands, far more transfixed by the activity on his phone rather than what was taking place on the pitch, although he could hardly be blamed.
Fatawu slammed home in the eighth minute, but after the moment of magic from the 21-year-old, little else happened between the two sides, until Ricardo Pereira netted a late winner from the bench.
Birmingham showed glimpses of the attacking capabilities that fired them to the League One title last term, but Leicester ran out as deserving 2-0 winners, moving up to third in the table, level on points with Stoke and Middlesbrough.
Photo Credit: Imago
Jakub Stolarczyk – 8
Mads Hermansen joined West Ham this summer, giving Jakub Stolarczyk the opportunity to earn a place as the Foxes’ starting shot-stopper, despite taking a hefty hit in the closing stages, the Polish goalkeeper was assured throughout.
Hamza Choudhury (off for Ricardo Pereira 72?) – 4
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Shaky.
The midfielder found himself filling in at right-back, as he has often done in recent years, but struggled to deal with Demarai Gray.
Caleb Okoli – 6
The Italian defender had no issues dealing with Birmingham’s attacking threat, but his distribution could do with some work.
Jannik Vestergaard – 9
The towering Denmark international looks right at home in the Championship and used his physicality to great affect by dominating aerial duels and throwing himself into tackles.
Luke Thomas – 8
Quiet but efficient.
The Frenchman’s boundless energy allowed Skipp to orchestrate much of Leicester’s build-up play and the pair look comfortable next to one another.
Abdul Fatawu – 10 – Player of the Match
Sunderland are keen on signing Fatawu, and the Black Cats will have sat up when they saw the Ghana international’s effort fly into the top corner in the first half.
In stark contrast to Fatawu on the opposite flank, Mavididi endured a miserable game and was hooked off in the 71st minute.
Jordan Ayew – 5
As a lone striker, Jordan Ayew found it difficult to create chances for himself, striker has to be an area of priority in the final days of the transfer window.
Substitutes
Patson Daka (on for Page 56?) – 6
His introduction helped Ayew up top, giving the Ghana international a partner to play off of.
Jeremy Monga (on for Mavididi 71?) – 8
After scoring his first senior goal against Preston on 16 August, Jeremy Monga registered his first assist against Birmingham, setting up Pereira’s winner.
Not bad for a 16-year-old.
Ricardo Pereira (on for Choudhury 72?) – 8
Absolutely should have been sent off just four minutes after coming on as a sub, but made the most of the woeful refereeing decision by firing home the winner in the 88th minute.
Wout Faes (on for Fatawu 87?) – 6
Wout Faes had little to do after coming on as Pereira’s winner killed the energy from the game.