RATINGS: How we scored Watford in their defeat to Leicester City

The Hornets were again left to count the cost of missed chances as a Jamie Vardy penalty and a James Maddison individual effort secured the points for the Foxes, while Etienne Capoue was also controversially sent off before the end.

Here's how we scored the Hornets at the King Power Stadium:

Ben Foster – 6.5

The Hornets number one can consider himself unfortunate with the penalty because he looked to pull his hands away when Jamie Vardy went over, but having committed to attempting the challenge the risk was always going to be there. Foster was stranded in no man’s land for the second goal but otherwise did what would be expected of him.

Kiko Femenia – 5.5

Struggled at times against the pace and trickery of Demari Gray but stuck at the task. When the winger was replaced midway through the second half, the Spaniard was able to get forward more and sent over a couple of dangerous crosses.

Adrian Mariappa – 5.5

A difficult afternoon for the centre half as Leicester sought to stretch the Watford defence with their counter-attacking approach. Was wrong-footed by James Maddison for the second goal, ultimately setting him up for the volley with an unfortunate assist.

Craig Cathcart – 6

Arguably the pick of a back line that it found it tough to deal with the Foxes counter attacks at times, although some stray passes contributed to some of the problems they encountered.

Jose Holebas – 5.5

Was restored to the starying XI after missing the Liverpool game through injury. Several of Leicester’s better attacking moments came down Holebas’ flank with Marc Albrighton more than once enjoying plenty of space. Inconsistent with his set-piece deliveries.

Will Hughes – 6

Another game where Hughes' effort and work ethic could not be questioned and he again dug in defensively when required. But his creative contributions continue to be restricted by having to play the right-sided role. Made way for Nathaniel Chalobah for the final 15 minutes.

Etienne Capoue – 7

Once again Watford’s best performer as they had the lion’s share of the possession, although the Foxes were to have the upper hand in midfield at times with their superior numbers in the centre of the park. The Frenchman prompted and probed and can consider himself unlucky to have been sent off for what some observers didn’t even think was a foul.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6

Worked hard and tried repeatedly to kick start or contribute to Watford’s attacks but arguably tried too hard on occasions by looking for that extra pass or that extra certainty that can come when you’re not getting the rub of the green. His shooting radar was also wayward, but by no means the only Hornet struggling in that respect.

Roberto Pereyra – 5.5

The Argentine is struggling to reach the heights of earlier this season and this was latest game in which he was unable to have a significant attacking influence, although it could have been different had Isaac Success’ first-half pass found its intended destination and left him with a clear run on goal, rather than being intercepted. Pereyra had one good chance just before he was replaced by Troy Deeney but shot wide.

Gerard Deulofeu – 5.5

The Spaniard’s talent and potential is considerable but the end product and decision making remains inconsistent. Another player who may be struggling for confidence currently given he frequently looked for the extra pass or was almost too deliberate in his actions. Was replaced by Andre Gray 10 minutes after the break.

Isaac Success – 6.5

Fresh from signing a new contract, the striker started ahead of Deeney but didn’t grab the opportunity with both hands. Lacked the composure to finish off a good chance in the first half when he fired over after using his strength and pace to earn the opportunity. But Success didn’t appear to let that unduly affect him and continued to show for the ball and try and offer a cutting edge up front.

Substitutes

Troy Deeney – 6

The skipper had to settle for a place on the bench but when he was introduced 10 minutes into the second half he offered a greater physicality to Watford’s attacking play and was key to the visitors becoming increasingly dominant in terms of possession and territory but the opportunities didn’t come his way.

Andre Gray – 5

A disappointing afternoon in front of goal after coming on alongside Deeney. Put a clear header badly wide and then miskicked when presented with another good opportunity.

Nathaniel Chalobah – 6.5

A useful cameo in the 15 or so minutes he was on the pitch, getting up to the speed of the game quickly and looking to use the ball well. Chalobah will be expected to start against Manchester City on Tuesday if Capoue is suspended.