Watford slumped to an eighth defeat in 11 Premier League games as a Jamie Vardy penalty and late Riyad Mahrez effort gave Leicester City a 2-0 win.

The hosts were handed the lead with 39 minutes played after Molla Wague’s clumsy challenge on Vardy gave the England international his 10th goal of the season from 12 yards.

Andre Gray had Watford’s best chance in the second half, but saw his effort blocked after taken too long when clean through on goal.

On a day when Watford created precious little going forward, the Foxes were comfortable and put the game beyond doubt when Mahrez finished off a 90th minute counter with a smart finish.

Orestis Karnezis provided a rare bright spot for the Hornets, producing an assured display on his full debut as he stood in for the injured Heurelho Gomes.

Here’s how the Hornets rated on a disappointing afternoon in Leicester.

Orestis Karnezis – 7

Made a good save early on to deny Vardy and could do nothing about either City goal. Dealt with everything else the hosts offered and was a commanding presence under the high ball. A vast improvement on his calamitous showing at Everton.

Daryl Janmaat – 4

Played a poor pass early on and never really recovered from a slow start. Offered little going forward and was defensively suspect.

Molla Wagué – 3

Foul on Vardy gifted Leicester the opener from 12 yards and Wague constantly looked out of his depth against the pacey forward.

Vardy’s speed took him away from the centre-back on multiple occasions and Wague eventually made way after picking up an injury.

Christian Kabasele – 5

Watford Observer:

Left embarrassed by Mahrez as the fleet-footed Algerian skipped past him en route to scoring the Foxes second in the 90th minute.

Kabasele was, however, the more assured of Watford’s centre-back pairing.

Marvin Zeegelaar – 5

Offered more than Janmaat in an attacking sense and showed some nice touches in what was a better display than he has given in recent times.

Abdoulaye Doucouré – 5.5

Failed to have his usual influence on the game and played a number of wayward passes. A powerful low effort forced a stop from Kasper Schmeichel in the first half.

Ben Watson – 6

Watford Observer:

Tidy in possession and broke up play well as he produced the best display of Watford’s central midfielders. Never likely to be a match-winner for Watford but did what he could to take his side forward.

Andre Carrillo – 4

Scarcely had an involvement in the game as he dropped below the standards he has set in recent weeks. Final ball was found wanting on occasion even if he did put in the odd useful cross.

Roberto Pereyra – 5

Got on the ball plenty in the first half, but limited options in attack made life difficult for the Argentine. Faded as the game wore on and was replaced on the hour.

Richarlison – 4.5

Made a vital block with seven minutes played to deny Wilfred Ndidi a tap in. It is at the other end of the pitch where the Brazilian is expected to influence games, though, and he simply didn’t.

Looks tired after barely missing a minute all term and is in dire need of a rest to help restore the energy levels on show during his early-season form.

Troy Deeney – 6

Watford Observer:

Worked hard on his own in attack after being restored in place of Andre Gray and provided a physical presence for the Leicester defence to contend with.

Looks better with a partner and linked up well once Gray came on, playing a pass over the top which the former Burnley man really should have buried to make it 1-1.

SUBS

Andre Gray – 4

Had a glorious chance to level the scores, but hesitated and allowed Harry Maguire to get back and make a block. A striker high on confidence would have, you sense, taken the shot on earlier.

Sebastian Prodl – 4.5

Like Wague, struggled to deal with the pace of Vardy and looked sluggish.

Stefano Okaka – N/A

Not given long enough to make an impact after forming a front three with Gray and Deeney.