Leicester City's gritty 1-0 victory over West Brom on Saturday was enough to secure safety with a surprising amount of comfort, given the plight of the club when Claudio Ranieri was sacked.
Positives
Jamie Vardy continued his purple patch in front of goal with a cool finish. His partnership with Shinji Okazaki has proven vital to Leicester's survival. Vardy now has eight goals in 12 games under Craig Shakespeare -- as many as he managed in 32 appearances under Ranieri this term.
Negatives
Leicester looked flustered at times at the back. Danny Drinkwater was also pretty lucky not to see red for a reckless challenge on Nacer Chadli.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Shakespeare was spot on to restore Okazaki in place of Leonardo Ulloa. The Japan striker has had an unsung yet pivotal role in Vardy's upturn in form in front of goal. The Leicester boss is now in pole position to get a longer term contract at the club.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Kasper Schmeichel, 7 -- Had very little to do but never looked rattled as West Brom chased an equaliser.
DF Danny Simpson, 7 -- A quiet afternoon but stopped the hosts having any real joy down the their left.
DF Yohan Benalouane, 6 -- Hit-and-miss for most of the game. Gave the ball away too much and looked out of position at times.
DF Robert Huth, 8 -- The Foxes' best defender. Never missed a tackle and won a number of key headers.
DF Christian Fuchs, 6 -- Wasn't overly involved and never got his long through going.
MF Marc Albrighton, 7 -- Leicester's most effective outlet in midfield. Did plenty of running but lacked support at times.
MF Wilfred Ndidi, 7 -- Up for the fight and constantly got stuck in. Such a valuable fighter on the road.
MF Danny Drinkwater, 6 -- Fortunate not to be sent off for a poor challenge in an otherwise innocuous display.
MF Riyad Mahrez, 6 -- Nowhere near as effective or involved as his last visit to the Hawthorns. Was well policed.
FW Shinji Okazaki, 7 -- Got the assist for Vardy's goal and should have killed off the game when Vardy returned the favour, only to fluff his lines.
FW Jamie Vardy, 7 -- A cool finish for the goal, but it was his only shot on target. Nonetheless he was a constant threat.
Substitutes
MF Andy King, N/R -- A late substitute to help see out the game. His fresh legs were welcome.
FW Leonardo Ulloa, 6 -- Replaced a fatigued Okazaki and did his part to see out the game by keeping the ball in the right areas.