Kasper Schmeichel one of the best, says Leicester boss Shakespeare after West Ham win

Craig Shakespeare believes Kasper Schmeichel must be viewed as one of the game’s top goalkeepers after his saves enabled Leicester City to record a fourth successive victory.

First-half goals by Riyad Mahrez, Robert Huth and Jamie Vardy gave the champions a 3-2 win at West Ham United on Saturday, easing the relegation fears that led to manager Claudio Ranieri’s sacking last month.

But West Ham hit back through Manuel Lanzini and Andre Ayew and Leicester needed Schmeichel to make two high-quality saves from Andy Carroll before they could celebrate another win.

“He is in the best form I’ve seen since I’ve been here, so I don’t see why not,” said Shakespeare when asked whether Schmeichel – son of Manchester United goalkeeping great Peter – deserved to be bracketed alongside the Premier League’s star shot-stoppers.

“All goalkeepers are important, but to bring off those crucial saves was vitally important.”

The game at London Stadium was Leicester’s first since they saw off Sevilla in the Champions League on Tuesday to set up a last-eight tie with Atletico Madrid.