Leicester 0, Man City 2, positives and negatives, player ratings and match report, Premier League fixture
12/29/2024 12:47 PM
Ruud van Nistelrooy had to make at least one change in his line-up, having Jordan Ayew suspended, and he did what we loved to see, bringing back Facundo Bounanotte to the starting eleven. Jamie Vardy was also ready to go and the captain was back from start, both players became part of the drama.
A bold and positive approach straight from start, as Jamie Vardy was played through, and had the eye on goal, but sadly his attempt after 16 minutes was offside.
Leicester continued to put pressure on Man City with the two wizards Facundo Bounanotte and Bilal El Khannouss finding the pockets, also giving Stephy Mavididi the chance to drift a bit in and out as he also became a difficult player for Man City.
It was a pity again to see a personal error resulting in a goal to the opponent, when Jacub Stolarczyk just pushed a shot out were he shouldn’t and was too late to save from Savinho’s attempt, saying hello to Ruud, who was his coach at PSV, and seldom used his pupil back in Eindhoven. Man City was 1-0 up, but still it did not stop Leicester from pushing on for a result.
Leicester did not manage to score, despite being the better team, showing great composure and ball passing that we haven’t seen so far this season, but of course having Bounanotte, Vestergaard, Soumare, Winks and El Khannouss all in the starting eleven, shows how this can be done against last seasons Premier League winners.
Gave it everything.#LEIMCIpic.twitter.com/W1vwP6atsw
— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 29, 2024
Leicester came out second half with the same approach as it became obvious that this Man City line-up could not outplay Leicester as the opposite happened, Leicester pushing forward for that equalizer. Jamie Vardy is close to achieve something, but his attempts are either saved or htting the post.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola makes a vital move from the subs bench in the in 66th minute, giving minutes to James McAtee, taking off Phil Foden. The England u.21 captain makes a fool out of Victor Kristiansen in the 74th minute, with a one two dribble, pushing on an sets up the goal, scored from a Erling Haaland header. McAtee is a player that we described as perfect for Leicester, being linked in several past transfer windows.
Leicester never gave up and again Jamie Vardy had to take some blame for Leicester being goalless in the end as he should scored from some of his chances. Second half also did see Leicester hit the post from a Bounanotte attempt, and from the way we watched the game at least a draw had been deserved.
Leicester will be back in action on the 4th of January, playing Aston Villa away, another very difficult fixture, hopes are that Ruud van Nistelrooy continues in the same way as we did see against Man City without making any changes and of course play Bouanotte and El Khannouss from start, without them the creativity is dead and they can open a defense with their skills.
- Positives
- Playing with possession in a game vs. Man City, nice to watch, sadly no points
- El Khannouss and Bounanotte showing their talent and should be on the field every day of the week
- Creating enough chances to score
- Soumare, Winks and Vestergaard also showing great passing ability against a very good football team
- Negatives
- Jacub Stolarczyk making a major mistake, pushing the ball out in the area, instead of to the side
- Victor Kristiansen again being exposed, taking on a ride by James McAtee, not able to stop the Man City sub, resulting in a goal, he was also far from defending properly vs. Liverpool, just watching and not pressing and blocking when Mo Salah just curled the ball behind him
- Not able to convert when needed
- Midfielders to slow in their passing at times, especially Soumare and Winks, possibly could have crossed and played their passes better at times
Player Ratings: Stolarczyk 5, Justin 5, Kristiansen 5, Vestergaard 7, Coady 6, Winks 6, El Khannouss 8, Vardy 6, Soumare 6, Mavididi 7, Bounanotte 7 Subs: Choudhury, Okoli, Daka, Alves
- Leicester City, Man of the Match
- Bilal El Khannouss
Match Stats (H/A)
- Possession: 54 / 46
- Shots on Target: 4 / 5
- Corners: 4 / 4
- Fouls: 11 / 6
