Leicester squandered an opportunity to close the gap on the top six after being held to a 1-1 draw by local rivals Coventry City this afternoon at the Walkers Stadium.
Marlon King put the visitors ahead when his shot went through the hands of Leicester goalkeeper Ricardo, but full-back Kyle Naughton levelled for the Foxes on the stroke of half-time.
Martin Cranie was sent off late on for Coventry after receiving a second yellow card as both sides played out a disjointed second-half.
The result ended a run of four losses for the Sky Blues, while Leicester missed the chance to go level with sixth-placed Leeds – who were beaten 3-0 by Swansea earlier this afternoon.
Yakubu could have put Leicester ahead early on when he pounced onto a loose ball, but Coventry goalkeeper Kieren Westwood did well to close down the Nigerian before he was able to get a shot away.
The Everton loanee then saw another chance go begging when he was unable to turn Kyle Naughton’s low ball on target.
The visitors then struck a hammer blow in the eleventh minute when Lukas Jutkiewicz’s ball into the box found Marlon King, whose shot evaded the grasp of Ricardo and fell into the back of the net to put Coventry ahead.
The goal came against the run of play but certainly lifted the spirits of the away side as they became more of a threat to the Foxes.
King should have doubled Coventry’s lead shortly afterwards when he rounded Ricardo in the penalty area but his wild shot flew wide of the empty net.
Leicester’s positive play resulted in Patrick Van Aanholt breaking down the left wing and finding Paul Gallagher in the box – however the Scotsman’s side-footed volley flew over the bar.
At the other end, Ricardo made a fine save at the near post from Lukas Jutkiewicz’s shot and from the ensuing corner, Richard Keogh rattled the crossbar with a header.
Yuki Abe – who returned to the starting XI – struck wide from just outside the area, before Yakubu broke behind the Coventry backline and appeared to be tripped by Kieren Westwood when through in on goal; however, referee Graham Scott waved away any protest.
Westwood was on hand minutes later to prevent Yakubu at the near post with a good save with his legs as Leicester continued to build pressure on the Coventry defence.
The hosts were rewarded for their persistence on the stroke of half-time when Kyle Naughton cut into the box from the right wing before firing a wonderful strike on his left foot into the top corner of the goal.
It was the Tottenham loanee’s fourth goal of the season and a clear demonstration of his ability to find the net from the full-back position.
The second-half was one of few clear cut opportunities for both sides; however Leicester looked the more likely to clinch a winner through the positive play of Kyle Naughton who became more of an attacking outlet as the game progressed.
Just after the hour mark, Paul Gallagher’s free kick found Yakubu in the box whose header was well-saved by Westwood, and Sol Bamba’s follow-up strike crashed against the post from an acute angle.
The introduction of Lloyd Dyer with twenty minutes remaining created a good opportunity for the hosts when the speedy winger played a ball back to Patrick Van Aanholt in the penalty area – but the Dutchman blazed his shot over the bar.
Martin Cranie then received a second yellow card with two minutes remaining after a lumbering challenge on substitute Martyn Waghorn.
In injury time, Richard Keogh did well to clear the ball after Patrick Van Aanholt mounted one final attack down the left – but the final whistle meant that the points were shared in a scrappy M69 Derby.
Man of the Match – Kyle Naughton
Saturday 26 February 2011
Saturday 19 February 2011
Leicester City 2 Bristol City 1 - 18th February 2011
A last-gasp winner from Martyn Waghorn gave Leicester City a momentous three points as they overcame Bristol City at the Walkers Stadium.
Yakubu put the Foxes ahead from close range in the first-half, but Bristol City were level after the break courtesy of a scrappy goal by Marvin Elliot.
Martyn Waghorn’s volley in the 92nd minute however gave Leicester their fifth straight league win as they continued their play-off push.
The game was a scrappy encounter in which Leicester struggled to hit their stride as they had done in recent games, although the hosts should have been ahead inside of two minutes when Kyle Naughton’s square ball to Yakubu was fired over the bar from inside the penalty area after a quick Richie Wellens’ free-kick.
Paul Gallagher then came close for the Foxes when Patrick Van Aanholt’s pass allowed the in-form striker to bear down on goal and unleash a shot from 20 yards, but David James managed to pull off a fantastic save to keep the his side level.
The visitors’ resistance was eventually broken on 21 minutes when Sol Bamba’s point-blank header forced another good save from David James; however, the ball eventually came back out to Bamba who slid the ball across the face of the goal, only for the former England goalkeeper to spill the ball directly into the path of Yakubu who was on hand to poke the ball into the back of the net.
It was Yakubu’s fourth goal in six games for the Foxes, the Everton loanee continuing to make a good impression on the Blue Army faithful with his ability to hit the target.
Bristol City responded immediately as Steven Caulker headed wide from a free-kick in what was the visitors’ first real chance of the game.
Leicester continued to enjoy the majority of possession in the first-half as Darius Vassell threatened the Bristol defence with his pace – and the Foxes nearly doubled their lead when Yakubu played a great ball to Andy King behind the Robins’ backline, but David James again was on hand to prevent the Welsh international from finding the net.
At the other end, Martyn Woolford beat the offside trap and played the ball low across the six yard box but Sol Bamba was on hand to make a crucial block.
In the second-half, the visitors began to mount pressure on Leicester and were ahead twelve minutes after the break when Marvin Elliot’s header from a Jamie McAllister corner found the net, despite Patrick Van Aanholt and Richie Wellens’ best efforts to keep the ball from crossing the line.
The goal for Keith Millen’s side rattled Leicester, and the introduction of substitute Nicky Maynard saw the Robins grow in confidence with a sustained period of pressure on the home side.
Bristol could have gone ahead when Nicky Maynard picked out Albert Adomah in the penalty area but Ricardo was on hand to make a good save after Matt Oakley had initially slipped and given away possession.
The Foxes began to lose their shape entirely as the visitors continued to fire crosses into the penalty area – Ricardo almost spilling a high ball directly into the path of Martyn Woolford.
But with eighteen minutes ago, Leicester had a glorious opportunity to restore their advantage when Ben Mee allowed Darius Vassell to break on the counter attack before playing the ball across goal, but a mix-up between Matt Oakley and substitute Lloyd Dyer in front of goal allowed David James to make the save.
With less than ten minutes to go, Martyn Woolford’s strike took a wicked deflection wide left Ricardo stranded at his far post.
The introduction of substitute Martyn Waghorn rejuvenated Leicester with the former Sunderland striker making an immediate impact on the game.
In the 86th minute Waghorn drove the ball across goal past David James and into the path of Darius Vassell, but Steven Caulker’s last ditch challenge was enough to prevent the former England striker from finding the net.
Andy King header over in injury time appeared to be Leicester’s last chance, but moments later Martyn Waghorn latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area after Bristol City had struggled to clear and unleashed a fine volley on his right foot to find the back of the net in dramatic fashion.
The strike came in the second minute of stoppage time and although Leicester had certainly not been at their best - riding their luck at times - Waghorn’s pivotal goal was enough to give Sven’s men all three points and maintain their fine run of form in the league.
The Foxes are still unbeaten in 2011 and are now just one point behind sixth-placed Leeds United – an amazing turnaround since Sven-Goran Eriksson took charge of the club last October.
Man of the Match – Sol Bamba
Yakubu put the Foxes ahead from close range in the first-half, but Bristol City were level after the break courtesy of a scrappy goal by Marvin Elliot.
Martyn Waghorn’s volley in the 92nd minute however gave Leicester their fifth straight league win as they continued their play-off push.
The game was a scrappy encounter in which Leicester struggled to hit their stride as they had done in recent games, although the hosts should have been ahead inside of two minutes when Kyle Naughton’s square ball to Yakubu was fired over the bar from inside the penalty area after a quick Richie Wellens’ free-kick.
Paul Gallagher then came close for the Foxes when Patrick Van Aanholt’s pass allowed the in-form striker to bear down on goal and unleash a shot from 20 yards, but David James managed to pull off a fantastic save to keep the his side level.
The visitors’ resistance was eventually broken on 21 minutes when Sol Bamba’s point-blank header forced another good save from David James; however, the ball eventually came back out to Bamba who slid the ball across the face of the goal, only for the former England goalkeeper to spill the ball directly into the path of Yakubu who was on hand to poke the ball into the back of the net.
It was Yakubu’s fourth goal in six games for the Foxes, the Everton loanee continuing to make a good impression on the Blue Army faithful with his ability to hit the target.
Bristol City responded immediately as Steven Caulker headed wide from a free-kick in what was the visitors’ first real chance of the game.
Leicester continued to enjoy the majority of possession in the first-half as Darius Vassell threatened the Bristol defence with his pace – and the Foxes nearly doubled their lead when Yakubu played a great ball to Andy King behind the Robins’ backline, but David James again was on hand to prevent the Welsh international from finding the net.
At the other end, Martyn Woolford beat the offside trap and played the ball low across the six yard box but Sol Bamba was on hand to make a crucial block.
In the second-half, the visitors began to mount pressure on Leicester and were ahead twelve minutes after the break when Marvin Elliot’s header from a Jamie McAllister corner found the net, despite Patrick Van Aanholt and Richie Wellens’ best efforts to keep the ball from crossing the line.
The goal for Keith Millen’s side rattled Leicester, and the introduction of substitute Nicky Maynard saw the Robins grow in confidence with a sustained period of pressure on the home side.
Bristol could have gone ahead when Nicky Maynard picked out Albert Adomah in the penalty area but Ricardo was on hand to make a good save after Matt Oakley had initially slipped and given away possession.
The Foxes began to lose their shape entirely as the visitors continued to fire crosses into the penalty area – Ricardo almost spilling a high ball directly into the path of Martyn Woolford.
But with eighteen minutes ago, Leicester had a glorious opportunity to restore their advantage when Ben Mee allowed Darius Vassell to break on the counter attack before playing the ball across goal, but a mix-up between Matt Oakley and substitute Lloyd Dyer in front of goal allowed David James to make the save.
With less than ten minutes to go, Martyn Woolford’s strike took a wicked deflection wide left Ricardo stranded at his far post.
The introduction of substitute Martyn Waghorn rejuvenated Leicester with the former Sunderland striker making an immediate impact on the game.
In the 86th minute Waghorn drove the ball across goal past David James and into the path of Darius Vassell, but Steven Caulker’s last ditch challenge was enough to prevent the former England striker from finding the net.
Andy King header over in injury time appeared to be Leicester’s last chance, but moments later Martyn Waghorn latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area after Bristol City had struggled to clear and unleashed a fine volley on his right foot to find the back of the net in dramatic fashion.
The strike came in the second minute of stoppage time and although Leicester had certainly not been at their best - riding their luck at times - Waghorn’s pivotal goal was enough to give Sven’s men all three points and maintain their fine run of form in the league.
The Foxes are still unbeaten in 2011 and are now just one point behind sixth-placed Leeds United – an amazing turnaround since Sven-Goran Eriksson took charge of the club last October.
Man of the Match – Sol Bamba
Saturday 12 February 2011
Derby County 0 Leicester City 2 - 12th February 2011
Two first-half goals gave an in form Leicester City side a deserved win over East Midlands rivals Derby County at Pride Park this evening.
Yakubu opened the scoring just before the half hour mark with a superb strike from inside the penalty area.
Andy King doubled the Foxes’ lead in stoppage time with a cool finish for his fourteenth goal of the season.
Victory for Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men boosted them into seventh place in the Championship – piling more pressure on Rams’ boss Nigel Clough in the process.
The visitors were dominant in the opening 45 minutes, whilst Derby offered very little in the way of clear cut chances after adopting a 4-3-3 formation – as opposed to their usual 4-4-2 - from the outset in an attempt to thwart Leicester’s attacking style of play.
The match saw the return of former Derby man Matt Oakley into the Leicester side, while goalkeeper Ricardo made his debut for the Foxes.
It also displayed two teams in completely opposing runs of form; Derby County in freefall having only won one in their last eleven in the league before kick-off, while Leicester City remained unbeaten in 2011.
After a tentative opening ten minutes, it was Leicester who had the first chance of the game when full-back Patrick Van Aanholt played a tempting ball across the six yard box, however the ball bounced unfortunately for Yakubu who was unable to make contact.
The chance would prove to become indicative of the first half, as it soon became one-way traffic for the Foxes.
A quick Richie Wellens free kick allowed Van Aanholt to whip in another low cross, but again Yakubu was unable to latch on inside the six yard box.
Leicester then had a goal disallowed when Darius Vassell’s fine curling finish from the end of the area was adjudged to have been just offside.
But Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men were soon ahead when Yakubu blasted a stunning volley past Derby goalkeeper Stephen Bywater after the defence struggled to deal with Richie Wellens’ ball into the box.
The goal was the Yak’s third goal in five games for Leicester City and the finish was an example of the Nigerian international’s Premier League quality, but it was also a fully deserved opener for the Foxes, who had dominated possession in opening 30 minutes.
Paul Gallagher came close to doubling his side’s advantage shortly after but his shot across goal from twenty yards flew just wide of the post.
Leicester continued to control play and were soon rewarded with a second goal on the stroke of half-time when Paul Gallagher, who was given far too much time on the ball, played a pinpoint pass behind the Derby defence for Andy King, who coolly slotted past Stephen Bywater.
It was demonstrative of Leicester City’s ability to turn defence into attack instantaneously, and of the Welsh international’s prowess in front of goal.
The second-half saw Derby County switch back to their preferred 4-4-2 formation with the introduction of substitute Tomasz Cywka, who had recently been criticised by Nigel Clough for his performance against Portsmouth last weekend.
The change of formation gave Derby a sense of energy which had been lacking in the first-half – but the hosts still struggled to force Leicester goalkeeper Ricardo into action.
Leicester might have been fortunate not to concede a penalty early after the break when Steve Davies’ free kick appeared to strike the raised arm of Paul Gallagher; however, nothing was awarded by referee Colin Webster.
Derby continued to pass the ball better but never really threatened the Leicester back four – although a nasty clash of heads between Ben Mee and Sol Bamba would have had Sven-Goran Eriksson worried.
Both centre backs were able to continue, although Bamba was eventually replaced by Leicester’s newest loan signing Jeffrey Bruma.
Sam Brayford headed over from a free kick and Steve Davies saw his injury time shot deflected over the bar, but Leicester were comfortably able to maintain their two goal cushion until the final whistle – a result which saw Sven’s men win their sixth league game out of seven in 2011.
Man of the Match – Ben Mee
Yakubu opened the scoring just before the half hour mark with a superb strike from inside the penalty area.
Andy King doubled the Foxes’ lead in stoppage time with a cool finish for his fourteenth goal of the season.
Victory for Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men boosted them into seventh place in the Championship – piling more pressure on Rams’ boss Nigel Clough in the process.
The visitors were dominant in the opening 45 minutes, whilst Derby offered very little in the way of clear cut chances after adopting a 4-3-3 formation – as opposed to their usual 4-4-2 - from the outset in an attempt to thwart Leicester’s attacking style of play.
The match saw the return of former Derby man Matt Oakley into the Leicester side, while goalkeeper Ricardo made his debut for the Foxes.
It also displayed two teams in completely opposing runs of form; Derby County in freefall having only won one in their last eleven in the league before kick-off, while Leicester City remained unbeaten in 2011.
After a tentative opening ten minutes, it was Leicester who had the first chance of the game when full-back Patrick Van Aanholt played a tempting ball across the six yard box, however the ball bounced unfortunately for Yakubu who was unable to make contact.
The chance would prove to become indicative of the first half, as it soon became one-way traffic for the Foxes.
A quick Richie Wellens free kick allowed Van Aanholt to whip in another low cross, but again Yakubu was unable to latch on inside the six yard box.
Leicester then had a goal disallowed when Darius Vassell’s fine curling finish from the end of the area was adjudged to have been just offside.
But Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men were soon ahead when Yakubu blasted a stunning volley past Derby goalkeeper Stephen Bywater after the defence struggled to deal with Richie Wellens’ ball into the box.
The goal was the Yak’s third goal in five games for Leicester City and the finish was an example of the Nigerian international’s Premier League quality, but it was also a fully deserved opener for the Foxes, who had dominated possession in opening 30 minutes.
Paul Gallagher came close to doubling his side’s advantage shortly after but his shot across goal from twenty yards flew just wide of the post.
Leicester continued to control play and were soon rewarded with a second goal on the stroke of half-time when Paul Gallagher, who was given far too much time on the ball, played a pinpoint pass behind the Derby defence for Andy King, who coolly slotted past Stephen Bywater.
It was demonstrative of Leicester City’s ability to turn defence into attack instantaneously, and of the Welsh international’s prowess in front of goal.
The second-half saw Derby County switch back to their preferred 4-4-2 formation with the introduction of substitute Tomasz Cywka, who had recently been criticised by Nigel Clough for his performance against Portsmouth last weekend.
The change of formation gave Derby a sense of energy which had been lacking in the first-half – but the hosts still struggled to force Leicester goalkeeper Ricardo into action.
Leicester might have been fortunate not to concede a penalty early after the break when Steve Davies’ free kick appeared to strike the raised arm of Paul Gallagher; however, nothing was awarded by referee Colin Webster.
Derby continued to pass the ball better but never really threatened the Leicester back four – although a nasty clash of heads between Ben Mee and Sol Bamba would have had Sven-Goran Eriksson worried.
Both centre backs were able to continue, although Bamba was eventually replaced by Leicester’s newest loan signing Jeffrey Bruma.
Sam Brayford headed over from a free kick and Steve Davies saw his injury time shot deflected over the bar, but Leicester were comfortably able to maintain their two goal cushion until the final whistle – a result which saw Sven’s men win their sixth league game out of seven in 2011.
Man of the Match – Ben Mee
Thursday 10 February 2011
Why Sven-Goran Eriksson deserves a shot at the top flight
Back in October 2010, the appointment of Sven-Goran Eriksson brought about a certain level of criticism and scepticism. Some thought that former boss Paulo Sousa was not given enough time in charge. Others thought that the arrival of the former England manager was somewhat of a publicity stunt by former chairman Milan Mandaric. Since Sven has been at the helm, however, there is absolutely no question that this club has turned a corner.
Sven has done what he believes is necessary to get this club back on track, which has involved some very brave decisions along the way. The sale of both Matty Fryatt and Michael Morrison to Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday respectively left many Foxes fans shocked. Jack Hobbs and Bruno Berner have surprisingly fallen down way the pecking order at Leicester City - despite the latter signing a new one year contract just last month. All four were integral in the club’s success in gaining promotion from League One, as well as making the playoffs last year. Not only that, but these four were fan favourites over the last two seasons.
Compared with last season, Eriksson has brought in an entirely new back four since his arrival. The pairing of Sol Bamba and Ben Mee coupled with the relatively inexperienced (yet talented) full-backs Kyle Naughton and Patrick Van Aanholt could be considered by some to be a huge gamble; especially after essentially replacing a defence which only allowed 45 goals last season – only Newcastle, Swansea and Nottingham Forest conceding fewer. These were changes which Sven believed needed to be made in order to tighten up defensively – and so far it has certainly paid off.
Eriksson has also brought in two attacking players who had big question marks over their ability and fitness. The permanent signing of Darius Vassell - who had been out of English football for some time - left some fans bemused, and the loan signing of Yakubu came as somewhat of a surprise – as well as a massive financial outlay. However, Vassell has been a devastating force when played up front, demonstrating his fantastic pace and vision. Yakubu scored on both his home and away debuts, and continues to terrify defenders with his technical ability on the ball. Both players will play significant roles in the final fifteen games.
On top of all the chopping and changing on and off the field, a key reason behind the club’s success is the fact that, generally speaking, the fans have given Sven a chance to make things work. It helps that Leicester City have boasted promotion form over the last 21 games (picking up an average of almost two points per game in the process). But there have been bumps in the road – including a very poor December which saw the Foxes pick up just four points from five games. Nevertheless, the fans never overwhelmingly voiced their displeasure when things were not going as well as expected, which allowed Eriksson to stay focused without facing pressure from the owners.
The result of all this is very clear. Leicester have risen from 24th to eighth in the Championship since the arrival of Sven, picking up 40 points from a possible 63 (this form from the beginning of the season would have equated to 87 points). The Walkers Stadium is once again a place to be feared by visiting teams (the Foxes are undefeated in twelve games at home since Sven’s arrival). Leicester are also undefeated in the league in 2011, and the defence has steadily improved. Players such as Richie Wellens and Paul Gallagher appear completely rejuvenated, and have enjoyed some of the best form of their careers over the last couple of months. Fans’ relegation fears have been replaced with playoff optimism and aspiration. The turnaround is obvious.
This turnaround, however, may not have occurred in the way that many Leicester City fans thought it might have – or even wished that it had. But Sven’s impact on the club is extraordinary. And should this turnaround continue, this club will fully deserve another shot at promotion to the top flight.
Here’s hoping for a success story by the end of May.
Sven has done what he believes is necessary to get this club back on track, which has involved some very brave decisions along the way. The sale of both Matty Fryatt and Michael Morrison to Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday respectively left many Foxes fans shocked. Jack Hobbs and Bruno Berner have surprisingly fallen down way the pecking order at Leicester City - despite the latter signing a new one year contract just last month. All four were integral in the club’s success in gaining promotion from League One, as well as making the playoffs last year. Not only that, but these four were fan favourites over the last two seasons.
Compared with last season, Eriksson has brought in an entirely new back four since his arrival. The pairing of Sol Bamba and Ben Mee coupled with the relatively inexperienced (yet talented) full-backs Kyle Naughton and Patrick Van Aanholt could be considered by some to be a huge gamble; especially after essentially replacing a defence which only allowed 45 goals last season – only Newcastle, Swansea and Nottingham Forest conceding fewer. These were changes which Sven believed needed to be made in order to tighten up defensively – and so far it has certainly paid off.
Eriksson has also brought in two attacking players who had big question marks over their ability and fitness. The permanent signing of Darius Vassell - who had been out of English football for some time - left some fans bemused, and the loan signing of Yakubu came as somewhat of a surprise – as well as a massive financial outlay. However, Vassell has been a devastating force when played up front, demonstrating his fantastic pace and vision. Yakubu scored on both his home and away debuts, and continues to terrify defenders with his technical ability on the ball. Both players will play significant roles in the final fifteen games.
On top of all the chopping and changing on and off the field, a key reason behind the club’s success is the fact that, generally speaking, the fans have given Sven a chance to make things work. It helps that Leicester City have boasted promotion form over the last 21 games (picking up an average of almost two points per game in the process). But there have been bumps in the road – including a very poor December which saw the Foxes pick up just four points from five games. Nevertheless, the fans never overwhelmingly voiced their displeasure when things were not going as well as expected, which allowed Eriksson to stay focused without facing pressure from the owners.
The result of all this is very clear. Leicester have risen from 24th to eighth in the Championship since the arrival of Sven, picking up 40 points from a possible 63 (this form from the beginning of the season would have equated to 87 points). The Walkers Stadium is once again a place to be feared by visiting teams (the Foxes are undefeated in twelve games at home since Sven’s arrival). Leicester are also undefeated in the league in 2011, and the defence has steadily improved. Players such as Richie Wellens and Paul Gallagher appear completely rejuvenated, and have enjoyed some of the best form of their careers over the last couple of months. Fans’ relegation fears have been replaced with playoff optimism and aspiration. The turnaround is obvious.
This turnaround, however, may not have occurred in the way that many Leicester City fans thought it might have – or even wished that it had. But Sven’s impact on the club is extraordinary. And should this turnaround continue, this club will fully deserve another shot at promotion to the top flight.
Here’s hoping for a success story by the end of May.
Saturday 5 February 2011
Leicester City 4 Barnsley 1 - 5th February 2011
Andy King scored a goal in each half as Leicester extended their unbeaten run to six games after thrashing Barnsley 4-1 at the Walkers Stadium.
Paul Gallagher opened the scoring after fifteen minutes with a fine shot from distance before Andy King’s clever chip over Tykes’ keeper Luke Steele doubled Leicester’s advantage.
Jacob Mellis pulled a goal back for Barnsley on the stroke of half-time, but King restored the Foxes’ two goal advantage just before the hour mark.
Kyle Naughton wrapped up a resounding victory with a 30 yard thunderbolt later on as Leicester continued their climb up the Championship table.
The win extended Leicester’s unbeaten home record in the Championship since the arrival of Sven-Goran Eriksson - celebrating his birthday today - back in October and kept their playoff push very much alive.
The match saw the return of Paul Gallagher to the starting line-up after picking up an injury in Leicester’s Carling Cup replay against Manchester City last month.
It only took fifteen minutes for the striker to make an impact on the game when his powerful shot from 25 yards flew into the top corner – despite goalkeeper Luke Steele getting a hand to the ball.
The goal sprung the game into life following a lacklustre opening quarter of an hour as Danny Haynes had a shot charged down by loan defender Ben Mee moments after.
At the other end, Richie Wellens played a nice one-two pass with Darius Vassell before the midfielder’s shot was well blocked by the Tykes’ backline.
Luke Steele then did well to prevent a second Leicester goal after Yakubu was played in behind the defence – the goalkeeper bravely diving out to collect the ball.
Vassell was then cynically fouled by Diego Arismendi after the former England international went on a storming run on goal before Patrick Van Aanholt’s subsequent free kick rattled the crossbar.
Just after the hour mark, Ben Mee made a crucial clearing header after Barnsley’s Matt Hill played a tempting ball into the Foxes’ penalty area.
Bobby Hassell’s shot from distance then had Chris Weale at full stretch in the Leicester goal after the Foxes failed to close down.
Barnsley maintained good possession towards the end of the first half, but found themselves 2-0 down when Andy King cleverly chipped the ball over Luke Steele from twelve yards after his initial shot was blocked.
It was the Welshman’s twelfth goal of the campaign and demonstrated the finesse possessed by the Leicester academy product.
Moments later, Frank Nouble – on loan from West Ham – had a goal disallowed for offside for Barnsley with Leicester defence temporarily switched off.
But Barnsley were handed a lifeline when Jacob Mellis pulled a goal back from just inside the penalty area in first-half injury time after the Foxes struggled to deal with a loose ball.
Nouble then came close to equalising before the break after he took the ball round Chris Weale, but Kyle Naughton was on hand to clear the ball off the line to prevent a certain goal.
After the break, Leicester continued to threaten from distance as Paul Gallagher and Richie Wellens both came close with long range shots.
But it was Barnsley who enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession, testing the Foxes in midfield and threatening from both flanks.
Andy King then caught the Tykes out at the back just before the hour mark when he picked up on a poor pass and carried the ball 30 yards before curling a smart finish into the bottom corner for his second – and Leicester’s third - goal of the game.
Leicester continued to pepper the Barnsley goal through Paul Gallagher before some tidy passing between Yakubu and substitute Lloyd Dyer set Richie Wellens up – but his shot flew straight into the path of Luke Steele.
Leicester looked comfortable for the most part having restored their two goal cushion although Mark Robins’ side continued to attack through Danny Haynes who nearly latched onto a long ball – but Chris Weale was on hand to thwart the former Bristol City man.
With less than ten minutes remaining, Lloyd Dyer played a scintillating through ball to Yakubu; however the Everton loanee was unable to get the ball out from under his feet which allowed Luke Steele to make another save for Barnsley.
Substitute Matt Oakley then had a ferocious shot tipped away by Steele, but the goalkeeper could do nothing about Leicester’s fourth goal; a stunning 30 yard strike from Kyle Naughton which flew into the top corner.
It was the full-back’s third goal of the season and was a clear example of the ability possessed by the on-loan Tottenham youngster.
The final whilst indicated another home win for Leicester who climbed to eighth in the Championship – just three points outside the playoffs as Sven’s men continued their fine form at the Walkers Stadium.
Man of the Match – Andy King
Paul Gallagher opened the scoring after fifteen minutes with a fine shot from distance before Andy King’s clever chip over Tykes’ keeper Luke Steele doubled Leicester’s advantage.
Jacob Mellis pulled a goal back for Barnsley on the stroke of half-time, but King restored the Foxes’ two goal advantage just before the hour mark.
Kyle Naughton wrapped up a resounding victory with a 30 yard thunderbolt later on as Leicester continued their climb up the Championship table.
The win extended Leicester’s unbeaten home record in the Championship since the arrival of Sven-Goran Eriksson - celebrating his birthday today - back in October and kept their playoff push very much alive.
The match saw the return of Paul Gallagher to the starting line-up after picking up an injury in Leicester’s Carling Cup replay against Manchester City last month.
It only took fifteen minutes for the striker to make an impact on the game when his powerful shot from 25 yards flew into the top corner – despite goalkeeper Luke Steele getting a hand to the ball.
The goal sprung the game into life following a lacklustre opening quarter of an hour as Danny Haynes had a shot charged down by loan defender Ben Mee moments after.
At the other end, Richie Wellens played a nice one-two pass with Darius Vassell before the midfielder’s shot was well blocked by the Tykes’ backline.
Luke Steele then did well to prevent a second Leicester goal after Yakubu was played in behind the defence – the goalkeeper bravely diving out to collect the ball.
Vassell was then cynically fouled by Diego Arismendi after the former England international went on a storming run on goal before Patrick Van Aanholt’s subsequent free kick rattled the crossbar.
Just after the hour mark, Ben Mee made a crucial clearing header after Barnsley’s Matt Hill played a tempting ball into the Foxes’ penalty area.
Bobby Hassell’s shot from distance then had Chris Weale at full stretch in the Leicester goal after the Foxes failed to close down.
Barnsley maintained good possession towards the end of the first half, but found themselves 2-0 down when Andy King cleverly chipped the ball over Luke Steele from twelve yards after his initial shot was blocked.
It was the Welshman’s twelfth goal of the campaign and demonstrated the finesse possessed by the Leicester academy product.
Moments later, Frank Nouble – on loan from West Ham – had a goal disallowed for offside for Barnsley with Leicester defence temporarily switched off.
But Barnsley were handed a lifeline when Jacob Mellis pulled a goal back from just inside the penalty area in first-half injury time after the Foxes struggled to deal with a loose ball.
Nouble then came close to equalising before the break after he took the ball round Chris Weale, but Kyle Naughton was on hand to clear the ball off the line to prevent a certain goal.
After the break, Leicester continued to threaten from distance as Paul Gallagher and Richie Wellens both came close with long range shots.
But it was Barnsley who enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession, testing the Foxes in midfield and threatening from both flanks.
Andy King then caught the Tykes out at the back just before the hour mark when he picked up on a poor pass and carried the ball 30 yards before curling a smart finish into the bottom corner for his second – and Leicester’s third - goal of the game.
Leicester continued to pepper the Barnsley goal through Paul Gallagher before some tidy passing between Yakubu and substitute Lloyd Dyer set Richie Wellens up – but his shot flew straight into the path of Luke Steele.
Leicester looked comfortable for the most part having restored their two goal cushion although Mark Robins’ side continued to attack through Danny Haynes who nearly latched onto a long ball – but Chris Weale was on hand to thwart the former Bristol City man.
With less than ten minutes remaining, Lloyd Dyer played a scintillating through ball to Yakubu; however the Everton loanee was unable to get the ball out from under his feet which allowed Luke Steele to make another save for Barnsley.
Substitute Matt Oakley then had a ferocious shot tipped away by Steele, but the goalkeeper could do nothing about Leicester’s fourth goal; a stunning 30 yard strike from Kyle Naughton which flew into the top corner.
It was the full-back’s third goal of the season and was a clear example of the ability possessed by the on-loan Tottenham youngster.
The final whilst indicated another home win for Leicester who climbed to eighth in the Championship – just three points outside the playoffs as Sven’s men continued their fine form at the Walkers Stadium.
Man of the Match – Andy King
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