New-look Leicester impressing at the right time

Leicester City's 4-0 victory over local rivals Derby County yesterday evening could hardly have come at a better time - just before the international break, and in front of a massive Sky television audience.

© Isriya Paireepairit - Flickr

The win was emphatic and maintained Sven-Goran Eriksson's strong record in East Midlands derby matches. But more importantly, it highlighted that this Leicester side is starting to gel.

It is no big secret that the Leicester, recently referred to as the 'Manchester City of the Championship' on Sky Sports, have invested in big-name players this summer. The likes of Paul Konchesky, David Nugent and John Pantsil all have extensive Premier League experience, while Matt Mills and Jermaine Beckford came with heavy price tags. After a sluggish start with some below-par results (and performances), the victory over Derby emphasised the overall quality Leicester City possess.

However, such a victory has been on the cards for some time. On the back of a seven-game unbeaten run and four consecutive clean sheets (including two excellent draws at Cardiff and Middlesborough) it seemed only a matter of time before things would start to click. Matt Mills has been outstanding in his last few outings for the Foxes, while centre-back partner Sol Bamba has excelled all season. As a result, Leicester have conceded just nine goals in 10 league matches, the second fewest in the Championship. The entire back line are playing with confidence; both in themselves and with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel - and vice versa.

The midfield has suffered injuries - Richie Wellens and Michael Johnson being the latest. But each player raised their game yesterday, which will add a competitive element to the selection process. Andy King and Gelson Fernandes are both playmakers who can change the nature of a match, while Yuki Abe and Neil Danns have been solid when called upon.

Credit must also be paid to the forwards. Darius Vassell has been a revelation this season. The former England international is enjoying his finest form for the Foxes, looking more of a threat playing as an out-and-out striker rather than as a winger. The return of David Nugent yesterday was a huge boost to the side, and youngster Jeffrey Schlupp proved he can cause real problems for defenders with his unique combination of size and pace. When Jermaine Beckford returns from injury, Sven-Goran Eriksson will be spoilt for choice, and also given somewhat of a selection headache - but an enjoyable one.

That takes us to the manager. Sven-Goran Eriksson has done a tremendous job of remaining patient with his players confident in the knowledge that it was only a matter of time before things started to click. He will know that he is under pressure to deliver this season. Yesterday's game against Derby marked his anniversary with Leicester - a year in charge for the Swede. During that time, Leicester have taken 75 points from 46 games - more often than not, a total good enough for the play-offs. And now that he has had the summer to tailor-make a squad, this side is constantly improving.

Expectation is still high, but the hard work is paying off. Teams don't instantly click overnight; it does take time. Leicester enter the international break in eighth place, just one point outside the playoffs. But Sven's men are slowly and surely making things happen, and, after a slow start, they're doing it under the radar.

Leicester City 1 Real Madrid 2

Leicester City ended their preseason fixtures with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Spanish giants Real Madrid in front of a sell-out crowd at the King Power Stadium.

Jose Callejon put the tourists ahead just before half-time following a defensive error from Matt Mills, while Karim Benzema doubled Real's lead after the hour mark through a wonderfully crafted counter-attack.

Lloyd Dyer netted for the Foxes with two minutes remaining but the home side were unable to find an equaliser against Jose Mourinho's side.

Although Real Madrid were a clear step above Sven-Goran Eriksson's men, there were some real positives for the former England manager to take from the match - including positive performances from Sol Bamba and new signings Lee Peltier, Neil Danns and David Nugent.

Real Madrid - who fielded a world class side featuring the likes of Kaka, Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema and Sami Khedira - started the match positively, and it was the French international Benzema causing the Leicester backline problems, being thwarted only by a last ditch challenge by Sol Bamba.

Benzema was soon in again behind the Foxes' defence, but fired just wide after great work from Sami Khedira.

Neil Danns fired wide for the Foxes but the visitors maintained a high tempo, forcing goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel into making a fantastic save from Fabio Coentrao who was in on goal.

Sol Bamba was on hand again midway through the first-half to keep Leicester in the game, preventing Brazilian midfielder Kaka from breaking the deadlock with another great block.

Chances for the home side were few and far between, with David Nugent firing into the side netting from the near post with an ambitious effort - but Real maintained a level of superiority, coming close to breaking the opening the scoring again, this time through Marcelo and Sami Khedira

Mourinho's Galacticos were rewarded for their persistence three minutes from half-time when Matt Mills' poor defensive header allowed Karim Benzema to round Kasper Schmeichel and find Jose Callejon unmarked at the far post, who passed the ball into an empty net to put the visitors ahead.

The interval saw a change of personnel for both sides - Leicester introducing Andy King and Michael Johnson in replacement of Richie Wellens and Paul Gallagher, while Real brought on Xabi Alonso and Cristiano Ronaldo - and it was the hosts who had a glorious opportunity to level when the Sol Bamba rose to meet Neil Danns' corner - but could only direct his header into the safe hands of goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Bamba continued to impress defensively as well as in attack, doing well to slide in and block yet another effort on goal by Karim Benzema.

Marcelo fired high and wide for Real following a mazy run through midfield ten minutes after the break but the visitors soon doubled their advantage just after the hour mark, countering strongly following the breakdown of a Leicester set play, and a mix up between Yuki Abe at Sean St. Ledger saw Marcelo's strike hit the post with Benzema on hand to fire home neatly from an acute angle.

The goal was a deserved one from Mourinho's men, and a sublime demonstration of Real's ability to counter-attack in numbers.

With time running out, Leicester continued to press forward with ambition and came close to pulling a goal back when Steve Howard connected with fellow substitute Martyn Waghorn's in-swinging free-kick, but the big striker's header fell agonisingly past Casillas' far post.

Leicester maintained some pressure as Sol Bamba's header on target was deflected over the bar - and the hosts eventually managed to pull a goal back when Bamba again managed to flick on a Lee Peltier throw in towards Lloyd Dyer who fired brilliantly into the bottom corner.

It may have been too little too late, but it was certainly a memorable moment for the speedy winger - and for all Foxes supporters at the King Power Stadium.

The final whistle blew shortly afterwards but the day still belonged to Leicester City, who now begin their promotion push from the Championship next weekend away at Coventry City.

Man of the Match - Sergio Ramos

Leicester City 4 - 2 Millwall - 22nd January 2011

Leicester City continued their push for the playoffs with a hard-earned 4-2 victory over ten-man Millwall in an exciting encounter this afternoon at the Walkers Stadium.

Lloyd Dyer scored after nine minutes after Steve Morison had missed an early penalty for the visitors, but James Henry leveled moments later for the Lions.

Yakubu Aiyegbeni restored Leicester’s advantage before Sol Bamba made it 3-1 ten minutes before half-time.

Jack Smith’s penalty handed Kenny Jackett’s men a lifeline but Millwall were reduced to ten men after Jens Berthel Askou was dismissed for a dangerous challenge.

A second goal from Bamba secured the three points for the Foxes, ending Millwall’s nine game unbeaten streak in the process.

The win pushed Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men up to tenth in the Championship and continued Leicester’s unbeaten home league record since the former England manager took charge.

Millwall had a glorious opportunity to take the lead in the second minute when on-loan Ben Mee mistimed his challenge on Theo Robinson in the penalty area.

However, Steve Morison’s spot kick was high and wide, giving Leicester a huge let-off.

The visitors were made to pay for the earlier miss when Lloyd Dyer – playing in his 100th match for the Foxes - latched on to Andy King’s pinpoint pass to slot the ball past keeper David Forde.

Leicester’s lead was fleeting, however, as James Henry drew level for the visitors just a minute later with a powerful curling strike from 25 yards out.

The end-to-end nature of the early stages of the game proved to be indicative for the full 90 minutes, as both teams continued to attack – Steve Morrison constantly looking dangerous for the visitors, and the pace of Darius Vassell and Lloyd Dyer causing problems for the Millwall defence.

The Foxes were ahead again after 22 minutes when star signing Yakubu fought his way through the Millwall defence before turning and firing a low drive into the bottom corner.

It was the second goal in as many games for “the Yak” and demonstrated the power and finesse possessed by the Everton loanee.

The visitors were almost level again through captain Alan Dunne, however his powerful header from a corner was well-saved by Foxes keeper Chris Weale.

At the other end, Richie Wellens ran through the heart of the Millwall defence before squaring the ball to Lloyd Dyer, but his placed shot was saved by David Forde.

Leicester continued to exert pressure on Millwall and came close when Darius Vassell headed back Bruno Berner’s cross into the path of Lloyd Dyer, but the winger’s volley flew inches wide of the post.

The home side were rewarded for their efforts two minutes later as Richie Wellens’ clever free kick was fired across the face of the goal by Yakubu, where Sol Bamba was on hand to turn the ball in and make it 3-1 to the Foxes.

The Ivorian proved to be a huge threat from set piece plays as he netted his second goal in as many home games since his move from Hibernian to the Walkers Stadium.

Despite being two goals down at the break, Millwall came out of the blocks quickly in the second half with Steve Morison looking threatening with a dangerous ball into the six yard box – but teammate James Henry was unable to connect.

Chris Hackett then fired two low crosses in succession into the Leicester penalty area, but with no end product, the visitors remained frustrated.

Leicester were dramatically denied a penalty after 65 minutes when Darius Vassell was felled by David Forde in the penalty area after a Yakubu-led counter attack – and when referee Eddie Ilderton allowed the advantage, Lloyd Dyer’s follow up shot appeared to be blocked by a hand.

This proved to be a turning point in the match as Ben Mee was adjudged to have brought down Chris Hackett moments later, controversially conceding his second penalty of the match.

Jack Smith converted from the spot to give Kenny Jackett’s men a lifeline with just over twenty minutes remaining.

Soon after the restart, Millwall were reduced to ten men when debutant Jens Berthel Askou was sent off for a clumsy two-footed challenge on Yakubu.

From the ensuing free kick, Richie Wellens again found Sol Bamba in the penalty area, who was on hand to bundle home his second – and Leicester’s fourth – goal of the game and restore the two goal advantage.

Leicester fans will feel as if justice had been done after not having been awarded the earlier spot kick.

Leicester were unlucky not to have added a fifth when Richie Wellens drilled a shot just over the bar after Yakubu’s effort had initially been turned away for a corner.

Millwall continued to fight back and looked to be in a position to claw a goal back, but Ben Mee’s crunching last ditch challenge on Steve Morrison prevented the visitors mounting a comeback.

It was a crucial tackle for Mee who, in all honesty, struggled to contain Morrison in his first 90 minutes for the Foxes, despite showing moments of potential.

The final whistle meant that Leicester extended their fine home record under Sven-Goran Eriksson, their eighth home win of the season being enough to draw the Foxes level with Millwall in the Championship and firmly in contention for a playoff push.

Man of the Match – Richie Wellens

Leicester City - New Signings Part Three

A quick look at two more Leicester City signings who have arrived at the Walkers Stadium in the last seven days.

Name: Sol Bamba
Age: 25
Position: Centre-half
Transfer fee: Undisclosed

Last season:
Played 32 games for Hibernian, scoring twice in the process. Was also selected for the Ivory Coast international side for the 2010 World Cup but failed to make the starting eleven. Never established himself at Hibernian during the first half of the 2010/11 season.

First thoughts:
A bit of an unknown quantity, but Sven-Goran Eriksson has done a fairly solid job with the players he has brought in since his arrival. Was dominant in his first game for the Foxes, and his first touch in English football was a goal in Leicester’s 2-2 FA Cup draw against Manchester City on Sunday.

Who does he replace?
Michael Morrison, whose departure to Sheffield Wednesday at the end of last week left Leicester with a limited number of defenders. He also provides as more than adequate cover for the injured Miguel Vitor and Aleksandar Tunchev.

What can he bring to Leicester City?
Bamba provides a desperately needed aerial threat from set pieces; something Leicester have been lacking all season. He terrorised a Premier League back four on Sunday with his physical presence. Also, Bamba possesses surprisingly good speed for a centre back; that, combined with his height, should limit the amount of long balls played by the opposition. He will do well to maintain his place in the team when Miguel Vitor returns from injury.

Transfer rating: 7.5/10

Name: Yakubu Aiyegbeni
Age: 28
Position: Striker
Transfer fee: On loan from Everton until end of the season, with a view to a permanent signing in the summer.

Last season:
Struggled to establish himself as the lone striker at Everton over the last two seasons due to injuries, and more recently fell behind Louis Saha and Jermaine Beckford in the pecking order.

First thoughts:
A huge name signing for Leicester City – despite it being a loan signing. Before his Achilles injury, "the Yak" had a fantastic goal scoring record at Portsmouth, Middlesborough and early Everton days and he could be lethal at this level. However, there are question marks regarding his ability to stay free from injury.

Who does he replace?
Matty Fryatt, who left the club to join former manager Nigel Pearson at Hull City this month. His presence will also likely push Darius Vassell back out to the right side of midfield to maintain Eriksson’s preferred 4-5-1/4-3-3 formation. It will also impact negatively upon the amount of games Steve Howard plays for the rest of the season. Yakubu more than likely goes straight into the starting XI for Leicester’s game against Preston on Saturday.

What can he bring to Leicester City?
Yakubu has a great eye for goal and when playing his best football is unplayable. He will occupy the lone striker role, and with support from Darius Vassell, Lloyd Dyer and Paul Gallagher, as well as from a strong central midfield core, the Nigerian international could be just what Leicester need for a promotion push over the next few months.

However, this signing shows more about the intent of Sven-Goran Eriksson. He has stated his desire to manage in the Premier League again, and he wants to do that with Leicester. This is the big name signing he has spoken about. There were question marks over bringing Dariuss Vassell to Leicester which have recently been answered, and this one could also be on the money. Potentially a bit of a risk but time will tell if it pays off.

Transfer rating: 8.5/10

Leicester City 2 - 2 Manchester City - 9th January 2011

Leicester City earned a thoroughly-deserved replay at Eastlands after holding Premier League giants Manchester City to a 2-2 draw.

Sol Bamba put the Foxes ahead in the first minute, but James Milner’s low drive brought the visitors level midway through the first half.

Carlos Tevez poked the ball home from close range just before half-time to put Manchester City in front, but Andy King’s equaliser just after the hour mark ensured Leicester were guaranteed a rematch.

Leicester showed great determination and effort against Roberto Mancini’s side and at times had their Premier League counterparts on the back foot.

The game was certainly of significance to Foxes manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who formerly managed Manchester City during the 2007-2008 season before the Swede parted ways with the club after only one year.

Despite their high league position, Mancini fielded a strong team against the Foxes which included the likes of Carlos Tevez, Adam Johnson and James Milner.

But it was the home side who took the lead inside the first minute when debutant centre back Sol Bamba latched on to Jack Hobbs’ flick on from a Paul Gallagher corner to stab the ball away with his first touch in English football.

The goal emphasised how much of a dominating presence the former Hibernian defender would prove to be from set pieces, as he terrorised a Manchester City back line that failed to cope with him.

The visitors, although shocked by the early goal, responded well with good periods of possession which the Foxes were happy to sit back and absorb during the opening fifteen minutes.

Manchester City did find their equaliser on 23 minutes after James Milner played a one-two pass with Carlos Tevez, the former Villa man easing through the Leicester defence before firing a low drive beyond Chris Weale.

The equaliser was arguably no more than the visitors deserved for their patience, but the hosts appeared unfazed as Sol Bamba continued to threaten again from set plays before Yuki Abe’s stunning 25 yard drive was well saved by Joe Hart.

Minutes later, Paul Gallagher – who continued to be a constant threat with corner kicks – picked out Bamba again in the penalty area but his powerful header was punched away by Hart.

Andy King had a great chance to restore Leicester’s lead shortly after when Richie Wellens played a wonderful through ball behind Manchester City’s backline, but the Welsh international’s chip fell directly into the hands of Joe Hart.

At the other end, Adam Johnson should have put the visitors ahead after being picked out with a low drive into the six yard box, but the England international missed the target from close range after pressure from Chris Weale.

The hosts were made to pay for their missed opportunities however when James Milner’s low ball picked out Carlos Tevez at the near post, who put the ball past Weale to give his side the upper hand at half-time.

The second half offered more of the same end-to-end action as Lloyd Dyer latched on to a long ball over the top of the defence, but fired high and wide as his off balance shot was quickly closed down.

Leicester continued to threaten with set plays as Jack Hobbs’ powerful header flew just over the bar from another Paul Gallagher corner kick as the Foxes prowled for an equaliser.

And they were level on 64 minutes when Joe Hart fumbled a seemingly harmless long ball from Paul Gallagher into the path of Andy King, who regained his composure to slot the ball into an empty net.

It was no more than Leicester deserved, having been the better side in the second half.

Manchester City appeared content with a replay when Mancini opted to replace the largely ineffective Jo with a more defensive option in Pablo Zabaleta, with substitute Nigel De Jong sitting just in front of the defence.

But Leicester maintained their ‘nothing to lose’ attitude and pressed on, with Sol Bamba once again threatening from a corner kick, his header being cleared off the line by James Milner after beating Joe Hart.

Then, against the run of play, the Manchester City had a glorious opportunity to restore their lead when Carlos Tevez found substitute Nigel De Jong free in the penalty area, but the Dutchman’s scuffed effort failed to trouble Chris Weale.

As the match drew to a close, Tevez again could have won it for the visitors, but Sol Bamba was on hand to block the former Manchester United man’s shot after Chris Weale had saved his initial effort.

The final whistle indicated the two teams would face off again at Eastlands in a replay, the winner of which will travel to Notts County – another of Eriksson’s former clubs – in the fourth round.

Man of the Match – Sol Bamba