The Premier League is one which rewards strong sides. Sides which contain the fewest weak links within their starting XI. One player does not make a team, and reliance on the scoring of one player or a couple of players can ultimately lead to failure.
Here are three players from different teams who are, more often than not, depended upon more than anyone else in their side.
Tim Cahill – Everton
There’s no doubting Tim Cahill’s ability. He is a world class midfielder, certainly one of the best footballers at heading the ball, and is at the heart of the majority of Everton’s attacking play – as well-rewarded fantasy football managers will soon tell you. The problem is with Everton is that they lack an out and out striker. Despite the Toffees fielding a 4-5-1 formation, it seems impossible to predict who will be the lone forward in their attack out of Louis Saha, Ayegbeni Yakubu or Jermaine Beckford – who have mustered up a measly three league goals between them this season. Tim Cahill has scored nine out of Everton’s twenty goals to date. While this demonstrates his attacking threat and eye for goal, his side will struggle to fulfil their potential and break into the top six this season unless their strikers find some consistency, or manager David Moyes is given the opportunity to delve into the transfer market in 2011.
Andy Carroll – Newcastle
With eleven goals so far this season, Andy Carroll is currently the third top goal scorer in the Premier League – amongst names such as Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez, and more than Chelsea’s Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka combined. In Newcastle’s first home game of the season, Carroll netted a hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Aston Villa, throwing down his own gauntlet for the rest of the campaign. In fact, fourteen of Newcastle’s 22 points have come when Carroll scores. But such expectation of a 21 year old, brand new to the Premier League, must come as a lot of pressure to the striker - who picked up his first England cap earlier this year. This is not to undermine Carroll’s ability; he has proven himself as a huge threat in front of goal; but the fact that Chris Hughton was sacked earlier this month seems to be a clear indication that chairman Mike Ashley is expecting more than just survival - or even a mid-table finish (Newcastle were eleventh when Hughton lost his job) – for the Magpies this year. Should Carroll happen to miss a string of games through suspension or injury, Newcastle could struggle somewhat due to their inconsistent home and away record this season.
Carlos Tevez – Manchester City
This might sound a bit of an odd one, but before (and probably still now) the drama surrounding Tevez’s future in English football and a possible rift between himself and manager Roberto Mancini, Manchester City fans would have told you that the Argentine international provided the real cutting edge to their side’s attacking play. Tevez has scored twelve goals, all of which have come in seven of City’s eleven league wins. Although Manchester City enter into 2011 joint top of the Premier League, they have scored the least goals out of the top four sides. Although Mario Balotelli is beginning to find his feet, no other player apart from he and Tevez has scored more than twice in the Premier League for Man City this season. The argument could therefore be made that the Blues can score goals from anywhere on the pitch – which might be expected with an abundance of quality players within the squad – but Mancini is right to be looking at bringing in another striker in January (namely Wolfsburg’s Edin Dezko, if reports are correct) – to provide another goal scorer and continue Manchester City’s title ambitions – especially as goal difference could prove to be vital in May next year.
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
Sunday, 26 December 2010
Leicester City 2 - 2 Leeds United - 26th December 2010
Leicester City came from two goals down to rescue a point against high-flying Leeds United this afternoon at the Walkers Stadium.
Former Leicester man Max Gradel put the visitors ahead in the first half, while Robert Snodgrass doubled Leeds’ lead ten minutes after the break with an angled strike.
Paul Gallagher pulled a goal back from the penalty spot to give the Foxes hope after Leeds keeper Kasper Schmeichel brought down Darius Vassell, and Andy King’s thunderbolt from 25 yards ensured Sven-Goran Eriksson’s unbeaten home record in the league remained intact.
The result meant that Leeds slipped to third in the Championship after Cardiff’s 2-0 win over Coventry City, while Leicester remain in the bottom half of the table despite sitting just five points outside the playoffs.
The home side had the first chance of the match when Steve Howard’s snap shot from twenty yards out curled just past the Leeds goal.
But it was the away side who took the lead after nineteen minutes when Max Gradel capitalised on some sluggish Leicester defending – not helped by Kyle Naughton slipping in the penalty area at an unfortunate moment – to head the ball past Chris Kirkland from six yards out.
The first half contained few clear cut opportunities, although Leicester showed some promise on the half hour mark when Andy King’s clever cross was batted away by goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, followed by a tight angled shot into the side netting by full back Greg Cunningham after a smart run into the penalty area.
Despite a deflected shot on target by Yuki Abe five minutes after the break, Leeds came out the stronger side in the second half and were soon rewarded for their superiority when Robert Snodgrass’s corner was headed back out to him, only for the Scotsman to blast the ball past Chris Kirkland from a tight angle and send the 3,000 plus visiting fans into delirium.
Gradel could have made it 3-0 moments later after cutting in behind the Leicester defence, but he could only find the side netting from an acute angle.
Leicester were handed a lifeline with just under twenty minutes remaining when Darius Vassell found himself one-on-one with Kasper Schmeichel, only for the former England international to be brought down in the penalty area.
Referee Tony Bates awarded the spot kick, and although there appeared to be little contact between the two during the incident, Schmeichel might consider himself fortunate to only receive a caution for the foul as Vassell appeared to be in on goal.
Paul Gallagher stepped up to blast the penalty down the middle of the goal for his fourth goal in as many games, and to give Leicester an opportunity to rescue something from the match.
The Foxes found themselves level just five minutes later when Andy King picked the ball up 25 yards out from goal and hit a wonderful strike past Schmeichel, which hit the underside of the bar on his way in.
It was the Welsh international’s ninth goal of the season, and was a clear exhibition of how dangerous Leicester can be when playing their best football.
From that point it seemed as if either side could go on to win the game, with Leicester looking sharp on the break and Leeds continuing to look dangerous in attack despite being rocked somewhat by the home side’s comeback.
With time running out, Chris Kirkland pulled off a magnificent save with both sides scrambling for the ball in the Leicester penalty area, and Darius Vassell was unfairly brought down by Paul Connolly after using his blistering pace to break through the Leeds midfield.
There was one last moment of controversy when substitute Roman Bednar appeared to be pulled down in the penalty area – but the official did not award Leicester a second penalty.
In the last minute of injury time, Neil Collins squandered a final chance for Leeds when his header from a corner went harmlessly wide.
The final whistle extended Leicester’s unbeaten home record in the Championship to eight games, while Simon Grayson’s men stayed firmly in the race for automatic promotion.
Man of the Match – Jack Hobbs
Former Leicester man Max Gradel put the visitors ahead in the first half, while Robert Snodgrass doubled Leeds’ lead ten minutes after the break with an angled strike.
Paul Gallagher pulled a goal back from the penalty spot to give the Foxes hope after Leeds keeper Kasper Schmeichel brought down Darius Vassell, and Andy King’s thunderbolt from 25 yards ensured Sven-Goran Eriksson’s unbeaten home record in the league remained intact.
The result meant that Leeds slipped to third in the Championship after Cardiff’s 2-0 win over Coventry City, while Leicester remain in the bottom half of the table despite sitting just five points outside the playoffs.
The home side had the first chance of the match when Steve Howard’s snap shot from twenty yards out curled just past the Leeds goal.
But it was the away side who took the lead after nineteen minutes when Max Gradel capitalised on some sluggish Leicester defending – not helped by Kyle Naughton slipping in the penalty area at an unfortunate moment – to head the ball past Chris Kirkland from six yards out.
The first half contained few clear cut opportunities, although Leicester showed some promise on the half hour mark when Andy King’s clever cross was batted away by goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, followed by a tight angled shot into the side netting by full back Greg Cunningham after a smart run into the penalty area.
Despite a deflected shot on target by Yuki Abe five minutes after the break, Leeds came out the stronger side in the second half and were soon rewarded for their superiority when Robert Snodgrass’s corner was headed back out to him, only for the Scotsman to blast the ball past Chris Kirkland from a tight angle and send the 3,000 plus visiting fans into delirium.
Gradel could have made it 3-0 moments later after cutting in behind the Leicester defence, but he could only find the side netting from an acute angle.
Leicester were handed a lifeline with just under twenty minutes remaining when Darius Vassell found himself one-on-one with Kasper Schmeichel, only for the former England international to be brought down in the penalty area.
Referee Tony Bates awarded the spot kick, and although there appeared to be little contact between the two during the incident, Schmeichel might consider himself fortunate to only receive a caution for the foul as Vassell appeared to be in on goal.
Paul Gallagher stepped up to blast the penalty down the middle of the goal for his fourth goal in as many games, and to give Leicester an opportunity to rescue something from the match.
The Foxes found themselves level just five minutes later when Andy King picked the ball up 25 yards out from goal and hit a wonderful strike past Schmeichel, which hit the underside of the bar on his way in.
It was the Welsh international’s ninth goal of the season, and was a clear exhibition of how dangerous Leicester can be when playing their best football.
From that point it seemed as if either side could go on to win the game, with Leicester looking sharp on the break and Leeds continuing to look dangerous in attack despite being rocked somewhat by the home side’s comeback.
With time running out, Chris Kirkland pulled off a magnificent save with both sides scrambling for the ball in the Leicester penalty area, and Darius Vassell was unfairly brought down by Paul Connolly after using his blistering pace to break through the Leeds midfield.
There was one last moment of controversy when substitute Roman Bednar appeared to be pulled down in the penalty area – but the official did not award Leicester a second penalty.
In the last minute of injury time, Neil Collins squandered a final chance for Leeds when his header from a corner went harmlessly wide.
The final whistle extended Leicester’s unbeaten home record in the Championship to eight games, while Simon Grayson’s men stayed firmly in the race for automatic promotion.
Man of the Match – Jack Hobbs
Saturday, 18 December 2010
Under the Radar: how Sven-Göran Eriksson is quietly making things happen at Leicester City
When Sven-Göran Eriksson took the job as Leicester City manager, there were a lot of sceptics. Some thought he didn’t have the right background and discipline to manage a team at Championship level. Others questioned his past affairs in the media and whether it would impact on his professionalism. And many thought that former chairman Milan Mandaric had been far too trigger-happy with Paulo Sousa, who was dismissed after a string of dismal results and poor performances in September 2010.
But since the former England boss took charge, the Foxes have climbed ten places in the league. Eriksson has brought in a blend of youth and experience from the Premier League, and key players are returning to – and excelling – their form from last season.
The winning mentality is back.
Change doesn’t happen overnight, however. A new manager will not win every single game. The Championship is a highly competitive league, and this season has proven that any team can beat any other team. But the season ends in May; not in December. The phrase “it's a marathon, not a sprint” is one to bear in mind. Leicester fans are right to have high expectations, but should also not be concerned that their team are still in the bottom half of the table. Since Eriksson took charge, Leicester have taken 23 points from twelve league games, winning seven of those in the process - the most games won by any side in the Championship during that period. The Foxes have scored 21 leagues goals in that time (bettered only by Leeds United).
To put it simply, here is the difference between the two Leicester managers this season:
Paulo Sousa
Games played: 9
Games won: 1
Goals scored: 10
Goal difference: - 12
Points: 5
League position: 24th
Sven-Göran Eriksson
Games played: 12
Games won: 7
Goals scored: 21
Goal difference: + 8
Points: 23
League position: 14th
Leicester are the form team in the Championship over the last twelve games. They are also averaging 1.92 points in that time. That works out as 88 points over the entire season. In four of the last six seasons, 88 points is good enough for second place in this division.
However, there is still room for improvement. Leicester’s away form – whilst not terrible under Eriksson – has burdened them somewhat over the course of the season. Seven points from a possible 30 is not encouraging, although six of those points have come from games since Eriksson became manager. The next three away games are against Ipswich, Millwall and Hull – three sides struggling for consistency recently. There is no better time for Leicester to be playing these fixtures.
But it isn’t simply about statistics. The players brought to this club have all fitted the bill, too. Full-backs Kyle Naughton and Greg Cunningham give the team an added dimension in attacking play with their speed and vision. Curtis Davies has been a rock in defence. Darius Vassell has proven that his 30-year old legs still have pace to burn and can break the offside trap with ease, and that the former England international still has an eye for goal. These are all players who have at some point played in the Premier League, and it is obvious to see that. Not to mention the fact that Eriksson has the option to be busy in the January transfer window.
The best thing, however, is that Eriksson is doing all this relatively quietly. He knows the season doesn’t end tomorrow. He also knows what this side is capable of when they play their best football. Anyone who witnessed the second-half demolition of Doncaster Rovers last weekend would argue that it was some of the finest football seen at the Walkers Stadium in many years. No side in this league can contain Leicester City when they play like that.
The fans fully support the manager, as do the new owners – who have publicly stated that there will be money available in January for Eriksson to strengthen the side. A strong December is therefore essential. More importantly, it’s extremely achievable. This team is stronger than it was under Nigel Pearson last season – and when things come together, it really is exciting to watch.
Don’t be surprised if Sven-Göran Eriksson and Leicester City are making a realistic push for automatic promotion (there, I said it) in April 2011.
This team is going places.
But since the former England boss took charge, the Foxes have climbed ten places in the league. Eriksson has brought in a blend of youth and experience from the Premier League, and key players are returning to – and excelling – their form from last season.
The winning mentality is back.
Change doesn’t happen overnight, however. A new manager will not win every single game. The Championship is a highly competitive league, and this season has proven that any team can beat any other team. But the season ends in May; not in December. The phrase “it's a marathon, not a sprint” is one to bear in mind. Leicester fans are right to have high expectations, but should also not be concerned that their team are still in the bottom half of the table. Since Eriksson took charge, Leicester have taken 23 points from twelve league games, winning seven of those in the process - the most games won by any side in the Championship during that period. The Foxes have scored 21 leagues goals in that time (bettered only by Leeds United).
To put it simply, here is the difference between the two Leicester managers this season:
Paulo Sousa
Games played: 9
Games won: 1
Goals scored: 10
Goal difference: - 12
Points: 5
League position: 24th
Sven-Göran Eriksson
Games played: 12
Games won: 7
Goals scored: 21
Goal difference: + 8
Points: 23
League position: 14th
Leicester are the form team in the Championship over the last twelve games. They are also averaging 1.92 points in that time. That works out as 88 points over the entire season. In four of the last six seasons, 88 points is good enough for second place in this division.
However, there is still room for improvement. Leicester’s away form – whilst not terrible under Eriksson – has burdened them somewhat over the course of the season. Seven points from a possible 30 is not encouraging, although six of those points have come from games since Eriksson became manager. The next three away games are against Ipswich, Millwall and Hull – three sides struggling for consistency recently. There is no better time for Leicester to be playing these fixtures.
But it isn’t simply about statistics. The players brought to this club have all fitted the bill, too. Full-backs Kyle Naughton and Greg Cunningham give the team an added dimension in attacking play with their speed and vision. Curtis Davies has been a rock in defence. Darius Vassell has proven that his 30-year old legs still have pace to burn and can break the offside trap with ease, and that the former England international still has an eye for goal. These are all players who have at some point played in the Premier League, and it is obvious to see that. Not to mention the fact that Eriksson has the option to be busy in the January transfer window.
The best thing, however, is that Eriksson is doing all this relatively quietly. He knows the season doesn’t end tomorrow. He also knows what this side is capable of when they play their best football. Anyone who witnessed the second-half demolition of Doncaster Rovers last weekend would argue that it was some of the finest football seen at the Walkers Stadium in many years. No side in this league can contain Leicester City when they play like that.
The fans fully support the manager, as do the new owners – who have publicly stated that there will be money available in January for Eriksson to strengthen the side. A strong December is therefore essential. More importantly, it’s extremely achievable. This team is stronger than it was under Nigel Pearson last season – and when things come together, it really is exciting to watch.
Don’t be surprised if Sven-Göran Eriksson and Leicester City are making a realistic push for automatic promotion (there, I said it) in April 2011.
This team is going places.
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Leicester City 5 - 1 Doncaster Rovers - 11th December 2010
Leicester City scored four second half goals to demolish Doncaster Rovers 5-1 at the Walkers Stadium this afternoon.
The visitors went ahead after six minutes through Billy Sharp, but Leicester drew level when Paul Gallagher converted from the spot in first half stoppage time.
Richie Wellens and Kyle Naughton netted for the Foxes before Darius Vassell scored his first goal for the club with fifteen minutes to go.
Martyn Waghorn added to the score sheet in injury time to cap off a dominating second half performance and extend Sven-Goran Eriksson’s unbeaten home record in the Championship to seven games.
It was certainly a game of two halves as Doncaster were much the better side in the early exchanges, with James Hayter firing over after Leicester’s defence was caught on the back foot.
The visitors soon made amends, however, when the Foxes’ backline was again breached by some positive play, resulting in Billy Sharp acrobatically volleying the ball into the top corner.
Leicester struggled to get into the game in the opening fifteen minutes, with Richie Wellens coming closest for the home side with a shot from eighteen yards which sailed over the crossbar.
The Foxes began to look much livelier halfway through the first period as Darius Vassell burst through the heart of the Doncaster midfield, after good work from Yuki Abe, but the former England man’s shot was fortunately deflected wide – and from the ensuing corner, Andy King rattled the crossbar with a header from close range.
Moments later, Paul Gallagher broke into open space with a storming run, but his shot was easily saved by Neil Sullivan.
Despite Leicester’s mounting pressure on the Doncaster goal, the visitors had a great chance to double their lead after an uncharacteristically bad header back to goal from Curtis Davies was latched onto by David Healy who took the ball around goalkeeper Chris Weale, but could not hit the target from a tight angle.
The game changed when substitute Lloyd Dyer entered the fray after 36 minutes – Roman Bednar having picked up an injury as a result of a heavy challenge – and was soon was at the heart of the action when he was brought down by Neil Sullivan in the Doncaster penalty area, two minutes into first half injury time.
Paul Gallagher stepped up to fire the ball past Sullivan – his third goal in two games - and bring the Foxes level just before the half time.
Leicester came out all guns blazing after the break, with Curtis Davies coming extremely close with a header just wide from a corner kick.
Loanee Greg Cunningham then hit the crossbar with a rasping free kick from 25 yards out after Darius Vassell, who had replaced Roman Bednar up front, was clumsily brought down by last man Wayne Thomas.
The game turned on its head with Vassell up front as Leicester were able to pass the ball around much more openly in midfield, and work off Vassell’s blistering pace to create more attacking opportunities with continuous support from Lloyd Dyer, Kyle Naughton and Andy King.
It was all one way traffic as Leicester continued to mount the pressure in the hunt for a second goal, and Andy King almost put the Foxes ahead with a superb low drive from distance, but Neil Sullivan was equal to the challenge, parrying the ball out for a corner.
But Leicester were ahead moments later when former Doncaster man Richie Wellens found some space in the middle of the park and unleashed a powerful low strike into the bottom left hand corner of the goal, putting his home side 2-1 ahead and epitomising the home side’s supremacy shown the second half.
Leicester, reluctant to sit on their one goal advantage, maintained their attacking nature with Andy King forcing Neil Sullivan into another save, and firing just wide moments later.
Meanwhile, at the other end, Chris Weale had to be alert to tip David Healy’s looping shot around the post to preserve Leicester’s lead.
Leicester then doubled their lead with twenty minutes remaining after a superb team counter attack was capped off by full-back Kyle Naughton, who latched onto Richie Wellens’ pinpoint pass and fired across goal into the bottom corner to put the Foxes 3-1 to the good.
The hosts were oozing with confidence by this stage, and soon added a fourth to the tally when Lloyd Dyer played the ball behind the Doncaster back line for Darius Vassell who prodded the ball under Neil Sullivan for a deserved goal – his first in the Leicester blue and white.
Martyn Waghorn replaced Vassell – who received a standing ovation from the Leicester fans - with five minutes remaining and had a glorious opportunity to score when he found himself clean through on goal, however his first touch let him down and the ball ran away from him.
The former Sunderland man did add to his season tally in injury time, however, when Andy King broke clear and hit the inside of the post, giving Waghorn the simplest of tasks to put the ball into an empty net and cap off an emphatic 5-1 win.
Another home victory boosted the Foxes to thirteenth in the league – leapfrogging Doncaster in the process – and left Sven’s men just five points outside the playoff places at this stage in the season.
Man of the Match – Darius Vassell
The visitors went ahead after six minutes through Billy Sharp, but Leicester drew level when Paul Gallagher converted from the spot in first half stoppage time.
Richie Wellens and Kyle Naughton netted for the Foxes before Darius Vassell scored his first goal for the club with fifteen minutes to go.
Martyn Waghorn added to the score sheet in injury time to cap off a dominating second half performance and extend Sven-Goran Eriksson’s unbeaten home record in the Championship to seven games.
It was certainly a game of two halves as Doncaster were much the better side in the early exchanges, with James Hayter firing over after Leicester’s defence was caught on the back foot.
The visitors soon made amends, however, when the Foxes’ backline was again breached by some positive play, resulting in Billy Sharp acrobatically volleying the ball into the top corner.
Leicester struggled to get into the game in the opening fifteen minutes, with Richie Wellens coming closest for the home side with a shot from eighteen yards which sailed over the crossbar.
The Foxes began to look much livelier halfway through the first period as Darius Vassell burst through the heart of the Doncaster midfield, after good work from Yuki Abe, but the former England man’s shot was fortunately deflected wide – and from the ensuing corner, Andy King rattled the crossbar with a header from close range.
Moments later, Paul Gallagher broke into open space with a storming run, but his shot was easily saved by Neil Sullivan.
Despite Leicester’s mounting pressure on the Doncaster goal, the visitors had a great chance to double their lead after an uncharacteristically bad header back to goal from Curtis Davies was latched onto by David Healy who took the ball around goalkeeper Chris Weale, but could not hit the target from a tight angle.
The game changed when substitute Lloyd Dyer entered the fray after 36 minutes – Roman Bednar having picked up an injury as a result of a heavy challenge – and was soon was at the heart of the action when he was brought down by Neil Sullivan in the Doncaster penalty area, two minutes into first half injury time.
Paul Gallagher stepped up to fire the ball past Sullivan – his third goal in two games - and bring the Foxes level just before the half time.
Leicester came out all guns blazing after the break, with Curtis Davies coming extremely close with a header just wide from a corner kick.
Loanee Greg Cunningham then hit the crossbar with a rasping free kick from 25 yards out after Darius Vassell, who had replaced Roman Bednar up front, was clumsily brought down by last man Wayne Thomas.
The game turned on its head with Vassell up front as Leicester were able to pass the ball around much more openly in midfield, and work off Vassell’s blistering pace to create more attacking opportunities with continuous support from Lloyd Dyer, Kyle Naughton and Andy King.
It was all one way traffic as Leicester continued to mount the pressure in the hunt for a second goal, and Andy King almost put the Foxes ahead with a superb low drive from distance, but Neil Sullivan was equal to the challenge, parrying the ball out for a corner.
But Leicester were ahead moments later when former Doncaster man Richie Wellens found some space in the middle of the park and unleashed a powerful low strike into the bottom left hand corner of the goal, putting his home side 2-1 ahead and epitomising the home side’s supremacy shown the second half.
Leicester, reluctant to sit on their one goal advantage, maintained their attacking nature with Andy King forcing Neil Sullivan into another save, and firing just wide moments later.
Meanwhile, at the other end, Chris Weale had to be alert to tip David Healy’s looping shot around the post to preserve Leicester’s lead.
Leicester then doubled their lead with twenty minutes remaining after a superb team counter attack was capped off by full-back Kyle Naughton, who latched onto Richie Wellens’ pinpoint pass and fired across goal into the bottom corner to put the Foxes 3-1 to the good.
The hosts were oozing with confidence by this stage, and soon added a fourth to the tally when Lloyd Dyer played the ball behind the Doncaster back line for Darius Vassell who prodded the ball under Neil Sullivan for a deserved goal – his first in the Leicester blue and white.
Martyn Waghorn replaced Vassell – who received a standing ovation from the Leicester fans - with five minutes remaining and had a glorious opportunity to score when he found himself clean through on goal, however his first touch let him down and the ball ran away from him.
The former Sunderland man did add to his season tally in injury time, however, when Andy King broke clear and hit the inside of the post, giving Waghorn the simplest of tasks to put the ball into an empty net and cap off an emphatic 5-1 win.
Another home victory boosted the Foxes to thirteenth in the league – leapfrogging Doncaster in the process – and left Sven’s men just five points outside the playoff places at this stage in the season.
Man of the Match – Darius Vassell
Saturday, 13 November 2010
Leicester City 2 - 0 Derby County - 13th November 2010
Leicester City continued to climb the Championship table following a well-deserved 2-0 win this afternoon over East Midlands rivals Derby County at the Walkers Stadium.
Andy King opened the scoring in the first half after Darius Vassell’s earlier finish was adjudged to have been offside.
Former Derby County favourite Steve Howard doubled Leicester’s lead with twenty minutes remaining with a spot kick after Kyle Naughton was brought down in the penalty area.
Victory for the Foxes meant that they rose to fifteenth in the league, halting high-flying Derby’s three-game winning streak in the process.
Leicester were almost ahead in the opening few minutes when Darius Vassell latched on to a long ball from Jack Hobbs, before firing past the onrushing Derby goalkeeper Frank Fielding – however, the former England international was adjudged to have been offside and thus the goal was disallowed.
The Foxes continued to capitalise on a strong start, and were ahead shortly afterwards when Richie Wellens split the Rams’ defence with a pinpoint ball through to fellow midfielder Andy King, who coolly slotted past Fielding for his seventh goal of the season.
Derby rarely threatened in the opening quarter of the match, with Kris Commons’ shot straight at Leicester goalkeeper Chris Weale being the visitors’ first chance on goal.
Shortly afterwards, Paul Gallagher and on-loan Greg Cunningham linked up nicely on the left hand side with Cunningham delivering a good cross in towards Andy King, but the Welshman failed to trouble Fielding with his effort.
Leicester continued to press for a second goal and came close just before the half hour mark when Paul Gallagher’s mazy run was capped off with a fine shot from 25 yards; however, the Scotsman’s effort sailed just over the crossbar.
It was Derby who finished the last ten minutes of the half as the stronger side, with Commons firing just wide of the post from 25 yards, and Luke Moore blasting over from close range after the City defence was caught on the back foot.
Tomasz Cywka came close for the visitors five minutes before half-time after a good run into the penalty area, but the former Polish under-21 international miscued his shot and the ball sailed harmlessly past Chris Weale’s near post.
Derby manager Nigel Clough must have been pleased with his side’s display at the end of the first half, but it was the Foxes who came back biting after the break through Steve Howard - looking determined to score against his former club - heading over from Darius Vassell’s cross just two minutes into the second period.
The away side should have been on level terms just after the hour mark when Kris Commons had a free header in the Foxes’ penalty area; but the former Nottingham Forest man failed to hit the target from twelve yards when he should have at least tested Chris Weale.
The introduction of substitute Lloyd Dyer gave the home side a much-needed energy boost, with the winger coming close with a curling shot parried away by Fielding after a fine run into the Derby penalty area.
Dyer continued to threaten, this time after meeting a Paul Gallagher cross in the box, but was unable to direct his effort on target after good pressure from the Rams’ defence.
Leicester’s attacking prowess eventually paid off when Kyle Naughton was clumsily brought down the penalty area by Kris Commons, with referee Steve Tanner having no hesitation in awarding the spot kick.
Steve Howard stepped up to fire the ball past Fielding for his fifth goal of the season - his second penalty in as many games – and crucially, to give Leicester a much more comfortable 2-0 lead.
As the Derby heads dropped, Leicester continued to press in search of a third goal, with the tireless Paul Gallagher terrorising the Derby backline with pinpoint crossing and excellent technical ability.
As the minutes wound down, Gallagher almost added insult to injury when his low shot took a wicked deflection and almost found its way into the bottom corner – however, Fielding managed to scramble across to his near post just in time.
The final whistle indicated another impressive win for Leicester under Sven-Goran Eriksson, a third clean sheet in four league games, and gave the Foxes bragging rights over a strong Derby County side.
Man of the Match – Richie Wellens
Andy King opened the scoring in the first half after Darius Vassell’s earlier finish was adjudged to have been offside.
Former Derby County favourite Steve Howard doubled Leicester’s lead with twenty minutes remaining with a spot kick after Kyle Naughton was brought down in the penalty area.
Victory for the Foxes meant that they rose to fifteenth in the league, halting high-flying Derby’s three-game winning streak in the process.
Leicester were almost ahead in the opening few minutes when Darius Vassell latched on to a long ball from Jack Hobbs, before firing past the onrushing Derby goalkeeper Frank Fielding – however, the former England international was adjudged to have been offside and thus the goal was disallowed.
The Foxes continued to capitalise on a strong start, and were ahead shortly afterwards when Richie Wellens split the Rams’ defence with a pinpoint ball through to fellow midfielder Andy King, who coolly slotted past Fielding for his seventh goal of the season.
Derby rarely threatened in the opening quarter of the match, with Kris Commons’ shot straight at Leicester goalkeeper Chris Weale being the visitors’ first chance on goal.
Shortly afterwards, Paul Gallagher and on-loan Greg Cunningham linked up nicely on the left hand side with Cunningham delivering a good cross in towards Andy King, but the Welshman failed to trouble Fielding with his effort.
Leicester continued to press for a second goal and came close just before the half hour mark when Paul Gallagher’s mazy run was capped off with a fine shot from 25 yards; however, the Scotsman’s effort sailed just over the crossbar.
It was Derby who finished the last ten minutes of the half as the stronger side, with Commons firing just wide of the post from 25 yards, and Luke Moore blasting over from close range after the City defence was caught on the back foot.
Tomasz Cywka came close for the visitors five minutes before half-time after a good run into the penalty area, but the former Polish under-21 international miscued his shot and the ball sailed harmlessly past Chris Weale’s near post.
Derby manager Nigel Clough must have been pleased with his side’s display at the end of the first half, but it was the Foxes who came back biting after the break through Steve Howard - looking determined to score against his former club - heading over from Darius Vassell’s cross just two minutes into the second period.
The away side should have been on level terms just after the hour mark when Kris Commons had a free header in the Foxes’ penalty area; but the former Nottingham Forest man failed to hit the target from twelve yards when he should have at least tested Chris Weale.
The introduction of substitute Lloyd Dyer gave the home side a much-needed energy boost, with the winger coming close with a curling shot parried away by Fielding after a fine run into the Derby penalty area.
Dyer continued to threaten, this time after meeting a Paul Gallagher cross in the box, but was unable to direct his effort on target after good pressure from the Rams’ defence.
Leicester’s attacking prowess eventually paid off when Kyle Naughton was clumsily brought down the penalty area by Kris Commons, with referee Steve Tanner having no hesitation in awarding the spot kick.
Steve Howard stepped up to fire the ball past Fielding for his fifth goal of the season - his second penalty in as many games – and crucially, to give Leicester a much more comfortable 2-0 lead.
As the Derby heads dropped, Leicester continued to press in search of a third goal, with the tireless Paul Gallagher terrorising the Derby backline with pinpoint crossing and excellent technical ability.
As the minutes wound down, Gallagher almost added insult to injury when his low shot took a wicked deflection and almost found its way into the bottom corner – however, Fielding managed to scramble across to his near post just in time.
The final whistle indicated another impressive win for Leicester under Sven-Goran Eriksson, a third clean sheet in four league games, and gave the Foxes bragging rights over a strong Derby County side.
Man of the Match – Richie Wellens
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Leicester City 2 - 2 Sheffield United - 10th November 2010
Steve Howard scored a penalty in injury time to salvage a point for Leicester City against Sheffield United last night at the Walkers Stadium.
The hosts had initially gone ahead through Paul Gallagher’s superb free kick from 20 yards, but Mark Yeates netted twice for the Blades before half-time to give the visitors a slender lead.
However, Yeates was involved in Leicester’s equaliser when he was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area, allowing Steve Howard to bring the Foxes back on level terms in the second minute of stoppage time.
The result meant that Leicester’s unbeaten run at the Walkers Stadium now stretches back to September 18th, but City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson will be happy to take a point knowing his side lacked the cutting edge demonstrated against Barnsley last weekend.
Leicester were rewarded for yet another bright start when Paul Gallagher’s curling free kick flew into the top corner after Martyn Waghorn was brought down on the edge of the area.
The home side were then dominant for the next twenty minutes, but created few clear cut chances other than Andy King heading wide of Steve Simonsen in the Sheffield United goal.
Shortly afterwards, the Foxes were punished for their inability to turn possession into goals when, just before the half hour mark, Sheffield United caught Leicester on the counter attack through Andy Reid, who was able to find Mark Yeates in plenty of time and space to curl the ball past the helpless Chris Weale.
And with five minutes before half-time, Yeates put the visitors ahead with a stunning free kick after he was brought down by Curtis Davies outside the box.
The second half saw Steve Howard and Lloyd Dyer replace Martyn Waghorn and home debutant Darius Vassell; however, chances were few and far between for the home side, who looked somewhat deflated.
Paul Gallagher came close with another free kick, but Steve Simonsen was equal to it, just managing to tip the ball round the post for a corner.
With ten minutes remaining, Lloyd Dyer made a mazy run into the penalty area resulting in the ball falling at the feet of Steve Howard, whose shot from eighteen yards through a crowd of players was easily saved by Simonsen.
The defining point of the match came at the death when hero-turned-villain Mark Yeates handled the ball in the Blades’ penalty area in the second minute of stoppage time.
Steve Howard stepped up to blast the ball into the bottom corner from twelve yards for his fourth goal of the season, much to the jubilation – and relief – of the home fans.
In the final few seconds of the match, Kyle Naughton lashed the ball across the face of the goal with substitute Matty Fryatt in the penalty area, but was unable to pick him out.
The points were shared on the night, but Sheffield United manager Gary Speed will be frustrated to have not held on to win the game.
Meanwhile, Sven-Goran Eriksson knows his team must be more clinical in this weekend’s huge match at home to Derby County to earn bragging rights in the East Midlands.
Man of the Match – Mark Yeates
The hosts had initially gone ahead through Paul Gallagher’s superb free kick from 20 yards, but Mark Yeates netted twice for the Blades before half-time to give the visitors a slender lead.
However, Yeates was involved in Leicester’s equaliser when he was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area, allowing Steve Howard to bring the Foxes back on level terms in the second minute of stoppage time.
The result meant that Leicester’s unbeaten run at the Walkers Stadium now stretches back to September 18th, but City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson will be happy to take a point knowing his side lacked the cutting edge demonstrated against Barnsley last weekend.
Leicester were rewarded for yet another bright start when Paul Gallagher’s curling free kick flew into the top corner after Martyn Waghorn was brought down on the edge of the area.
The home side were then dominant for the next twenty minutes, but created few clear cut chances other than Andy King heading wide of Steve Simonsen in the Sheffield United goal.
Shortly afterwards, the Foxes were punished for their inability to turn possession into goals when, just before the half hour mark, Sheffield United caught Leicester on the counter attack through Andy Reid, who was able to find Mark Yeates in plenty of time and space to curl the ball past the helpless Chris Weale.
And with five minutes before half-time, Yeates put the visitors ahead with a stunning free kick after he was brought down by Curtis Davies outside the box.
The second half saw Steve Howard and Lloyd Dyer replace Martyn Waghorn and home debutant Darius Vassell; however, chances were few and far between for the home side, who looked somewhat deflated.
Paul Gallagher came close with another free kick, but Steve Simonsen was equal to it, just managing to tip the ball round the post for a corner.
With ten minutes remaining, Lloyd Dyer made a mazy run into the penalty area resulting in the ball falling at the feet of Steve Howard, whose shot from eighteen yards through a crowd of players was easily saved by Simonsen.
The defining point of the match came at the death when hero-turned-villain Mark Yeates handled the ball in the Blades’ penalty area in the second minute of stoppage time.
Steve Howard stepped up to blast the ball into the bottom corner from twelve yards for his fourth goal of the season, much to the jubilation – and relief – of the home fans.
In the final few seconds of the match, Kyle Naughton lashed the ball across the face of the goal with substitute Matty Fryatt in the penalty area, but was unable to pick him out.
The points were shared on the night, but Sheffield United manager Gary Speed will be frustrated to have not held on to win the game.
Meanwhile, Sven-Goran Eriksson knows his team must be more clinical in this weekend’s huge match at home to Derby County to earn bragging rights in the East Midlands.
Man of the Match – Mark Yeates
Friday, 5 November 2010
Preview: Barnsley v Leicester City - 6th November 2010
Teams:
Barnsley v Leicester City
Location:
Oakwell, Barnsley.
Current league position:
Barnsley - 17th
Leicester - 19th
Last meeting:
Barnsley 1 – 0 Leicester – 26th January, 2010
League form (last five games):
Barnsley – D L L W L (4 points)
Leicester – W L W D W (10 points)
Top goal scorers:
Barnsley – Adam Hammill (5)
Leicester – Andy King (5)
Match facts:
Barnsley have been strong at home this season, picking up fourteen points from a possible 21.
Leicester City have the worst defensive record in the Championship away from home so far this season, and are yet to keep a clean sheet away from the Walkers Stadium.
The Foxes have won seven of their last eight games against Barnsley.
Key battles:
Adam Hammill v Kyle Naughton/Greg Cunningham
Hammill is an attacking threat all over the pitch for the Tykes, although he likes to hit the flanks whenever possible. This will provide interesting match-ups for loanees Greg Cunningham and Kyle Naughton, who have looked promising for the Foxes so far.
Luke Potter v Lloyd Dyer
An injury to Matt Hill means that Luke Potter may be forced to step in at left back. Dyer loves to run at defenders, and Potter may struggle to contain him in the final third of the pitch. Against speedy full-backs who like to push forward, Barnsley’s defence will need to be on red alert all afternoon.
Thoughts:
Whilst their league position suggests otherwise, Leicester are on a good run of league form since the appointment of Sven Goran-Eriksson. Although away from home, they now play a Barnsley side who struggle to capitalise on slender leads in games. Manager Mark Robins will be hoping that they have enough speed going forward to trouble a generally leaky Foxes defence, now boosted with the return of Curtis Davies who suffered a hamstring injury two weeks ago against Swansea.
The first goal may still prove to be crucial, but with Leicester’s depth in attacking players – including Darius Vassell who is now eligible to play in tomorrow’s match following international clearance problems – they should enough options to get a win.
Prediction:
Barnsley 1 – 2 Leicester
Barnsley v Leicester City
Location:
Oakwell, Barnsley.
Current league position:
Barnsley - 17th
Leicester - 19th
Last meeting:
Barnsley 1 – 0 Leicester – 26th January, 2010
League form (last five games):
Barnsley – D L L W L (4 points)
Leicester – W L W D W (10 points)
Top goal scorers:
Barnsley – Adam Hammill (5)
Leicester – Andy King (5)
Match facts:
Barnsley have been strong at home this season, picking up fourteen points from a possible 21.
Leicester City have the worst defensive record in the Championship away from home so far this season, and are yet to keep a clean sheet away from the Walkers Stadium.
The Foxes have won seven of their last eight games against Barnsley.
Key battles:
Adam Hammill v Kyle Naughton/Greg Cunningham
Hammill is an attacking threat all over the pitch for the Tykes, although he likes to hit the flanks whenever possible. This will provide interesting match-ups for loanees Greg Cunningham and Kyle Naughton, who have looked promising for the Foxes so far.
Luke Potter v Lloyd Dyer
An injury to Matt Hill means that Luke Potter may be forced to step in at left back. Dyer loves to run at defenders, and Potter may struggle to contain him in the final third of the pitch. Against speedy full-backs who like to push forward, Barnsley’s defence will need to be on red alert all afternoon.
Thoughts:
Whilst their league position suggests otherwise, Leicester are on a good run of league form since the appointment of Sven Goran-Eriksson. Although away from home, they now play a Barnsley side who struggle to capitalise on slender leads in games. Manager Mark Robins will be hoping that they have enough speed going forward to trouble a generally leaky Foxes defence, now boosted with the return of Curtis Davies who suffered a hamstring injury two weeks ago against Swansea.
The first goal may still prove to be crucial, but with Leicester’s depth in attacking players – including Darius Vassell who is now eligible to play in tomorrow’s match following international clearance problems – they should enough options to get a win.
Prediction:
Barnsley 1 – 2 Leicester
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