Manchester United Vs Leicester City: Different players, same story

A win by the numbers, a loss in reality

Much like the second half of last season, Leicester based their game on possession rather than relying on counter attacking, which helped them control the game; however, these statistical successes on the pitch did not necessarily lead to points.

Against United, Leicester had more possession(53.7%-46.3%), more shots (13-8), more passes (543-485) and more touches (744-697) than their opponents. Still, they left Old Trafford with no points and have continued the trend that plagued the end of last season by winning the statistical game but losing the game itself.

When comparing the stats of Leicester against United on Friday night with Leicester’s final ten games of last season, it seems as if nothing has changed.

Statistic                   Leicester City Vs Manchester United        Last ten games of 2017/18 

Possession:                            53.7%                                                    52.7%

Shots (on target):                  13(4)                                                     13.2(4.6)

Passes:                                     543                                                       416.4

Touches:                                   744                                                       614.8

Corners:                                      5                                                          6.6

Goals:                                          1                                                          1.6

Total Points Won:                     0                                                          1.1

With the exception of passes and touches, Leicester’s stats from the last ten games of the previous campaign, and the game against United are eerily similar. To put it simply, Claude Puel prefers quantity over quality.

Though the Frenchman has spent £104.3 million on seven new players, the problems that led to his side’s stagnation at the end of 2017/18 remain the same. Due to this, reports of the Leicester Board contemplating the sacking of the gaffer have already surfaced.