Kasper Schmeichel questions refereeing decision against Leicester City

Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has questioned the referee in the 3-1 Premier League loss to Arsenal on Monday. Denmark’s No.1 calls for consistency.

Leicester City now lie in the bottom half of the Premier League table, following defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium Monday. Kasper Schmeichel believes certain referring decisions went against the Foxes; a different outcome may have resulted otherwise.

A spirited second half display by the Gunners – and in particular Mesut Ozil – gave Unai Emery’s side victory. Although, Rob Holding’s handball in the first half was not penalised: resulting in Claude Puel’s team losing a penalty opportunity, and ultimately the contest.

Following the match, Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel said their second half performance was not sufficient; yet, the team questioned the referee for not giving a spot-kick.

LCFC Live say Schmeichel “laments” poor decisions, following defeat at the hands of Arsenal. It was Chris Kavanagh’s first time undertaking a match for either side; whether that had any baring at an intimidating, significant team like Arsenal – supporters will never know.

This is the Foxes ‘keeper’s quote on the incident and later effort:

"I have never seen a clearer penalty. It is tough to take because we were so good in the first half, but yes in the second we have to do a lot better than we did. We weren’t at it.– Kasper Schmeichel"

Arsenal’s centre-back did have his hand in an unorthodox position, despite seemingly handling unintentionally. Sadly for the Foxes faithful, no penalty was awarded. For Schmeichel to say it is an obvious mistake by the adjudicator is fair and not a personal attack – the Danish international retaining class, as always.

In regards to Leicester City’s second half, the 6-foot-two stopper is accurate again. Yes, Emery’s outfit played some marvellous football in the latter period but Puel must motivate the squad to apply high intensity in winning back the ball, as well as pressuring a club with good ball retention.

A consequence of playing two anchoring midfielders should enable this; if not, Wilfred Ndidi and the out-of-sorts Papy Mendy cannot both be deployed. Maybe it is time to reinstate the cultured boots of Vicente Iborra? Possibly a more attacking, creative alternative to Mendy, like Adrien Silva; or Marc Albrighton in a James Milner type role, possibly worth a try.

Contrary to his usual disposition and output, Jamie Vardy could not get into the match with no clear chances for once. However, this is explained by a stomach bug he suffered from – causing him to leave the field in the dying minutes.

According to lcfc.com, the Dane said it was “fine margins” which cost the Foxes the premiership game:

"“I think it’s the cliché of a game of two halves.“We were far superior in the first half and had chances – I think their ‘keeper was probably man of the match after pulling off the saves he has.– Kasper Schmeichel"

Ambition at Leicester City is to challenge for seventh-place in the premiership; in addition to hoping for a cup run in either competition. Puel has to find a way to make his strike force clinical, producing more goals from a variety of areas on the pitch.

Should they achieve this, the core of the side is in place to better protect a two-goal lead; as opposed to a fragile one-goal advantage at somewhere like the Emirates. West Ham are up next for Leicester City.