West Brom 0-3 Leicester: FoL Match report

West Bromwich Albion lost 3-0 to Leicester City on Sunday, in both team’s initial competitive contest of 2020/21. Here is FoL’s Match report.

Debut Leicester City signing Timothy Castagne scored in his first Foxes outing as Brendan Rodgers’ men stormed their way through the second half at West Bromwich Albion.

Obviously the first half was a frustrating 45 minute encounter for the partially decimated Leicester outfit. Chances were encouragingly created again – after a dry spell on the attack at the end of 2020/21 – despite Harvey Barnes, Ayoze Perez and even Jamie Vardy missing very good opportunities before the break.

Wilfred Ndidi did a satisfactory job of deputising for Jonny Evans, overall. However, his non-composed style on the ball and poorly judged strength of passing is now illuminated in defence, regardless of his many great qualities.

After the interval, Rodgers decided not to change the system, formation or to make any substitutions. That reluctance from the Foxes boss proved a masterstroke; in the same fashion as Claudio Ranieri not tinkering with predecessor Nigel Pearson’s set-up too much.

Consequently Dennis Praet, who is always a consummate performer, combined with James Justin to assist Castagne’s headed opener. Justin must show an increased amount of this invention going forward; while his defending needs refinement. Castagne will be an excellent addition for the East Midlanders this season.

Vardy’s two penalties came as Leicester became more dominant. Justin again contributed improved attacking work to win a spot kick. Prior to this, the England striker was felled for the first penalty after fine play from the increasingly confident Barnes. James Maddison came on with 15 to go in a deeper, Andrea Pirlo-esque role that suited his cautious return to action.

Although the result was much required, not flattering, deserved and earned – it is important that the squad and fans don’t get carried away with the outcome. If and that is a significant if, the King Power side can just sign one or two more players during this transfer window – preferably a centre-back and a winger, with another back-up striker a lesser priority until Vardy is considering retiring – then the Blue Army will feel more justifiably optimistic. That’s not to take anything away from or dismiss the efforts of Sunday’s weakened team.