Newcastle 1-2 Leicester: Foxes utilise correct formation and personnel

My slight negatives came from Leicester’s mismanagement of the final minutes of the game – which consequently gave Newcastle United a chance to overcome the deficit. The Foxes are poor from set-pieces, this is widespread knowledge, and will be of particular interest to the opposing teams they’re facing. Therefore, limiting the amount of defensive set-pieces they have to face is important. For all intents and purposes, Leicester City seemed fairly complacent in the closing exchanges, giving away needless corners, free-kicks, and throw-in’s in dangerous positions. This gave The Magpies a couple of last ditch attempts to rescue a point and wasn’t necessary for the Foxes to allow.

Instead, had Leicester City controlled the exchanges they found themselves in possession, they could’ve frustrated Newcastle United and allowed the game to slowly fizzle out – probably maintaining a clean sheet. This was ultimately undone by poor decision-making, which allowed frequent turnovers of play – whilst rewarding Rodgers’ side with very little. It’s during these moments that the slow, rotation of the ball across the back line is most pivotal, rather than utilising it mid-game. Of course, I’m not suggesting it’s easy to keep possession when the opposition are squeezing the pitch and pushing with little regard for their defensive frailties, but that’s when long-balls into Vardy are at there most dangerous.

In the end, the Foxes did enough to hold onto three points – and they deserved it. I’m not suggesting this slight misplay during the closing minutes of the game should override what was a good game overall, it’s merely room for improvement. I think a two-week long break, which will be available to key players as Leicester don’t play in the Premier League until the 16th January, will be massively beneficial.

Stoke City are the Foxes next opponents, in the third round of the FA Cup. I’m excited to see the starting XI chosen by Brendan Rodgers, probably filled with peripheral players, and I hope to dissect an interesting performance – either from the team or an individual, next week. Either way, the win at St. James Park was a massive boost for Leicester City’s aspirations this season.