Leicester City moved into the top 2 of the Premier League with a hard fought win against a well drilled Southampton team. But what did we learn about the foxes from their latest victory?
An outcome that often gets overlooked from last season is Leicester’s 2-1 home defeat to Southampton. This was a game where the Saints had revenge in mind from one of the worst nights in the club’s history and one that seemed to start Leicester City’s irreparable form that saw them throw away a seemingly guaranteed Champions League place.
This meeting was the third season in a row that the two had met at the King Power in January and the Saints were looking to make it three wins in a row.
Ralph Hassenhuttl’s men pressed the foxes early pushing them back towards their own goal, with Che Adams having early chances to notch against his hometown club. Leicester rarely threatened until a slick move led to a fierce drive from Harvey Barnes that was well saved by Alex Mccarthy. Then, despite what looked like a clear foul on Diallo by Ndidi in the build up, James Maddison smashed in the opener from a tight angle and celebrated with the correct amount of social distance.
Ryan Bertrand had a shot well saved from Kasper Schmeichel before the end of the half, but that was as close as Southampton came for the rest of the evening as Leicester squandered several chances before Harvey Barnes finished cooly to round off the victory 2-0. So what was learnt from another impressive result from Brendan Rodgers’ men.
A classic night of defending
Leicester’s achilles heel this season has been one of keeping the ball out of their own net, with a constant fallibility on defending crosses and set pieces in general. A stark contrast to the famous team that the world took to their hearts five years ago. Tonight there was no such issues with each of James Ward-Prowse’s corners marshalled expertly. Its worth noting that the much maligned zonal-marking hasn’t gone anywhere, its simply got better. Players now take responsibility for their areas with intent and crucially attack balls crossed in.
Chief amongst those was Jonny Evans whose display in this game exemplified why he has been tied into a new contract until the end of the 2023 season. His calmness under pressure and positional sense continues to impress and even when players get behind him he has the ability to position himself in an area that will distract attackers. Wesley Fofana who also played well in this game, is only going to improve on his excellent form playing alongside such an experienced defender.
The Frenchman was harshly booked in the first half meaning Brendan Rodgers subbed him off early in the second half, to be replaced by the also excellent Caglar Soyuncu who slotted back in with ease by snuffing out any Southampton half chances and keeping the ball carefully in key areas. Leicester’s defensive capability is looking stronger and stronger and with games starting to build up they will all need to be on top of their game.
Behind all of this strong defence is the man that has recently played his 400th game for the club (arguably in this fixture if you ignore the Community Shield game in 2016). Kasper Schmeichel has undoubtedly improved since Brendan Rodgers has joined. His accurate passing range is key to Leicester’s ability to draw in pressing teams and turn defence into attack. He now comes off his line even more to snuff out danger and his ability to pull out great saves remains intact as proved against Bertrand and Adams. For any player to play for 10 years for one club is remarkable in this day and age and if he ever decides to leave, his will be big boots to fill.
The Jamie Vardy problem
With the home form being patchy at best it was with some concern to face a team that hasn’t lost away from home since the first game of the season. This is less of a worry than the form of the foxes talisman Jamie Vardy at home.
Looking over the statistics it is alarming to note that Jamie Vardy has only one goal from open play at home this season and tonight this should have been rectified. His link up play left much to be desired with his passes rarely completed. He made some good runs but seemed unable to get away from opponents properly. When turning inside nicely and having a clear shot on goal it seemed his finishing wasn’t as cool as it should have been.
Vardy’s timing was off and in general he looked out of sorts, not to say that his work rate was anything less than exemplary. As he limped off the pitch to be subbed at the end of the game, the reason for his poor night may have been revealed. With Tuesday night fast approaching its possible he may not be fit with a persistent hip problem becoming more prominent.
Before i get lynched on social media for daring to criticise one of the Foxes greatest players, the issues need to be faced. The former England man is now 34 and will only go on as long as his body will allow. It is clear that he will need rest time between now and the end of the season or his ongoing hip issue will become a big problem. Kelechi Iheanacho has proven himself to be too inconsistent to replace him permanently. Whereas Ayoze Perez has looked frequently more dangerous in his appearances this season and could well be the answer to alleviate the pressure on Vardy.
Brendan Rodgers’ biggest challenge is ahead of him, not that anyone will notice
Despite Dennis Praet’s long term absence, Brendan Rodgers now has a nearly fully fit squad to choose from. His season has been blighted with injuries to his squad and he has had to draft in some of his most creative solutions to be able to get results. A fully fit Ricardo Pereira remained on the bench for the whole of the game whilst Timothy Castagne played in his role.
Likewise, Cengiz Under had to watch as the ever impressive Marc Albrighton exemplify the all round values which Rodgers likes to see in his team and wide men. Now Rodgers is going to have to manage expectations of players that aren’t being picked on form whilst also making them feel top of their game for when they are required. With several games to play in the coming months it should be a challenge he will relish.
It’s also worth remembering that after this win, Rodgers much ignored problems have not stopped him lifting Leicester above Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool into second place (even if only temporarily) and one point off the top. In fairness you won’t find many Leicester fans talking up any potential title challenges after last seasons collapse out of the top four. But it cannot be understated how good a job Brendan Rodgers is doing at Leicester. Since he arrived, he has crafted one of the best football teams in the country and his coaching influence on the club has been extraordinary.
But i’m sure any talk of this will be relegated to nothing more than passing comments in newspapers and on podcasts as the rest of the world pours over a certain game at Anfield that will probably flatter to deceive.