Leicester 1-3 Leeds: Formation shifts but too many transitions cost Foxes

Leicester City’s unbeaten run in 2021 – which spanned over seven matches – finally came to an end at the King Power Stadium versus Leeds United, as Marcelo Bielsa’s side deservedly won 1-3.

Brendan Rodgers had to make some key changes to the side that drew with Everton, particularly in defensive midfield, with Wilfred Ndidi expected to be sidelined for the next few weeks – his replacement was Nampalys Mendy. With Jamie Vardy still absent, Rodgers had the choice of either Ayoze Pérez (as a false nine) or Kelechi Iheanacho, with the Spaniard getting the nod.

Jonny Evans’ slight injury – which resulted in a late substitution in the previous game – wasn’t enough of an issue to force him onto the bench, so he partnered Wesley Fofana at centre-back, with Leicester City going for their “standard” 4-2-3-1 formation. This was despite facing Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United – who play on the front foot and instigate a press than involves going man-for-man across the park.

As expected, the game was very end-to-end in the beginning, with both sides imposing themselves on the game physically. Harvey Barnes’ opening goal was a direct result of a transition in the Foxes favour, as he glided through the first two Leeds defenders before linking up brilliantly with James Maddison.