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

Uncharacteristic Leicester City

It was an uncharacteristically poor performance from both players operating in the No.10 position – Maddison and Pérez, who both found difficulties progressing the ball (via either a carry or pass). The former actually averaged a more advanced position than Pérez, but was at fault for two of the major turnovers in Leeds United’s favour. Sloppy passing into advanced areas caught Maddison out, and gave advantageous transitions to the opposition – who exploited and converted these chances with good efficiency.

The Foxes are yet to find the solution to Vardy’s absence (not just his goals – which I think has been subsidised – it’s his movement on the shoulder). The structure of attacks is very linear, all being played in front of the defensive line – with little threat behind. Even with his raw pace, Cengiz Ünder isn’t offering these movements consistently enough – instead he wants the ball to feet, as to create a shooting opportunity for himself. Which is quite easy to defend against, particularly as his shot creating space is on the inside, so he’s cutting across the pitch thus attracting players to press him. If he utilised this gravity (of attracting players) to then release one of the “free” attackers in an advanced area, he’d be a lot more threatening.

All in all, it was a disappointing afternoon. Leicester didn’t deserve anything from the game, as they attempted – and failed – to match Leeds’ intensity and made the game a lot easier for the travelling side. Rodgers will need to adjust his system to ensure the Foxes react positively against Fulham on Wednesday.