Leicester City got back to winning ways last night after three successive games without a victory, thanks to goals from Kelechi Iheanacho and Daniel Amartey.
After a a disappointing Europa League exit, an underwhelming defeat to Arsenal and a draw to Burnley, Leicester City secured their first win in two weeks with a 1-2 victory over the Seagulls last night.
The hosts went ahead early via Adam Lallana, but the Foxes were able to to bounce back with a well-placed strike from Kelechi Iheanacho and a set piece goal (!) courtesy of Daniel Amartey. Despite bringing all three points back to the East Midlands, I’d say this was far from a convincing win and that Leicester City aren’t back to their best yet. That said, here are three talking points from yesterday’s match.
Leicester City not out of the woods yet
In my opinion, Leicester were fortunate to win last night. Brighton had some real chances and dominated the game for long stretches, and it’s only thanks to the individual quality of a few players that the Foxes were able to come home with the goods.
Though Daniel Amartey’s header was well-taken, it was the direct result of Brighton ‘keeper Robert Sanchez failing to claim Albrighton’s corner and leaving the Ghanaian free at the back post. How would we be looking at this game if Sanchez had properly claimed that ball and it finished all square? Last night was something of a let-off, so we can’t just assume that everything’s fine.
Understandably, with the extent of Leicester’s injuries we can’t be expected to dominate games like we used to; considering the situation we’re in I’m happy to take points where we can. However, with Castagne, Tielemans, Ndidi and Pereira all in the midfield I felt Leicester should’ve controlled the game far more than they did.
If Brendan Rodgers wants to dispel this miniature slump and avoid a repeat of last season’s capitulation, it’s paramount that he restores sharpness in his starting XI no matter who’s absent, to ensure that Leicester City finish in the top four.
Jamie Vardy is out of form
I’d like to preface this by stating that Jamie Vardy is my favourite football player ever, and that arguably the greatest years in Leicester City’s history are in no small part a result of this man’s qualities. However, it must be said that he is shockingly out of form.
Vardy’s goal record this season stands at 12 goals in 24 games, with 5 assists to boot. At first glance, a goal every two games is a pretty excellent return for any striker, though when you factor in that half of these were penalties, it becomes a little less impressive. Though 6 goals in 24 games still isn’t awful, it’s far below his usual standards.
Moreover, if you set aside Alisson’s gift to the Englishman vs. Liverpool, then the Sheffield-born striker hasn’t scored an open play goal since Leicester’s last meeting with Brighton, all the way back on 13th December. The man’s desperation to end his dry spell shows on the pitch, and it’s starting to affect his decision making.
Vardy is no stranger to a mid-season slump, going nine matches without scoring last season and even going seven games without scoring almost directly after breaking the consecutive goal record in 2015/16 (ironic, I know). However, it’s clear to me that the striker is still feeling the effects of his hernia operation and isn’t quite back to full fitness.
He’s likely only still playing due to Leicester’s current lack of attacking options, more or less forcing Brendan Rodgers to opt for two up front. With all this is mind, I don’t believe that it’s “the beginning of the end” for the Foxes’ talisman and have no doubt that he’ll bounce back from this stronger than ever.
Kelechi Iheanacho is City’s best striker
Linking in with my last point, here’s some words I thought I’d never say: Kelechi Iheanacho is Leicester City’s best striker– well, currently anyway. Amid Vardy’s dry spell, Iheanacho is starting to find his feet and I couldn’t be happier for him. It seems that the Super Eagles man always has to wait a long time for a chance to start in the first team, so I’m glad his hard work and patience is paying off.
Here’s an interesting stat for you: Vardy and Iheanacho are level on open play goals this season, despite the Nigerian playing 1,085 less minutes. If that doesn’t put my last point about Vardy into context for you, I don’t know what will. I promise this is the last time I’ll compare the two- especially considering how different they are as players- but it’s an important statistic to pick up on.
I maintain that he’s a top player when given a good run of games in the first team (his ten goals last season spring to mind), so it’s important that he keeps playing to keep his confidence up. With four in his last seven, it looks like he’s starting to find his groove again.
Frustratingly, it seems that Iheanacho is always the first player to be substituted, even when he’s outperforming his peers, as last night can attest. The man could have scored 20 goals and would still be the first player to have his number called, it’s simply not fair and can’t be good for his confidence.
Personally, I’d like to see the 24-year-old get a shot at a lone striker role when more of Leicester’s wingers are back to fitness. He has time on his side and bags of talent, so I’d be interested to see what Iheanacho is really capable of at the peak of his powers.