Brendan Rodgers earns reprieve from possible Leicester City demise

Under pressure Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has earned a reprieve from an uncertain Foxes fate which could still be fatal with a tough run upcoming.

A 4-0 scoreline in the Leicester-Newcastle United game doesn’t exactly flatter the Foxes, yet it papers over their cracks as much as it is an emphatic victory. Early on in the encounter the home side again appeared passive at times in attack, and pedestrian when on the defensive.

Although, it seemed to me as though an early ‘game management’ ploy may have been employed by Rodgers: patiently awaiting only the most advantageous feeling opportunities to arrive to penatrate. Then when the match opens up – hit the opposition with your entire might.

I could, however, be accused of handing the LCFC boss too much praise or credit when it isn’t in fact due. In reality, some may deduce that a penalty was awarded following a cunning yet rather devious dive from the brilliant James Maddison. Listen, it was a foul but the No.10 must be careful of seeking overzealous challenging and flopping to the ground accordingly.

In all fairness, the win is most likely a combination of both: an astute system, as well as a better plan and motivation from the manager. Oh, along with the boost of another fairly lacklustre Newcastle display; the Magpies have a defence that will probably be as leaky as a sieve in the coming, testing fixtures too.

A subsequently terrifying run of outings that will truly test Rodgers’ metal and acumen to remain on Filbert Way is also impending. The set of meetings begins for Leicester with Tottenham Hotspur – if that contest goes ahead as both teams have confirmed positive coronavirus tests – then Everton, which is absolutely winnable. Followed by Liverpool twice in two competitions, and Manchester City sandwiched in-between the Reds to round off the year.

My assertion – or the article’s title – claiming that the Northern Irishman has received a reprieve from a fatal fate at King Power Stadium is arguably an overestimation. Nevertheless, defeat would have placed the Foxes six points away from the relegation zone, which would be technically unacceptable for the Leicester City hierarchy even at this stage of the season.

Covid has worsened preparations at present. I believe, for the time being, that the man at the helm deserves some time to move the club up the table. He does have some ‘good in the bank’ with the FA Cup triumph, etcetera.

Nevertheless, no English top-flight manager is safe when sailing so close to the dreaded drop and consequently faces a sporting death sentence. Fan power cannot be underestimated in this scenario – and many of the Blue Army have turned on the gaffer already.