Many defensive issues have followed Leicester City this season, from their poor record at the set piece, to the lack of leadership in the back line without Evans or Fofana. However, in the last few weeks, another issue has haunted the Foxes: their inability to see games out
In the few weeks we have seen two consecutive City games marred by late goals. Away at Newcastle, the Foxes struck first as an inspired corner routine saw Ademola Lookman slot through a lovely goal – only for Bruno Guimarães to pull back level before the end of the first half. A draw seemed on the cards, but City wanted more. However it was Guimarães again who headed home a late Toon winner in the 95th minute.
It was a frustrating result, and against the run of play, but one that wasn’t unexpected given results against West Ham and Tottenham earlier in the season. Hosting West Ham, the Foxes lost their 2-1 lead to a Craig Dawson header in the first minute of added time, whilst the 3-2 loss to Spurs will haunt fans for many seasons to come, conceding in the 95th and 97th. Please now click the below link to go to the subsequent FoL article page.
Against Everton it was time to put things right. The Toffees have been woeful this season, and an early Harvey Barnes goal spelt a long evening for the home fans at Goodison. To say that Leicester dominated the first half is an understatement, yet City seemed content with their slender 1-0 lead. In the second half Everton bounced back and an equaliser was inevitable.
It just had to be Richarlison, the Premier League’s pantomime villain, who netted a 92nd with a truly terrible strike, but one that deflected away from Kasper Schmeichel. It was nothing less than what both Everton and Leicester deserved.
Speaking at the end of the game, Brendan Rodgers – who must be internally seething having seen Leicester throw away 4 points from two games – had this to say when speaking to the media:
"“Once we get into the second half, we just need a wee bit more composure in the final third and we could have closed the game out. At 1-0 you’ve always got to be at it right until the end and we were unfortunate, just at the end, to conceded a goal.” Brendan Rodgers, via Leicester Mercury"
It perhaps wasn’t the answer that many were hoping for. Rodgers’ positivity can grate on some when his side hasn’t seen a game out, but that is natural given the perspective disparity between a manager and fans – this isn’t a dig, but fans can afford to be angry and negative, but managers have to keep a good balance and a happy dressing room.
Ahead of the 0-0 draw at home to Aston Villa, Brendan Rodgers once again addressed his side’s poor record of conceding late goals as he spoke via the club’s twitter account, this time giving a more frustrated answer:
On last two performances 🔵
— Leicester City (@LCFC) April 22, 2022
"Conceding the late goals was disappointing. It was about that final bit of determination to see out the game, and also a bit of luck. The performance levels, I was really pleased with, having control of the game and seeing confidence in the team.” pic.twitter.com/STIGRf18e1
It is refreshing to hear a more realistic response to the results and, at least, informs fans that it’s an issue he is aware of. Unfortunately, solving this won’t be a quick fix. Seeing a game out is all about confidence and belief, something that will be lacking considering the manner of the last few results.
The clean sheet against Villa will do the defence a world of good though and is the first step to improving the solidity and mentality of that back line. Roma, however, pose a whole new challenge. If Leicester have an issue of conceding late goals, Roma has the exact opposite.
In the Serie A, no side has scored more late goals than Jose Mourinho’s Roma (six). Their attacking prowess – especially Tammy Abraham who has taken to Rome like a duck to water – is an intimidating force, and Rodgers will need to drill in a strong mentality into his side if they are to win and keep their opponents out.
It is set to be a monster clash at the King Power and – by far – the biggest game of the season. It all comes down to this; let’s see what our Foxes are made of.