Leicester 2-0 Stoke: 3 Foxes talking points
The low block
Virtually all teams visiting the King Power stadium this season have used the so-called low block – colloquially known as parking the bus. Stoke were no exception. Leicester’s reputation as, in the words of a number of opposition managers, a Premier League team playing in the Championship, has precipitated this tactic. Foxes’ fans now know what Manchester City supporters have to endure in most of their domestic matches. Opposing teams trying to shut up shop and hit them on the break. It can be a very frustrating experience.
The reason for the Foxes success at home has been – with the exception of their solitary defeat to Hull City – based on the team’s ability to break down a stubborn rear guard. They managed to do it after only 24 minutes against Stoke but it took a longer against Coventry (77 minutes), Cardiff (36 minutes), Bristol (67 Minutes), and Preston (60 minutes).
Patience has been the key to unlocking packed defences. The fundamental Enzo-ball tactic, of drawing opponents in around the half-way line before beating the press, is not much use when a team refuses to be drawn out. Instead, it is a matter of continually probing, utilising the wide players to stretch the defence. Quick close passing in and around the penalty area has then ended up producing results.
It would be churlish to criticise the Leicester team but, as Maresca knows, there is always room for improvement. Sometimes, the Foxes need, when they win the ball back on the rare occasion their opponents venture up field, to transition the ball forward more quickly. In addition, the team shouldn’t be afraid of adopting what might be regarded as a plan B, when a defence is being particularly stubborn. It was mystifying to me, for instance, why – when giant centre back Harry Souttar and Jannik Vestergaard trotted up for corners – that the ball was played short rather than launched into the box.
Of course, taking the lead early, as happened against Stoke, releases pressure and, eventually, forces a team to abandon the low block. In the latter part of the game, as the Potters abandoned their caution in search of an equaliser, huge gaps appeared and had Wilfred Ndidi been more accurate with his finishing the final score would have been even more comprehensive.