Leicester's Begovic shows why he'll keep place as Okoli goal shown

On a cloudy Tuesday evening at the Riverside, the ghosts of Leicester City’s illustrious past felt further away than ever as the Foxes battled to a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough. This type of result is now 'favourable'. A decade on from the 5,000-1 miracle of 2016, the Leicestershire outfit now finds itself mired in a grim struggle for survival. 22nd is their EFL Championship spot, following unacceptable form and a crippling six-point deduction for financial breaches.

This was the 100th competitive meeting between these well-known sides. Yet the stakes were split by a chasm: while Boro occupy second place and chase the promised land of the Premier League, LCFC desperately try to avoid the ignominy of successive relegations.

Leicester City's veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begovic shows why he'll keep his Foxes place as Caleb Okoli's goal is viewed

​The match served as a microcosm of City's chaotic season. Caleb Okoli, the defender who has often been the subject of much fan-led scrutiny, embodied this dual nature. In the 18th minute, he rose stoutly to head home a Divine Mukasa free-kick, momentarily silencing the Teesside faithful. Incidentally, Mukasa is the 'real deal'!

Footballing redemption is a fickle thing: just before the interval, Okoli's errant pass allowed Riley McGree to equalise. A momentary lapse in concentration that ultimately cost the visitors. Despite the error, a point was preserved by the experienced defiance of Asmir Begovic.

The 38-year-old goalkeeper produced a magnificent triple save late in the second half. His focus and reflexes belying his age to deny McGree and Callum Brittain. Jakub Stolarczyk now faces a mountain to climb.

What next for Gary Rowett?

For new manager Gary Rowett, the mandate is stark: 'be desperate to win'. The Leicester gaffer has identified two non-negotiable pillars: securing victories and ending a clean-sheet drought that stretches back to September.

While this draw offered a glimmer of resilience, it remains insufficient for a side that needs points. Without defensive steel, decreasing concessions nor clinical finishing - the drop shall loom.