Leicester City showed further signs of defensive resolve and improved resilience under Gary Rowett. Securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw against promotion-chasing Middlesbrough at Riverside Stadium is not a simple task. The stats told the story of a disciplined rearguard action: despite Boro dominating 60% of possession, the Foxes restricted them to just four shots on target while carving out six of their own.
The breakthrough came in the 18th minute when Divine Mukasa (cementing his place after a bright start to life at LCFC) whipped in a pinpoint free-kick for defender Caleb Okoli to head home. However, the elusive clean sheet remained out of reach. An unforced error just before the break allowed Riley McGree to level for the hosts, meaning Rowett is still searching for his first win after two games in charge following the 2-2 draw at Stoke City.
Optimism returns in Gary Rowett's Leicester City revolution
Despite the lack of a 'W', the atmosphere among the Blue Army is notably shifting. While football under Marti Cifuentes often felt fragile and directionless, Rowett has quickly instilled a sense of fight. Fans at the Riverside and online appear more optimistic than during the final days of the Cifuentes era. Buoyed by a team that finally looks organised and prepared for a relegation scrap.
Foxes winners and losers
Winner: Oliver Skipp. The standout performer. Skipp was a "human shield" in midfield, earning an '8.5' Leicester Mercury rating for his tireless work rate and leadership. He personifies the grit Rowett demands.
"Nelson 7.5: Defended well in the opening period and in the second half produced a timely intervention to deny Strelec."LCFC Live
Winner: Divine Mukasa, 7.5. The Citizens youngster continues to prove he belongs in senior football. His delivery for the goal was top-tier, showing the creative spark the East Midlanders have sorely missed.
Winner: Caleb Okoli. Despite the error that led to the goal, his dominance in both boxes and goal showed he is flourishing under the new system (rated 8/10).
Loser: Patson Daka, 6. A frustrating night for the Zambian. He, typically, missed a gilt-edged chance early in the second half to put City 2-1 up, heading wide with the goal gaping.
"Mavididi 6: A couple of bright moments in the first half - but also poor in possession at times. Had no real impact in the second and his failure to track an overlapping Brittain saw him subbed."
Loser: Ricardo Pereira. Previously a model of consistency, the LCFC captain struggled with Boro's pace on the break at times. He was caught out for the equalizer too.
While it's no win in two for Rowett, this was undoubtedly an improved performance. Suggesting the LE2 team are finally finding their feet in a difficult season. Time is of the essence, nevertheless.
"Begovic 6.5: City defended him well in the first half, in which he produced a good save to deny Conway. Denied McGree late on and looked solid throughout."