Gary Rowett's reign at Leicester City began with an unneeded stalemate at a ground he once called home. While a 2-2 draw at the bet365 Stadium wasn't the transformative result the Blue Army craved, it did serve as a vital buffer against total catastrophe. Returning to face his former employers, Rowett witnessed a performance that was equal parts inspiring and infuriating, as the Foxes remain mired in a grueling survival scrap.
Gary Rowett's return offers glimmer of hope with frantic Potters parity
Below are Leicester Mercury's scores for the Leicester City XI and substitutes
Asmir Begovic: 6
Ricardo Pereira: 6
Caleb Okoli: 7
Ben Nelson: 5
Victor Kristiansen: 4
Harry Winks: 8
Oliver Skipp: 7
Jeremy Monga: 5
Divine Mukasa: 9 (Man of the Match)
Stephy Mavididi: 6
Patson Daka: 5
Substitutes
Joe Aribo: 6
Luke Thomas: 5
The afternoon belonged to Manchester City starlet Divine Mukasa; divine, indeed, maybe sublime. The youngster was a relative revelation: earning a stellar 9/10 from LCFC Live.
"Divine Mukasa: The lad is brilliant. His goal may have been a cross, but the quality of the delivery helped catch out Simkin. He then set up Winks’ goal with a sublime touch, and could have had three more assists for Mavididi and Aribo, as well as Thomas with the last kick of the game. With him on the pitch, City will create chances. 9"LCFC Live
A clear Man of the Match nod for a display brimming with fearlessness was the trophy; Mukasa would surely have preferred three points, however. His equalising cross-turned-goal coupled with the poise, vision and touch to tee up Harry Winks showcased a level of composure that belied the high-stakes environment.
Winks himself once again reminded the traveling fans of his undeniable quality and influence. The midfielder was the heartbeat of the side, dictating City tempo and finishing a flowing move with a clinical edge that briefly put City in the ascendancy. Oh how victory would have buoyed the Blue Army and their players.
The inconsistencies of defensive disaster Leicester City
Nevertheless, the familiar ghosts of inconsistency continued to haunt the lineup. While the midfield sparkled, the defensive transition remained a concern. Victor Kristiansen struggled to find his footing, looking off the pace before his afternoon was typically cut short by injury.
Meanwhile substitute Luke Thomas was largely counterproductive: failing to provide the necessary width or security. Losing his man for a goal is another nail in his figurative Leicester coffin as far as this outlet's is concerned!
Winger Jeremy Monga and Patson Daka up front endured uneven outings, as is now customary. The latter's lack of impact leaves Leicester toothless for large spells.