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One win doesn't erase the Oxford humiliation, but it buys Russell Martin real time

Russell Martin is making amends for the 4-0 loss to Oxford United.
ByRobert Wheeler
Milton Keynes Dons v Leicester City - Sky Bet League One 2026/27
Milton Keynes Dons v Leicester City - Sky Bet League One 2026/27 | Plumb Images/GettyImages

Leicester City responded to their humiliation by Oxford United, by defeating Stockport County 4-3 in League One last weekend.

It was a much-needed win for Russell Martin, whose record with Leicester is now three wins, two draws and and three defeats. The Foxes are now 13th in League One, but only two points off the playoff places.

As Leicester won the Premier League just 10 years ago, there is an expectation that the Foxes should be dominating this division. However, there are some big clubs in League One. The current top three, Sheffield Wedneday, Huddersfield Town and Bradford City have all also been in the Premier League.

There are also some big-name coaches in the division such as Jack Wilshere at Luton Town and Aaron Ramsey, whose Oxford side dismantled the Foxes. Martin was a highly rated manager when he had just gotten Southampton promoted from the Championship.

When in the Premier League with the Saints, Martin's persistence in playing out from the back was exposed. He insisted on keeping this style of play, was sacked and Southampton were relegated. Martin's reputation as a manager was further damaged after he was dismissed at Rangers after just 17 matches.

Russell Martin's methods are still being questioned

Martin took nearly a year out of football before taking charge at Leicester. He has remained true to his possession-based style of play, but has adapted it to an extent. This is League One football, so the players are often not technical enough to play out from the back.

Concerns will still be raised at the amount of goals that Leicester are conceding. Although, they won at Stockport, they still conceded three goals. The Foxes have let in 10 goals in their sixth League One game so far which has left them with a goal difference of minus two.

Leicester need to build on this win over Stockport as they face a Barnsley side who are on the back of two heavy defeats this weekend. Barnsley lost 5-1 to Stevenage before losing 3-0 to Plymouth Argyle. The Reds also have an EFL Cup tie away to Peterborough this Tuesday night.

Martin's side are already out of the EFL Cup as they lost to Ipswich Town in the previous round. This is a blessing in disguise for Leicester as they can now focus more on league action. The defeat to Oxford will still sting, but Martin has bought himself time with the win over Stockport.

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