Leicester v Villa: These two players let the side down in defeat

The King Power side copied the same mistakes we have seen at the Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham matches. They were lethargic in the first half, sloppy and lacking in ability to penetrate Aston Villa’s defence, and in the second they brought it up a notch after a triple substitution improved things. Again, a tale of two halves, and a tale of poor choices.

Of course, I did not expect Leicester City to beat the Villans. They are a Champions League side with an experienced head coach and quality players all over the pitch. Yet, to only give a strong account for ourselves for a short time with the real quality we do have is a disappointment. Then I suppose the question is where the side was let down.

Leicester City’s let downs

Sloppiness, a lack of creativity, and missing that killer-instinct to defend. Wilfred Ndidi did not look himself, and looked completely out of his depth in the position he was being used. Let us remember where he plays best: as a sole defensive midfielder. The Welshman played three DMs at once, and somehow expected all three to perform to the same standard.

It is regrettable to even start quoting some of his stats. No clearances or interceptions, very few tackles, only two successful ground duels, poor positioning, poor movement, no shots on target, and extremely weak passing in the final third. Need I go on? Ndidi simply performed well below where he should, where Oliver Skipp and Harry Winks continued to show why they should be a starting duo in midfield.

Another one I feel terrible saying: where was Jamie Vardy in that match? As we have seen in previous fixtures, the Foxes heavily rely on the creative, demanding, and commanding presence the legendary striker brings to the table. So, it is obvious when the team are missing that usual strength. The player let Jordan Ayew be the one staying deeper and starting attacks from there, thus cutting Vardy off from most of play.

Vardy was barely involved, did not get himself involved, took no shots on target, was not particularly a defensive or pressing threat as he is usually, and just simply performed well below his usual lofty standards. Perhaps if the English striker found themselves performing more freely and creatively the impact of his presence might have been felt more.

As an honourary mention, Steve Cooper chose the wrong team. Again. I see what system the head coach is trying to implement, and I am broadly in agreement with how he wants the Pride of the East Midlands to play: a wing-back, a winger going central, and possessive midfielders helping to retain the ball with neater passing. However, not starting Stephy Mavididi, any creative midfielder, or Ricardo Pereira to me should be enough to hold the manager responsible for a lack of presence.

In our next tie where the whole squad is available, Bilal el Khannouss or Facundo Bounanotte must start along with the dynamic duo of Winks & Skipp, and Mavididi - arguably one of our most consistent players from last season - must start on the left wing with Victor Kristiansen behind him. Hopefully Cooper has enough time to realise that.