Why Leicester should be patient with Steve Cooper

4. There is no evidence that Maresca’s possession game would have been successful for the Foxes in the Premier League. It didn’t work for Burnley last season, and it is not working for Southampton this term. Adopting a deep block, and relying on counter-attacks, is what most managers would do in Leicester’s situation particularly whilst Jamie Vardy is around. In actual fact, Cooper has been more forward-thinking particularly in home games but being attack-minded against a team like Arsenal risks being overwhelmed.

5. And finally, referees! Leicester have been on the wrong end of a number of poor performances by the officials already this season leading some fans on social media to raise conspiracy theories about the Premier League’s real intentions. All I will say is that better refereeing might well have resulted in a much more positive start to the season for the Foxes.

Of course, my opinions won’t have the slightest impact on the club’s decision-making. And whether or not I think Cooper should be given more time doesn’t mean he will get it. I suspect the next four league games – against Bournemouth and Forest at home and Southampton and Ipswich away - will be crucial. They are all winnable games. If the Foxes don’t pick up at least six points from them the manager’s time may be up. I think the board will be well aware what happened the last time they held on to the man in charge when he had lost the support of the fans. I hope, though, that the hierarchy are patient with Cooper, as they were with Martin O'Neil when he endured a torrid start to his tenure as Leicester boss. We all know what subsequently happened when the Irishman stayed on at Filbert Street.