An indicator of where the Foxes are at
The Foxes would have expected to beat struggling Norwich and, although a much more difficult game, they had home advantage against Stoke City. The trip to the south coast, however, represented a sterner test. Going into the game on Tuesday evening, the Saints had won three consecutive matches, including a morale boosting 5-1 win at Charlton on Saturday, since sacking their manager Will Still At the start of the season, pundits expected both Leicester and Southampton to be challenging at the top of the table, but it hasn’t quite worked out like that.
The portents, however, were good for the Foxes. In the last four meetings between the sides, City had won all of them scoring 14 goals whilst conceding only three. It is probably unwise to focus on previous results, though. What can be said is that the outcome on Tuesday night would tell us a little more about how credible Leicester’s promotion push is, notwithstanding the likely points deduction that will almost certainly arrive in the next few weeks.
What we learnt
It was a disastrous night for the Foxes. In the first half, a rejuvenated Southampton tore Leicester apart, the away side’s midfield constantly out run and out thought and the defence found wanting, conceding two goals from free headers. The game was much too open and, as if to prove the point, a more compact performance in the second half, despite being down to ten men, easily rebuffed the Saint’s attempt to increase the score.
It should be said that the scoreline flattered the Saints. Inept officiating, all too common in the Championship, failed to spot Taylor Harwood-Bellis in an offside position when heading in the first, there was a strong case for saying Abdul Fatawu was fouled in the build-up to the second and Flynn Downes should have been red-carded for a late and high tackle on Oliver Skipp.
The verdict is that there are serious doubts about Leicester’s promotion credentials. I would go further. As I've written before, I think this season is a write-off. Indeed, a 12-point penalty would see the Foxes closer to the bottom of the table than the top. It also reopens debate about the future of the manager. It is doubtful if Marti Cifuentes will survive if the Foxes are not challenging for a play-off place.
Playing youngsters is not a panacea
With Luke Thomas suspended, Caleb Okoli a major injury doubt and Ricardo Pereira not previously risked for midweek matches this season, Leicester were short of defensive options for the game against the Saints. As predicted, this led to a first senior start for the under 21 side’s captain Bade Aluko.
Many fans have called for the blooding of young players. Aluko’s experience shows such a move is not a panacea. It was a night to forget for the young man. Two decent blocks, and a shot on goal early on was promising but he was found wanting for Southampton’s second goal, and after only 30 minutes, two justifiable yellow cards ended his evening.