Undeserved point
Despite having never been beaten by Wrexham in seven previous league games, most Foxes’ fans approached the latest fixture against the North Wales club with limited optimism. Not only have their team already lost 10 of their 27 games this season, but they have also lost their last three away games. Not only that, but Wrexham’s home form has been excellent, a 10-match unbeaten run only broken with a 2-1 defeat last Saturday.
In the event, Leicester escaped with a draw with an unlikely late equaliser from the returning Jannik Vestergaard rescuing a point. In the first half, the match was even with both teams struggling with the wet and windy conditions. The loss of Jordan James through injury was a blow to the Foxes. City had the best chance of the half when a Stephy Mavididi cross just before the break fell for Bobby De Cordova Reid whose shot was blocked by the outrushing Wrexham keeper.
The second half was a different matter with the Red Dragons dominating for long periods. It was no surprise when, on the hour mark, Ricardo Pereira was skinned on the left and a shot was parried, weakly, by JakubStolarczk for Lewis O’Brien to open the scoring. From there, until the last ten minutes, Wrexham looked like extending their lead. It was a surprise to everyone when Vestergaard profited from a Caleb Okoli header to fire into the net. This was another poor performance by the Foxes. As Mick McCarthy was once asked, it can't go on like this.
Defensive malaise
Once again, Leicester failed to keep a clean sheet. As the Leicester Mercury pointed out, only crisis-hit Sheffield Wednesday have conceded more goals than the Foxes in the Championship this season. That’s now 41 goals against them coupled with a staggering 22 league games since City kept a clean sheet, the worst run outside the top flight the club has endured since just after the Second World War.
It is not rocket science to conclude that Leicester’s defence is not good enough. After a number of poor performances, Luke Thomas was dropped for Tuesday night. His replacement, centre-back Ben Nelson, did okay but is hardly a long-term option. Pereira, too, looks well past his best.
Lack of Physicality
There are many problems with this current Leicester side. One important factor, though, is the lack of physicality and intensity in the side. Too many second balls are lost. The approach is too passive and placid and is not aggressive enough. In the Championship, you have to earn the right to play and, currently, the Foxes have rarely done done so. It is no accident that two players who left the club during the summer – Jamie Vardy and Wilfred Ndidi – were noted for their intensity and aggression. A bruiser in central midfield should be a priority in this transfer window. I'm not holding my breath.