Crystal Palace 2 City 0
Report by Kate Thompson
I was going to use the title ‘After the Lord Mayor’s show’ but Gary Lineker beat me to it on last night’s MOTD. It was fairly obvious to all but the most blinkered City fan that after last Sunday’s incredible game and result, anything would be an anticlimax.
It was also clear, as the game went on, that Palace had done just as good a job on us as we had done on Manchester United. They didn’t let the players settle and when chances occurred – such as when Vardy was in a good position in front of goal in the first half – the Palace defenders put their bodies on the line and made their goal a fortress.
I was under severe difficulties actually seeing what was happening. I’ve moaned about fans standing before and hoped that things would improve in the Premiership, but yet again the stewards made no attempt to make people sit down and for people like me (only just over 5 foot tall) it made life very difficult; I feel really sorry for those who are unable for stand for 90 + minutes.
I had a thin slice of the pitch with a reasonable view but for anything down the flanks, I had to rely on the big screen just to my right. I had to wait to watch MOTD to see what the Palace goals were like and it was very disappointing to see that both of them came from set pieces and both could have been avoided.
It was inevitable that Frazier Campbell, who City had allegedly tried to sign in the summer, would score against us and the other scorer was Jedinak. There were only three minutes between them and for a time it looked as if the wheels would come off big time, but fortunately no more goals were scored. In truth, we couldn’t have complained if the score had been higher because we weren’t at the races and it was a frustrating afternoon all round.
Players who have been so influential since the start of the season were disappointing. Cambiasso, who has made such an impact with his reading of the game, was a shadow of the player we have seen so far, even putting over a dire corner kick which Knockaert would have been proud of!
Despite the two goals, the defence looked solid but the midfield misfired too many times; Drinkwater (my favourite player) seemed incapable of passing to a team-mate – perhaps the gold away shirt confused him! Matty James, who came on for Hammond in the 71st minute, was actually the best midfielder and ought to start against Burnley. Our normally potent strike force worked hard but got little joy from a well-marshalled defence. So (grinding of teeth) full marks to Warnock for having such an effective game plan.
It was also disappointing that two players picked up yellow cards – Vardy and Simpson (who had replaced De Laet in the 64th minute). Bolasie, the Palace no 7, clattered De Laet early in the game but wasn’t even booked; with my limited view it looked a nailed-on straight red but he got away with it. As usual the officials irritated the Leicester fans, but I guess it was the same for both sides – something else that hasn’t improved with our exalted status. The third substitute was Mahrez, on for Cambiasso in the 64th minute, but he had little impact on the game.
So all in all a disappointing day and one we have to put behind us. Hopefully the players and coaching staff will have learnt something from the game and know how to prevent a repetition. However, we will lose again but I would like to think that we can beat teams like Palace who shouldn’t hold any fears for us.
Leicester: Schmeichel, De Laet (Simpson 64), Morgan, Moore, Konchesky, Hammond (James 71), Cambiasso (Mahrez 64), Drinkwater, Vardy, Ulloa, Nugent. Subs not used: King, Hamer, Schlupp, Wasilewski
Palace: Speroni, Kelly, Dann, Delaney, Ward, McArthur, Jedinak, Ledley, Puncheon, Campbell (Chamakh 73), Bolasie (Guedioura 90). Subs not used: Mariappa, Doyle, Zaha, Hennessey, Gayle
Attendance: 24,311 Referee: Keith Stroud
The views expressed in this report are the opinions of the Trust member nominated to file the report only and do not represent the views of the Foxes Trust organisation