LEICESTER CITY 2 COVENTRY CITY 1
Post Match Analysis by Paul Weston
Nightmares of last season and relegation still remain but nevertheless I expect most City fans, like me, went to the first match of the season eager to see our new manager, emerging style of play and new signings. The trip to Bangkok and Singapore so close to the start of the season could not have been helpful to Maresca and was probably more important for the King Power brand in Asia.
It is always worrying when City are made the favourites for anything. In this case they are most people’s tips for instant promotion. However, it could take some time for the squad to settle down whilst there are still incoming and outgoings before the transfer window closes on 1 September. Rumours are swirling around about Iheanacho, Souttar, Castagne, Faes, but with some exciting possible young players to come in.
Yet again City had lost a key player to injury before the first match of the season. Conor Coady had a foot injury about which we know little, other than he could be out for some time. Maresca decided to select the pairing of Vestergaard and Faes in front of new goalie Hermansen, with Doyle on the left and Ricardo on the right. Ndidi, Winks and KDH were in midfield with Ndidi expected to play an attacking role. Vardy was captain and led the line with McAteer on the right and very new signing Mavididi on the left. The ground was packed, and the atmosphere was very lively. Coventry fans filled the away end and were in good voice too.
Both sides started confidently passing the ball around. It was evident that Hermansen was a key player with the ball at his feet and that Vestergaard was, presumably, selected ahead of Souttar because of his passing abilities. Whilst the movement and short passing by City players retained possession it created few opportunities and all too often Vardy was outnumbered.
Ndidi was pushed up front and tried to create some crosses, but this did not come natural to him. Winks and KDH looked a good pairing. McAteer who is still learning, tried to beat his man often but was frequently outmuscled. On the other wing Mavididi looked fast and dangerous in flashes but the understanding with his teammates was often lacking, which was quite understandable given that he had only just joined the team after signing. Winks looked busy and was an effective link man. KDH often had space around him to burst forward but frequently his passes went astray.
Although Coventry had less possession, they looked more dangerous than City and their speed on the break either on the flanks or through City’s soft centre was threatening. Several shots were saved by Hermansen, and their in-swinging corners always threatened. City’s best chance was a shot by McAteer well saved by the keeper. The sides went off at half time 0-0 and all to play for in the second half.
City were half asleep immediately after the break and nearly conceded a goal immediately to Coventry’s new signing Simms. However only a few minutes later McFadzean scored a good near post header from a corner although he was noticeably unmarked. Coventry then dominated the next 15 minutes as City’s passing went astray and Vestergaard in particular was often left trailing in the wake of fast running Coventry forwards. It started to feel like City’s first game of the season would be a damp squib.
The match started to turn when Maresca brought on Praet for the willing Ndidi but who never looked comfortable in an attacking role. Praet started to link up play better. Iheanacho was then brought on for Vardy and again this improved the link up play. In the 77th minute Praet sent a superb bending cross into the box and KDH rose above defenders to angle a header inside the post. 1-1 at last and the crowd became alive again.
City still looked rocky at the back and Hermansen touched the ball onto the bar from an angled shot from Coventry’s forward Wright. The rebound was hit narrowly wide.
Mavididi was coming more into the game and, urged on by the crowd, burst down the left and cleverly slipped the ball through to KDH who sent a superb shot into the top right corner of the goal. It was harsh on Coventry but they had only themselves to blame for their missed chances. 9 minutes of injury time followed which seemed an eternity, but City held out for a welcome 3 points on the first match of the season.
It is very early days in the season and clearly players have to get used to Maresca’s style of play. The initial problem is the lack of creativity up front. Hopefully that will be solved by signing a more creative midfielder and right winger. The major concern is in defence if Cody is out for some time. Presumably Maresca favours Vestergaard because of his passing abilities. However, he is woefully slow on the turn and Doyle is no speedster either. Faes is somewhat erratic so even though our new goalie looks a good buy our new defence looks no better than the Premiership version. This will be our Achilles heel unless solved quickly.
Nevertheless, it was good to drive the long journey back home with a win. Boy did it feel good after last year’s miserable season!
LCFC Player ratings: Hermansen (8) Vestergaard (4) Faes (6) Doyle (6) Ricardo (7) Dewsbury-Hall (9) Winks (8) Ndidi (6) Vardy (6) McAteer (7) Mavididi (7). Subs: Praet (7) Iheanacho (7) Choudhury (6)
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.