Huddersfield 0 City 1
Post Match Analysis by Colin Hall
A 74th minute strike by Stephy Mavididi – his first in Leicester City colours – proved enough to give the Foxes victory at strugglers Huddersfield.
The somewhat-unseasonal blustery conditions, together with the spoiling tactics employed by the hosts, helped to ensure that this encounter was often far from easy on the eye.
But having seen their side secure their third victory in six days, both Enzo Maresca and the City fanbase will be delighted with the result, and especially the battling qualities the team displayed in order to achieve it.
In addition, the defence – so often maligned last season – deserves special praise for keeping a clean sheet in the absence of recent signings Mads Hermansen and Conor Coady, as well as of several other internationals who might have been expected to play a more prominent role under Maresca..
Indeed, the omission of a raft of players from the entire squad sends a clear signal that the incoming boss sees no role for them at all. Whether this is because they are being lined up for big-money moves away from City, or due to their inability/reluctance to adapt to Maresca’s style of play, will become clear in due course.
Yet while these players are being eased towards the King Power exit door, others are being fast-tracked through the ranks.
Polish goalkeeper Jakob Stolarczyk, who spent much of last season in the lower reaches of League Two with Hartlepool, impressed enough in pre-season to earn a place in the side that started at Burton in midweek, along with winger Wanya Marcal-Madivadua.
Both impressed Maresca sufficiently to retain their positions, but while Stolarczyk dealt competently with threats Huddersfield presented to him, Marcal-Madivadua struggled both with the conditions and the physical challenges that might have been expected from a side managed by the veteran Neil Warnock.
It was therefore no surprise when the attacker was withdrawn early in the second-half, though the choice of Wilfred Ndidi in his place may well have been to the visiting contingent. Although the Nigerian has not always looked comfortable in the roles in which Maresca has used him so far, his commitment to the team has been exceptional, which has earned him respect in many quarters.
Elsewhere in the side, Callum Doyle has looked very solid during his three appearances to date, although suspicions remain that left-back may not be an entirely natural position for him.
Meanwhile, Harry Winks has shown glimpses of the form that has earned him ten England caps to date. His emerging partnership with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – a key factor in both of City’s two league victories – will be crucial in ensuring the target of instant promotion is reached,
With Chelsea starlet Cesare Casadei now acquired on loan, it would appear Maresca now has sufficient midfield options within his squad, but other areas of the side remain a work in early progress.
In particular, the deployment of Jannik Vestergaard in central defence for his first league starts since December 2021 represents a faith in him from the manager which is far from universally shared within the City fanbase. While a certain degree of rustiness was to be expected, his performances – both marked by bookings – have done little to convince sceptics that he can provide the defensive stability the side will need over the course of the season .It is fortunate that Wout Faes, after enduring some troubled months last season, has found a return to the form which has ensured a regular spot in the Belgium national squad.
However, the impact made by Mavididi in his first two appearances has been a lot more encouraging. After his sublime touch created the winner in the previous league, he provided another moment of brilliance to see off the Terriers. Although home keeper Nicholls could have done better with the near-post striker, the shimmy that preceded it was worthy of a higher level than the Championship.
The Blue Army will hope the winger can provide many more moments of brilliance during the months ahead.
Huddersfield (4-2-3-1): Nicholls; Edwards, Pearson, Helik, Ruffels; Hogg, Rudoni; Thomas, Diarra (Jones 78), Koroma; Ward (Harratt 78). Subs not used: Maxwell, Edwards-Green, Hudlin, Jackson, Nakayama, Austerfield, Rhodes.
Booked: Pearson
Leicester (4-3-3): Stolarczyk; Ricardo (Choudhury 84), Faes, Vestergaard, Doyle; Praet (Albrighton 84), Winks, Dewsbury-Hall; Marcal-Madivadua (Ndidi 55), Iheanacho (Vardy 67), Mavididi. Subs not used: Ward, Iversen, Justin, Nelson, Thomas.
Goal: Mavididi 74
Booked: Ricardo, Vestergaard, Winks, Dewsbury-Hall.
Referee: David Webb. Attendance: 19 541 (2 400 City)
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.