LEICESTER CITY 3 PRESTON NORTH END 0
Post Match Analysis by Paul Weston
I had missed the last three home games through prior commitments, so I was very excited at last to be back at the King Power to see for myself how our new found style of play and self-belief had developed after last season’s disaster. My keen anticipation was nearly ruined by a disastrous 4-hour car journey but I made kick off in time.
Maresca picked a strong side but we knew that he had to deal with several problems. Vestergaard, who somehow to my amazement had become a passing maestro in the side, had picked up a fifth yellow card in the match against Blackburn (unjustified in my opinion) and missed this game. As expected Coady took his place for his debut at the King Power. McAteer, one of our star performers this season, was sadly out for 4-6 weeks with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Fatawu.
It did not take long to work out Preston’s tactics. They were coming for a draw and at best a goal on the break and City would have to work out a way to solve the problem. The battle lines were drawn across the pitch and City’s possession statistics grew to 82%. However, both wingers were guilty of not crossing the ball effectively or losing possession. Final passes were misplaced and Justin, in particular, was not having the best of games. Few chances were created and Vardy, despite his endeavours, saw very little of the ball.
It was all a bit slow, ponderous and predictable. Although some good cross field balls were played by Faes, in particular, Preston knew that they were coming and were able to cut out the danger. The communication between midfield and wingers was not always accurate. Preston offered little up front but were extremely well drilled and were going to be very hard to beat.
Many teams will come to the King Power with the same approach, so it was a good test for this City side. It is no coincidence that, at home this season, City have not scored early but, when playing away, City have often taken an early lead, exploiting teams who have taken a more positive approach at their home ground.
The best opportunity of the first half fell to Preston when Holmes was through on goal but shot wide. It was a bad miss and fate was looking kindly on City. In the Premiership that would have been a goal and, with a one goal lead, Preston would have been even harder to break down.
And so, the half ended 0-0. City needed some fresh thought to beat Preston’s system. City fans were starting to get a little restless. Although still supportive of our new playing system, crisper and faster passing was required to work through Preston’s rigid system.
City did not start the second half that well and Holmes had another chance well saved by Hermansen. Soon afterwards, however, a neat pass by Ndidi was cut out by Prestons’ McCann but he played it into the danger area. KDH was more alert than the defender and took a well-directed shot with his left foot to put City a goal up. Surprisingly Preston did not seem to change their game plan. For City Ricardo was playing more forward and this was creating space for others.
Maresca then brought on Akgun and Iheanacho for Mavididi and Vardy respectively with about 30 minutes to go. Both subs made an immediate impact. Akgun looked really lively and Iheanacho was linking up play well. The second goal came from a great move between KDH and Ndidi which left Iheanacho with a tap in. At first it looked suspiciously offside but replays showed otherwise. In any case we did not have VAR to decide and annoy us and fans could celebrate a two-goal lead and start to relax.
City were now pressing forward, and Preston ran out of ideas. Choudhury came on for Justin and Albrighton for Fatawu. About three minutes from the end Albrighton, with almost his first touch, sent in a delightful cross that Iheanacho met on the volley. It was saved by the Preston keeper but only as far as KDH who rifled the ball into the top corner to make it 3-0. City saw out the game with little trouble for what, in the end, was a convincing victory but probably the scoreline was harsh on Preston.
The home game against Stoke is only a few days away and it will be interesting to see if Maresca shuffles the pack. Will Vestergaard come back to replace Coady? Will Akgun start instead of Fatawu or Mavadidi? Will Iheanacho start instead of Vardy? These are nice problems to have, and, at the moment, it looks like our squad can cope with the long-term injuries to Doyle and McAteer. It is early days still in the season but it is good to see a points gap between the top two and the rest in the Championship. I cannot wait for the next home match – a complete contrast to last season. Bring it on!
Player ratings: Hermansen (7) Faes (8) Coady (7) Justin (6) Ricardo (8) Dewsbury-Hall (9) Winks (7) Ndidi (8) Fatawu (6) Vardy (6) Mavididi (6). Subs: Iheanacho (8) Akgun (9) Choudhury (7) Casadei (6) Albrighton (8)
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.