LEICESTER CITY 2 BIRMINGHAM CITY 1
Post Match Analysis by Paul Weston
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.
When one reaches a more mature age birthdays become less important. In fact it is something one tries not to think about! Nevertheless, it was indeed my birthday on Saturday as I drove from Suffolk, and I dared to hope for the perfect day and birthday present.
Firstly, Norwich had to beat Ipswich and maintain their dominance in the East Anglian derby since 2009. Secondly, Coventry had to beat Leeds to maintain their push for a play off place. Thirdly, City had to continue their newly found form against Norwich and beat Birmingham City led by stand-in manager Gary Rowett after Tony Mowbray’s serious illness.
I tried to forget the background of the frankly astonishing financial mismanagement of the club which is now becoming clearer as accounts are being revealed and leaves us supporters powerless to do anything. How could this have been allowed by the Board of the club to happen? There is much pain ahead whether we are in the Premier League or Championship, and it could be many years before we recover financially. If this were any other business, then one would expect heads to roll.
Back to the football. The early afternoon started perfectly as Norwich somehow managed to beat Ipswich. The atmosphere was tense in the King Power concourse as City fans watching the big screen cheered on Norwich as they continued their hoodoo over Ipswich and held on to win.
Maresca brought in Doyle for Justin and somewhat surprisingly selected Daka up front. It was a strong side, and it was good to see Ricardo, Ndidi and KDH all in the team. City started confidently and it was not long before Ruddy had to save down low to prevent an own goal after a good run and cross from KDH.
Fatawu seemed to receive a knock which initially hampered his movements and Mavadidi flitted in and out the game. The defence seemed in control. Long diagonal passes were difficult because of the blustery conditions. Daka continued to frustrate with poor control and unable to time his runs correctly. However, he was instrumental in City’s first goal when he received the ball from Fatawu and slipped the ball back to KDH who scored with a first time shot to make it 1-0.
City continued to dominate possession as Birmingham tried to re-think their tactics. They looked well drilled defensively but offered little in attack. It was therefore a huge shock when City handed them a goal to equalise. We have tried to get used to City’s close passing in defence as the players try to break through the lines. It is sometimes nerve wracking to watch. This time from a kick off Faes unwisely passed back to Hermansen with Stansfield close by. Mads dallied a split second and by the time he kicked the ball Stansfield was upon him and the ball rebounded into the net. It was an absolute gift and lifted Birmingham just before half-time. City fans were left stunned. By this time, we had learned that Leeds were losing 1-0 to Coventry. Were City going to blow their chance of returning to the top of the table?
City started the second half positively with Fatawu and Mavadidi more prominent. Doyle was substituted by Justin. Ndidi had a great chance with a header early in the second half but was straight at Ruddy. The goalkeeper then made a flying save from Fatawu’s left footed shot. City continued to press but clear chances were few. At times it seemed like they were trying for the perfect goal.
The crowd willed the team on but there was anxiety building, especially as news spread that Coventry were 2-0 up against Leeds. Vardy was brought on for the disappointing Daka which lifted the crowd noise even more and he soon had a chance with a flicked header which went wide.
On two occasions Ndidi had a chance to cross the ball but seemed to be tiring and it seemed strange why Maresca chose not to substitute him. The stress levels in the crowd and noise were building and Maresca brought on Akgun and Praet only 10 minutes before the end for Ndidi and Fatawu respectively. They instantly brought energy to the team, and, although Praet’s first passes were wayward, his neat control and pass to Akgun created the chance for Akgun to send in a delightful cross from the right to the far post where Mavadidi had lost his marker and headed down across Ruddy for the winner. The ground erupted in noise as the pressure build up was released.
City played out the 5 minutes of additional time comfortably and the 3 points were secured. Joyous scenes with players and manager then took place in front of the Kop.
There is nothing better than a last-minute winner. Yes, it was stressful, but it was a fully deserved win and, with Ipswich and Leeds both losing, a perfect day as City returned to the top of the table with a game in hand. Two tough away games at Millwall and Plymouth are on the horizon, but the hope is returning that perhaps City have gone through their dodgy spell just in time.
Six games to go! Come on you Foxes!
Ratings: Hermansen (7), Vestergaard (8), Faes (7), Winks (8), Doyle (7), Ricardo (9), Ndidi (7), KDH (9), Fatawu (7), Mavididi (7), Daka (5). Subs: Vardy (7), Justin (7), Akgun (8), Praet (7)