City 2 Blackpool 0
Written by Stuart Dawkins
Seven points out of nine under Pearson (Mark II) so far, and into a play-off position. So, what has changed?
Well, for one thing, the players seem to be enjoying themselves. Another key change is that team selection is more settled. For the second match running, Pearson made just one alteration – bringing in Bamba for St Ledger. This meant, again, that the defence and attack consisted of players signed since Pearson left the club, but the midfield – Gallagher, King, Wellens and Dyer – were his "regulars" from the previous era.
The system – a traditional 4-4-2 – is simple and the style of play is now more purposeful: far more passes are forwards rather than backwards, and all of the players are looking confident in their roles.
The first half of this game was very well-matched. Both teams had a similar style and formation. Both defences held firm, and the only early chances from either side were speculative shots from distance. Blackpool got forward quickly on occasion, but they never created a clear cut chance.
City's long run without scoring a goal from a corner continued throughout this game, although Mills did at least manage to get a header on target from one corner in the first half.
I wasn't at the Portsmouth game, so did not see the Schmeichel "wonder save" live, but the one he made tonight after half-an-hour looked to be at least as good, spreading himself to parry Taylor-Fletcher's powerful header from six yards. Not to be outdone, three minutes later Gilks in the Blackpool goal made an even better reflex save to parry a powerful volley from Beckford, again at point-blank range.
Both sides were playing reasonably well, but the defences were in control. Bamba and Mills barely missed a header all night. It wasn't clear what would break the deadlock until Blackpool's centre backs left too big a gap between them, Dyer slotted a perfectly weighted pass into the box behind them, and King ran on to put the ball under Gilks into the goal.
One-nil up at half time flattered City a little, as there had not been much to choose between the teams.
The second half was very different. City started positively, making half-a-dozen attempts on goal in the first 10 minutes and forcing another couple of decent saves from Gilks.
The fact that none of these attempts resulted in a goal left me fearing that this was going to be one of those many games in recent seasons where City dominate the stats, but do not pick up the three points. I had forgotten, of course, that under Pearson last time around, City had tended to win the games they deserved to win, and even to win a few that probably should have been draws. Thankfully, tonight's game followed that "Pearson" pattern.
After 67 minutes Gallagher was replaced by Danns. Gallagher had a decent game, but this time was being outshone by his partner-in-crime Dyer.
Danns looked more lively than I have seen him before, creating good chances for Howard and for Nugent as City increased their dominance. Blackpool's keeper, Gilks, was having an outstanding game, but in the 82nd minute he made the error of trying to outsprint Dyer, rushing 20 yards out of his penalty area to clear a through ball by Howard. Dyer is very, very quick and won the race easily, he tapped the ball past the on-rushing keeper to Danns, who calmly rolled it into the open net from around 25 yards: 2-0.
City closed the game out easily, creating another guilt-edged chance for Nugent who beat Gilks one-on-one, then hid his face under his shirt in jokey embarrassment as his shot trickled wide of the post.
City played well. Mills is now living up to his reputation as a formidable defender, although his choice of pass and passing technique are still often poor. The midfield four were back to their best, with Dyer being outstanding. He almost literally ran himself into the ground, before being substituted by Fernandes with a few minutes to go. Nugent and Beckford looked to be a real threat too – both of them were unlucky to be facing an on-form keeper. It was particularly good to see Beckford taking on opportunities to shoot with confidence.
It is very early yet, but so far Pearson Mark II seems a lot like Pearson Mark I: settled, confident and seemingly effective.
City: Schmeichel, Peltier, Konchesky, Mills, Bamba, Gallagher (Danns 67), Wellens, King, Dyer (Fernandes 88), Beckford (Howard 67), Nugent. Subs Not Used: Weale, Abe.
Blackpool: Gilks, Crainey, Eardley, Evatt, Baptiste (Basham 34), Sylvestre (McManaman 57), Ferguson, Matt Phillips, Shelvey, LuaLua (Kevin Phillips 65), Taylor-Fletcher. Subs Not Used: Howard, Ince.
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