City 1 Barnsley 0
City won a fairly shapeless encounter against Barnsley without too much difficulty, although a winning margin of only one goal always makes for a slightly nervous finish.
There were two new outings for today’s match. Firstly, the starting line-up included Paul Gallagher, signed the day before from Blackburn. Secondly, it was announced that the goal celebration music has been changed from Chelsea Dagger by the Fratellis to Fire by Leicester band Kasabian.
It’s always controversial to tamper with such rituals, but my vote is in favour of a tune with “local connections” over one which is used at almost every other football ground, and is called “Chelsea” to boot.
City’s line-up was the 4-4-2 of Pearson’s current “first eleven”, minus the injured Howard, whose spot would surely have been taken by Waghorn had he not also suffered a hamstring injury against Sheffield United.
Barnsley included Iain Hume, who got a rapturous welcome from the City fans when his name was announced. This is fairly usual for a returning former-favourite, but the fact that he continued to be cheered by City fans when taking free-kicks and corners shows the depth of affection the City faithful have for the Canadian. It was good to see him playing again after his horrendous head injury….
Barnsley’s formation was probably 4-5-1; it was difficult to be certain as Hume played an even more exaggerated version of the “play where you like” tactic which he occasionally used to employ for Leicester.
The match started in a slightly farcical manner, with the linesman flagging a free kick on N’Guessan after 30 seconds so strongly that his flag broke. That was to be one of the more entertaining actions of a poor first half. Both sides gave the ball away far too often, Barnsley mostly through sloppy passing and Leicester through being caught in possession.
City looked the more creative side, although the best early chance went to Barnsley, when a Hume corner was headed over from close range by Foster after 20 minutes. This was shortly followed by a typical mazy run into the box by Dyer for City, but he put his shot just beyond the far post.
City’s midfield was more reliable and the defence more solid than their opponents, but there was little to show for that, with City creating half-chances and Barnsley relying on set pieces and a series of shots from long range. Shortly before the break, Fryatt found himself unmarked with the ball little more than 10 yards from goal, but his shot was cleared; half-time score: 0-0.
The half-time events included a very moving speech from Keith Weller’s widow, thanking City fans for their support during the former player’s fight against cancer.
The start of the second half recalled the Swansea game two weeks ago. Whilst there were no substitutions during the break this time, City started the half like a different team. One wonders what Nigel Pearson’s half-time talks are like! Leicester were sharp, creative and dominated play for 15 minutes. They created numerous chances, and in the 54th minute Fryatt scored from one of them, collecting a long ball from Wellens in the box and shooting in calmly from 10 yards. 1-0 to City and much deserved; cue “I’m on fire” with, as yet, no dance from the terraces to accompany it (but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time…)
City’s dominance continued for another few minutes, but slowly Barnsley began to get into the game and after 60 minutes, they were unfortunate not to get something from a prolonged scramble in the City box.
Adams came on for Dyer after just over an hour. Dyer had, as ever, run well with the ball and looked one of City’s most dangerous players, with the applause for his head-down runs at the opposition being more frequent than the shouts of frustration from fans on those times when he fails to spot a seemingly simple pass.
Gallagher’s only clear-cut chance came in the 69th minute, when his shot from 12 yards was parried over by the Barnsley keeper, and soon after N’Guessan had a powerful shot from 20 yards tipped over the bar.
Barnsley made two substitutions after 72 minutes, including taking off Hume. The game went through a shapeless period, with City threatening little and Barnsley getting half-chances, but little coherent play.
King replaced Gallagher for City in the 81st minute. First opinions on Gallagher? Well he is quite skinny and quick. He linked up well with the wingers and passed well and – rather surprisingly given his newness to the squad – he took most of City’s right-wing corners. I don’t think I saw him head the ball once, which is certainly a different style of play to Howard’s.
Two minutes later, Fryatt tumbled to the ground clutching at his ankle. He received treatment, returning to play for another couple of minutes before limping off to be replaced by Dickov. Let’s hope his is not a serious injury, as City’s need for a consistent strike force remains as strong as ever. (Editors Note: Fryatt said he would be “alright for Tuesday” on Radio Leicester after the game)
The four minutes of added time played out without much incident, and City had maintained their 100% home record with a 1-0 win.
Overall impressions? City were the better team, without having too many clear-cut chances to show for it. So far this season, however, they have held on to one-goal leads to win, and held onto draws to draw – this is a healthy improvement on their last Championship season, when too often winning positions slipped into draws and drawing positions into losses.
The midfield looks much stronger than last season, with Wellens fitting in well. The attack remains a bit of an enigma: Fryatt does not look as sharp as he can and is still caught offside far too often, but on the other hand it is hard to quibble with his record of three goals in five games. And who will be Fryatt’s partner? That is not yet at all clear.
Chris Weale looks to be solid. He kicks well and catches and releases the ball with purpose, but has not yet been tested with many shots of any consequence, itself testament to the strength of a City back four which is playing well enough to keep Tunchev on the bench.
Barnsley looked disjointed and threatened little. They will have to improve markedly if they are to climb clear of the relegation zone.
Teams:
Leicester Weale, Neilson, Brown, Hobbs, Berner, N'Guessan, Wellens, Oakley, Dyer (Adams 65), Fryatt (Dickov 87), Gallagher (Andy King 81).
Subs Not Used: Logan, Morrison, Tunchev, Gradel.
Barnsley Steele, Hassell (Kozluk 22), Foster, Moore, El Haimour, Devaney (Hammill 72), De Silva, Hallfredsson, Campbell-Ryce, Hume (Macken 72), Gray.
Subs Not Used: Preece, Odejayi, Butterfield, Potter.
Attendance: 21,799
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