City 6 – 0 Ipswich Town
Report by Stuart Dawkins
City's biggest win under Nigel Pearson went some way to make up for the disappointment of two points dropped in the previous match against Forest. Ipswich's defence may or may not have been the worst I have ever seen at this level, but it was almost certainly the slowest. Leicester's forwards and midfielders pretty much took it in turns to get in behind the labouring Ipswich back four, and six goals did not flatter City.
Pearson picked the same starting line-up as against Forest. Ipswich, lining up in their white away kit, featured DJ Campbell in a 4-4-2 formation. The first few minutes showed Ipswich working hard to close down City's passing game, but after just seven minutes, a through ball inside the Ipswich right back was chased by Dyer who beat the keeper to the ball, the keeper bringing him down just inside the box. There were no complaints from Ipswich at the penalty decision, and Nugent scored calmly from the spot to make it 1-0.
Ipswich looked steady for the next few minutes, but then City scored again. A smart throw-in to King on the half-way line, then a clever pass to Waghorn who shot well from twenty yards – the keeper parried the ball and Nugent was unmarked to walk the ball into the empty net for 2-0.
In truth, the game was over as a contest from then on. City were confident, passing the ball quickly and with purpose; Ipswich threatened nothing. With still only 27 minutes played, Dyer played a one-two with Drinkwater on the half-way line, before outpacing his marker with ease, then beating the 'keeper from a tight angle from twelve yards: 3-0. This triggered the first chorus of 'you only score when it's snowing' from the City fans – in memory of the Sven-era loss to Ipswich in unplayable winter conditions a couple of years ago.
Nugent was replaced by Vardy on the half-hour, with two goals a decent result for thirty minutes' work. Chances continued to come for City, and with a minute to go before the break, Dyer again outsprinted his defender with almost-embarrassing ease – gaining about five yards in a twenty-five yard sprint – he crossed the ball from the edge of the box, and there were two City players and no Ipswich players waiting for the cross, Knockaert sliding the ball into the net for 4-0.
Ipswich still had time for a rare chance before half-time, when sloppy Leicester defending led to a chance which was volleyed wide.
Neither side made any substitutions at half-time, and the match continued as before. In the 50th minute, Dyer crossed from the left and Waghorn headed on to the post when he should probably have hit the target. Waghorn was having one of his best games for a long time, and the City crowd were willing him to score – and seven minutes later he did. Some patient play in midfield led to a through ball behind the left-hand side of the Ipswich defence, Waghorn was easily first to the ball, and beat the keeper from about twelve yards: 5-0.
Ipswich made a double substitution, and went through a period when they had more possession than City, but no clear chances were created. Marshall replaced Knockaert after 64 minutes; Knockaert had run around a lot, as usual, but his final pass had not been as good as it can be.
After 71 minutes, Ipswich finally took a shot which required a save by Schmeichel – which the 'keeper duly made with ease. It then looked as though Vardy was going to add his name to the score sheet, beating the defence to be one-on-one with the Ipswich 'keeper, but Henderson made the save.
A couple of minutes later, Waghorn was substituted to a standing ovation, replaced by Futacs. Shortly after, the ineffectual DJ Campbell was substituted by Ipswich, replaced by Chopra. By now, the crowd – including Ipswich fans – were doing Mexican waves and the game had ceased to be much of a competition, but City still had time to score one more: Futacs hitting in a first-time shot following a cut-back by Dyer for 6-0.
In the final ten minutes, Ipswich managed to get the ball into the net – but it was offside – and also to head over the bar from two yards, but City's clean-sheet survived.
Waghorn played well, and surely the goal will have helped his confidence which has looked lacking in recent games. Drinkwater and King dominated midfield. Ipswich's right back – Orr – was so new that he did not event feature in the squad in the match programme. I doubt he will have a worse game, with Dyer causing problems almost every time he got the ball. It was a commanding performance by the team, albeit against poor opposition.
Leicester City: Schmeichel, De Laet, Morgan, Whitbread, Drinkwater, King, Dyer, Knockaert, Waghorn, Schlupp, Nugent
Substitutes: Logan, Moore, Marshall, James, Lingard, Vardy, Futacs
Ipswich Town: Henderson, Cresswell, Chambers, Higginbotham, Orr, Edwards, N'daw, Martin, Reo-Coker, Campbell, Murphy
Substitutes: Lee-Barrett, Hewitt, Smith, Bilel, Emmanuel-Thomas, Hyam, Chopra
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