Ruud van Nistelrooy had made a number of changes in his line-up, some needed, as players were not available, others done on priorities, such as leaving Danny Ward completely out of the squad, after what happened vs. Wolves and before that at Newcastle, letting in 6 goals in 2 games.
Jacub Stolarczyk was the preferred choice in goal, starts also to Patson Daka and Harry Winks. Jannik Vestergaard and Conor Coady partnering up in defence.
Leicester could not have hoped for a better start, as a pass from Stephy Mavididi found Jordan Ayew in the middle and with his strong presence and of course good skills inside the penalty area, finding that little space between the post and the goalkeeper with his slick shot, Leicester scoring after just 6 minutes.
Jannik Vestergaard and, captain on the day, Conor Coady, kept the defence well organised as we all were waiting for the first half to be finished, but as so many times before, being set under difficult pressure. The whole curtain often cracks when being under such heavy pressure, and it all happened in the 46th minute, Gakpo finding the net. This gave Liverpool new fuel and of course a fantastic boost having a full 45 minutes plus, to fix the result in their favour.
During first half it was a 70/30 affair out there, Liverpool hitting the bar and as well some very good saves from Jacub Stolarczyk. The Premier League debutant showed good quality, being allert and composed in all his interactions.
A loss for the Foxes ⏱️#LIVLEI pic.twitter.com/1WHx0ivm6S
— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 26, 2024
From a Leicester point of view, having a 1-1 draw at half time, must be said to be a success. The way the first Liverpool goal was conceded, so late, could be something to look at as it should not happen so late in that first half.
Liverpool came out electric from start in the second half, putting pressure on Leicester straight away, and just two minutes in, they had taken the lead from nice play on short distances inside the Leicester penalty area, Curtis Jones pushing the ball over the line.
Leicester had no real plan for anything else than laying deep and defend, getting forward when one or two opportunities appeared, as Liverpool were chasing their third and had a few attempts, VAR situations, but they had to wait until the 82nd minute to put the game finally to bed, with a well placed Mo Salah shot, possibly a bit soft defending from Victor Kristiansen, who is not going for a tackle or pressing Salah, but instead give the magician a chance to curle the ball passed Jacub Stolarczyk.
Patson Daka got an opportunity to score, but his shot was in thin air, as he never hit the ball. Strange situation and very similar to what happened a number of times last season, Daka not being able to hit the ball, strange to watch as his game could improve in these situations.
From a Leicester perspective a step in the right direction. No points on board though and for the first time this season, being in the relegation zone, as Wolves did their job vs. Man Utd, winning 2-0.
Leicester is in action again on the 29th, when Man City comes to visit. A similar challenge, and if Leicester can bring something of the same against The Blues, then we hopefully can hope for at least a draw. But again this is not the games Leicester should focus on, strangely they can often turn out with as a positive surprise.
- Positives
- Game plan and defensive play
- Back four looked a solid unit with Jacub Stolarczyk doing a grand job behind them
- Jordan Ayew scoring a stunning goal as his game today was much better than against Wolves
- 1-1 at half time
- Negatives
- Being 1-0 up and again losing grip, but it was against Liverpool, so fine
Player Ratings: Stolarczyk 7, Justin 6, Kristiansen 5, Vestergaard 7, Coady 6, Winks 6, El Khannouss 5, Daka 5, Soumare 6, Mavididi 6, Ayew 6 Subs: Bounanotte, De Cordova-Reid, Skipp, Okoli
- Leicester City, Man of the Match
Match Stats (H/A)
- Possession: 69 / 31
- Shots on Target: 7 / 1
- Corners: 14 / 1
- Fouls: 17 / 5
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