Match reports supplied by Brian Langston unless otherwise stated. |
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Leicester City 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League - 08 December 2018
On current form city needed to be a whole lot better than Wednesday nights performance at Fulham and Spurs to have an off day for us to have a chance tonight, but to be honest, we were not brilliant and Spurs really seemed to have another gear to go to if need be.
With the teams announced as I was parking the car, I was surprised to see Iheanacho start again and MOM Albrighton reduced to the bench, why ?
The first 15 minuets we played well, ok we did not create anything meaningful, but we did look to have the better of the opening exchanges. With spurs resting Kane, Eriksen Rose etc, the balance of the team looked misplaced and the opening exchanges were showing this, but once Spurs settled, there was only one team in it, the experience of Spurs that has grown over the past few years under Pochettino clearly shows !!
I’m not saying they are title challengers , but they are clearly a comfortable top 4 side now, this has taken a few years to achieve but time, perseverance with youth, that gets time to develop and one or two top drawer signings and that at the moment is the difference between us and a team like Spurs. We are bringing the youth through, and have the experience as well. But we are clearly exposed without Vardy, Iheanacho is a top striker, he has proved that at Man City, we need to adapt our game to help his .
With half time approaching and city scrappy in defence, the ball fell to the impressive son, and with a thunderbolt of a left footed shot fired spurs into the lead .
So city down at half time, and in a way slightly unlucky to be, but it was soon two in the 58 th minuet when MOM Son for spurs found a totally unmarked Ali at the far post to put spurs 2- 0 up and game over, even after only an hour.
With city well below where we should be in points, and palace, Chelsea And Everton next 3 away games, mixed in with Man City league and cup and Cardiff over Christmas to play, I am wondering can we get more that 5 points out of those games.
So not the best today,and spurs easily the better side and deserved their win,and now a week off and praying they can work a miracle on Vardys groin and get him fit, I’m not saying one man makes a team but the last two games I’ve seen clearly to me says it is.
My MOM today was Gray, tackled back and worked tirelessly for the course, My teams performance was only a 6, and the managers was a 6 as well.
So off to the palace next week and a much needed win needed??
Premier League - 08 December 2018
On current form city needed to be a whole lot better than Wednesday nights performance at Fulham and Spurs to have an off day for us to have a chance tonight, but to be honest, we were not brilliant and Spurs really seemed to have another gear to go to if need be.
With the teams announced as I was parking the car, I was surprised to see Iheanacho start again and MOM Albrighton reduced to the bench, why ?
The first 15 minuets we played well, ok we did not create anything meaningful, but we did look to have the better of the opening exchanges. With spurs resting Kane, Eriksen Rose etc, the balance of the team looked misplaced and the opening exchanges were showing this, but once Spurs settled, there was only one team in it, the experience of Spurs that has grown over the past few years under Pochettino clearly shows !!
I’m not saying they are title challengers , but they are clearly a comfortable top 4 side now, this has taken a few years to achieve but time, perseverance with youth, that gets time to develop and one or two top drawer signings and that at the moment is the difference between us and a team like Spurs. We are bringing the youth through, and have the experience as well. But we are clearly exposed without Vardy, Iheanacho is a top striker, he has proved that at Man City, we need to adapt our game to help his .
With half time approaching and city scrappy in defence, the ball fell to the impressive son, and with a thunderbolt of a left footed shot fired spurs into the lead .
So city down at half time, and in a way slightly unlucky to be, but it was soon two in the 58 th minuet when MOM Son for spurs found a totally unmarked Ali at the far post to put spurs 2- 0 up and game over, even after only an hour.
With city well below where we should be in points, and palace, Chelsea And Everton next 3 away games, mixed in with Man City league and cup and Cardiff over Christmas to play, I am wondering can we get more that 5 points out of those games.
So not the best today,and spurs easily the better side and deserved their win,and now a week off and praying they can work a miracle on Vardys groin and get him fit, I’m not saying one man makes a team but the last two games I’ve seen clearly to me says it is.
My MOM today was Gray, tackled back and worked tirelessly for the course, My teams performance was only a 6, and the managers was a 6 as well.
So off to the palace next week and a much needed win needed??
Fulham 1-1 Leicester City
Premier League - 05 December 2018
On a day we could have gone sixth in the league, city put in what can only be described as a pitiful performance.
With Iheanacho playing the lead role in the absence of Vardy, did he do himself and The travelling 3000 justice, did he hell as like, a shocking like lustrous , could not give a damn attitude, which I hope signals to puel to bench him on Saturday v Spurs.
Was it just him, no not really, but he was the worst of a bad bunch today, probably not helped with puel tinkering with the team, ok, Vardy and Evans were both injured, but come on, can players not play 2 games a week these days?
So the game, and after two minutes, a Maddison through ball found Iheanacho and a one on one with the keeper, and he makes right mess of it, that first few minutes summed the rest of the game for him.
City were far the strongest in the first half, and with clear chances falling to various players, we should have been 2 or 3 up, and the game put to bed, but we didn’t and only brilliant saves from Kasper stopped City going behind earlier than they did, when a right mix up in defence on 40 minutes let in Kamara to squeeze the ball past a helpless Kasper.
The standard of football was to say the least poor, and city at sixes and sevens , with the crab like football I hoped had gone, lacking movement, idea, and one or two just continually flat footed, so when the half time whistle came, I was to say the least, relieved.
So with the topic of conversation at half time, on a formation and players change, what did puel do, yes ? Nothing!
We are one down to I have to say a poor Fulham team, and the changes needed started to work, Gray was lively, Iborra looked cool, calm and collective in midfield, and it was Albrighton, Gray and Okazaki who, created the equaliser on 75 minutes for Maddison to stroke the ball home from 8 yards out.
Fulham then pressurised City for the last 10 minutes, with corner after corner and cross after cross, but we held out for the point, and keep our mini run going.
This was a great opportunity to get into the top 6 today, and we blew it, and with a string of games coming up against the Top boys, I hope that Vardy for sure is back.
My MOM today was Albrighton, he is just a tireless working player, that one or two others should take a note off.
My team performance was 5, and that is generous, and puel only 5, as he got it totally wrong today. So spurs on Saturday st the KP and I hope that it’s the Leic I know can turn up and play and not the one I saw tonight, but a point I guess is better than coming home to nothing .
Premier League - 05 December 2018
On a day we could have gone sixth in the league, city put in what can only be described as a pitiful performance.
With Iheanacho playing the lead role in the absence of Vardy, did he do himself and The travelling 3000 justice, did he hell as like, a shocking like lustrous , could not give a damn attitude, which I hope signals to puel to bench him on Saturday v Spurs.
Was it just him, no not really, but he was the worst of a bad bunch today, probably not helped with puel tinkering with the team, ok, Vardy and Evans were both injured, but come on, can players not play 2 games a week these days?
So the game, and after two minutes, a Maddison through ball found Iheanacho and a one on one with the keeper, and he makes right mess of it, that first few minutes summed the rest of the game for him.
City were far the strongest in the first half, and with clear chances falling to various players, we should have been 2 or 3 up, and the game put to bed, but we didn’t and only brilliant saves from Kasper stopped City going behind earlier than they did, when a right mix up in defence on 40 minutes let in Kamara to squeeze the ball past a helpless Kasper.
The standard of football was to say the least poor, and city at sixes and sevens , with the crab like football I hoped had gone, lacking movement, idea, and one or two just continually flat footed, so when the half time whistle came, I was to say the least, relieved.
So with the topic of conversation at half time, on a formation and players change, what did puel do, yes ? Nothing!
We are one down to I have to say a poor Fulham team, and the changes needed started to work, Gray was lively, Iborra looked cool, calm and collective in midfield, and it was Albrighton, Gray and Okazaki who, created the equaliser on 75 minutes for Maddison to stroke the ball home from 8 yards out.
Fulham then pressurised City for the last 10 minutes, with corner after corner and cross after cross, but we held out for the point, and keep our mini run going.
This was a great opportunity to get into the top 6 today, and we blew it, and with a string of games coming up against the Top boys, I hope that Vardy for sure is back.
My MOM today was Albrighton, he is just a tireless working player, that one or two others should take a note off.
My team performance was 5, and that is generous, and puel only 5, as he got it totally wrong today. So spurs on Saturday st the KP and I hope that it’s the Leic I know can turn up and play and not the one I saw tonight, but a point I guess is better than coming home to nothing .
Leicester City 2-0 Watford
Premier League - 01 December 2018
A first half penalty from Vardy and a December goal of the month contender from Maddison was the difference between two attacking minded teams today.
With puel reverting to his standard starting 11, city started well and to be honest played some really good football, with Watford playing an open expanse game, which played into City hands, with the counter attack game there to be seen today and looking good.
Pre game Watford produced a banner supporting the boss and the other members of the accident last month, which was a fantastic jester from another family orientated club , so thanks for that ,that’s what football should be like !
Back to the game and the first goal was a fantastic free flowing move, and a through ball for Vardy and when rounding the keeper he was brought down and a stone wall penalty.
Vardy stepped up and buried it in the corner and city deservedly one up. Watford at this point were in the game still, and on the counter attack looked good, but it was City who went two up after 23 minutes, with a contender for goal of the month, with Albrighton, then Vardy onto Maddison who calmly brought the ball down and then volleyed the ball in, leaving foster with no chance.
The game was definitely there for the taking now, two up and city looking completely in control, and with chances going begging, City could and should have been 3 or 4 nil up at half time.
So the second half started with Deeney on, and always s treat against us, but he and the rest of the Watford forward line, particularly in the second half, really had an off day, with chances falling left right and centre to all in sundry in a Watford shirt, but when it’s not your day, it’s not your day.
Watford overall looked more likely to score in the second half,but city held on to 3 points, a clean sheet and overall a much improved performance.
With what looked like a niggling couple of injuries to Evans and Vardy, the physio department might be busy before Wednesday at Fulham.4
My MOM today was Mendy, but closely followed be Maddison, Albrighton and Ricardo. Team performance was 8/10 and Puel 8/10.
So a nice evening out at Fulham’s craven cottage on Wednesday, and a reunion with Claudio, our premier league winning manager.
Premier League - 01 December 2018
A first half penalty from Vardy and a December goal of the month contender from Maddison was the difference between two attacking minded teams today.
With puel reverting to his standard starting 11, city started well and to be honest played some really good football, with Watford playing an open expanse game, which played into City hands, with the counter attack game there to be seen today and looking good.
Pre game Watford produced a banner supporting the boss and the other members of the accident last month, which was a fantastic jester from another family orientated club , so thanks for that ,that’s what football should be like !
Back to the game and the first goal was a fantastic free flowing move, and a through ball for Vardy and when rounding the keeper he was brought down and a stone wall penalty.
Vardy stepped up and buried it in the corner and city deservedly one up. Watford at this point were in the game still, and on the counter attack looked good, but it was City who went two up after 23 minutes, with a contender for goal of the month, with Albrighton, then Vardy onto Maddison who calmly brought the ball down and then volleyed the ball in, leaving foster with no chance.
The game was definitely there for the taking now, two up and city looking completely in control, and with chances going begging, City could and should have been 3 or 4 nil up at half time.
So the second half started with Deeney on, and always s treat against us, but he and the rest of the Watford forward line, particularly in the second half, really had an off day, with chances falling left right and centre to all in sundry in a Watford shirt, but when it’s not your day, it’s not your day.
Watford overall looked more likely to score in the second half,but city held on to 3 points, a clean sheet and overall a much improved performance.
With what looked like a niggling couple of injuries to Evans and Vardy, the physio department might be busy before Wednesday at Fulham.4
My MOM today was Mendy, but closely followed be Maddison, Albrighton and Ricardo. Team performance was 8/10 and Puel 8/10.
So a nice evening out at Fulham’s craven cottage on Wednesday, and a reunion with Claudio, our premier league winning manager.
Leicester City 6 - 5 Southampton (pens)
Carabao Cup - 27 November 2018
By hook , crook or just VAR, City somehow tiptoed into the quarter finals of the Carabao cup.
Although city made 9 changes to the team that played at Brighton, this was still an extremely strong line up, and with Vardy making a miraculous recovery from a so called groin strain from the weekend, a win for me was on the cards from the off.
With neither side really creating anything, and the football at best being played by both sides being dire, the game was at times like watching paint dry. I appreciate with 9 changes you will not get the fluidity that a settled side gives you, but the players train together every day of the week, so I’m sorry that doesn’t wash with me as an excuse.
The game was like the crowd , very quiet , unassuming and lacking energy, with few chances, no creativity, and passing at best poor.
The second half was much a much as the first with Southampton to be honest looking more likely to score, with the crossbar hit, a couple of comfortably but decent saves from Ward and a goal disallowed by VAR for handball, which from where I sit, looked handball but harsh, but will need to see again on TV.
With a penalty shout at the kop end for city for a foul on , ( I think Evans), which never was, was again referred to VAR and was correctly not given.
Earlier Obafemi missed an open goal, when missing was harder than scoring, with that miss, the VAR decision and overall poor display, maybe City can get to Wembley in the cup.
In our way again are Man City, and Leicester will need there strongest side out and a bit more luck, but you never know?
So through again on penalties, with Mendy scoring the decisive one after Ward had brilliantly saved from Gabbiadini.
My MOM tonight was Suyuncu, and VAR, my team performance was only 5/10 and The managers rating was 5/10.
Watford on Saturday, and this could prove a difficult game if improved performances are not forthcoming.
Carabao Cup - 27 November 2018
By hook , crook or just VAR, City somehow tiptoed into the quarter finals of the Carabao cup.
Although city made 9 changes to the team that played at Brighton, this was still an extremely strong line up, and with Vardy making a miraculous recovery from a so called groin strain from the weekend, a win for me was on the cards from the off.
With neither side really creating anything, and the football at best being played by both sides being dire, the game was at times like watching paint dry. I appreciate with 9 changes you will not get the fluidity that a settled side gives you, but the players train together every day of the week, so I’m sorry that doesn’t wash with me as an excuse.
The game was like the crowd , very quiet , unassuming and lacking energy, with few chances, no creativity, and passing at best poor.
The second half was much a much as the first with Southampton to be honest looking more likely to score, with the crossbar hit, a couple of comfortably but decent saves from Ward and a goal disallowed by VAR for handball, which from where I sit, looked handball but harsh, but will need to see again on TV.
With a penalty shout at the kop end for city for a foul on , ( I think Evans), which never was, was again referred to VAR and was correctly not given.
Earlier Obafemi missed an open goal, when missing was harder than scoring, with that miss, the VAR decision and overall poor display, maybe City can get to Wembley in the cup.
In our way again are Man City, and Leicester will need there strongest side out and a bit more luck, but you never know?
So through again on penalties, with Mendy scoring the decisive one after Ward had brilliantly saved from Gabbiadini.
My MOM tonight was Suyuncu, and VAR, my team performance was only 5/10 and The managers rating was 5/10.
Watford on Saturday, and this could prove a difficult game if improved performances are not forthcoming.
Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Leicester City
Premier League - 24 November 2018
A penalty 10 Mins or so from time earned city a deserved point which after the first half display I never thought we would get.
Again from the outset, I really thought what is Puel doing, playing Okazaki as a centre forward, I’m sorry for people who read my blog, and are In ore of our manager, but as hard as Shinji works and he did again today, he is a player who needs Vardy or Iheanacho in front of him, not as a number 9.
City actually started well, quick slick passing and, plenty of movement and I thought mmm, not bad !!! But then Murray who is such an old pro, got into most of the city players faces, and just wound them up, more verbal than tackling, I guess similar to Andy Carroll at West Ham. So although city did have the upper hand for the first 15 minutes, it was Brighton who took the lead, a Knockaert corner found Murray and 3 city defenders stood there like shop window mannequins, and a free header leaving Kasper helpless.
With the home fans now right behind there team, and Murray now right in cities faces, some needlessly timed tackles and a ridiculous booking for Maddison, when there was no need for it in no mans land, and players are then on tender hooks for the rest of the game, as Morgan was a few weeks ago and cost us. This time Maddison within a minute of being booked decided that he was rein acting a Tom Daley special, and took a ridiculous dive and tried to win a penalty, and fair due to the ref on that occasion a second yellow and down to ten men again.
Brighton I thought would step up for the kill, but seemed to sit back, time waste and just annoy the life out of me. As half time approached, you really could not see city getting back into the game, and certainly not with the system Puel was playing. So no changes at half time, but that thankfully changed pretty quickly with Vardy coming on for Gray, Vardy on yes, Gray off no, not in my eyes anyway.
But with Vardy on the whole team seemed to gain another gear, which was hardly difficult watching the first half, but another gear it was and a totally different City, creative at times, annoying at others and fighting for the points, and it was after nearly 80 minutes Iheanacho was brought down and Vardy stepped up and buried it into the top corner, 1-1 and well deserved, with Vardy and Iheanacho linking up well, it was the latter, that nearly won it for City, with the ball going inches wide, would it been hard on Brighton, probably, but I would not have cared.
So a draw, and I guess overall a fair result, which I did say I’d take at half time, and I did not see us getting.
My MOM today was Evans, call, and calm today and the only player that Murray never won over. Puel, for whatever reason and I know the reports were saying Vardy was injured, never showed any signs of it, again totally got the formation and subs wrong and nearly cost us, so I’m only giving him 4/10 .
I’m really pleased that we are back in Hove where we are stopping and not got the long drive home tonight.
So Southampton on Tuesday and numerous changes I guess, but hopefully a win and a last 8 game against Man City.
Premier League - 24 November 2018
A penalty 10 Mins or so from time earned city a deserved point which after the first half display I never thought we would get.
Again from the outset, I really thought what is Puel doing, playing Okazaki as a centre forward, I’m sorry for people who read my blog, and are In ore of our manager, but as hard as Shinji works and he did again today, he is a player who needs Vardy or Iheanacho in front of him, not as a number 9.
City actually started well, quick slick passing and, plenty of movement and I thought mmm, not bad !!! But then Murray who is such an old pro, got into most of the city players faces, and just wound them up, more verbal than tackling, I guess similar to Andy Carroll at West Ham. So although city did have the upper hand for the first 15 minutes, it was Brighton who took the lead, a Knockaert corner found Murray and 3 city defenders stood there like shop window mannequins, and a free header leaving Kasper helpless.
With the home fans now right behind there team, and Murray now right in cities faces, some needlessly timed tackles and a ridiculous booking for Maddison, when there was no need for it in no mans land, and players are then on tender hooks for the rest of the game, as Morgan was a few weeks ago and cost us. This time Maddison within a minute of being booked decided that he was rein acting a Tom Daley special, and took a ridiculous dive and tried to win a penalty, and fair due to the ref on that occasion a second yellow and down to ten men again.
Brighton I thought would step up for the kill, but seemed to sit back, time waste and just annoy the life out of me. As half time approached, you really could not see city getting back into the game, and certainly not with the system Puel was playing. So no changes at half time, but that thankfully changed pretty quickly with Vardy coming on for Gray, Vardy on yes, Gray off no, not in my eyes anyway.
But with Vardy on the whole team seemed to gain another gear, which was hardly difficult watching the first half, but another gear it was and a totally different City, creative at times, annoying at others and fighting for the points, and it was after nearly 80 minutes Iheanacho was brought down and Vardy stepped up and buried it into the top corner, 1-1 and well deserved, with Vardy and Iheanacho linking up well, it was the latter, that nearly won it for City, with the ball going inches wide, would it been hard on Brighton, probably, but I would not have cared.
So a draw, and I guess overall a fair result, which I did say I’d take at half time, and I did not see us getting.
My MOM today was Evans, call, and calm today and the only player that Murray never won over. Puel, for whatever reason and I know the reports were saying Vardy was injured, never showed any signs of it, again totally got the formation and subs wrong and nearly cost us, so I’m only giving him 4/10 .
I’m really pleased that we are back in Hove where we are stopping and not got the long drive home tonight.
So Southampton on Tuesday and numerous changes I guess, but hopefully a win and a last 8 game against Man City.
Leicester City 0-0 Burnley
Premier League - 10 November 2018
Over the 48 years I have followed my beloved Leicester City, I have, as we all have been of similar age or older than me, have been for one reason or another through the mill.
The 5-3 win against Shrewsbury in the cup, when every Tom dick or Harry went in goal, or the cup win at Luton, when my hero Weller danced his way through the Luton defence to score, or my first Wembley experience when we lost to Blackburn, or when city ran riot at derby and were 3 and then 4 nil up in no time, or the league cup and play off wins, my trips to Vienna, Madrid, Porto etc on our European tours, and of course winning the premier league, a dream it was, that turned into a fairytale, and one that I’ll never forget.
BUT!!!! The last two weeks, and I like most fans, never new the boss personally, has put everything that I and City fans alike totally into perspective.
The boss was the boss, and how the club, players, staff and fans have showed us is utterly perfect, in every respect of the past fortnights emotions, the outcry of love and respect for our chairman
Is nothing short of amazing and so fully deserved.
The two young sisters that I guess hoped for a 100 or so to walk with them today, for the 5000/1 charity, had a nought missing when estimated figures say 50,000 walked from jubilee square today, another show of total love for a very special man.
The game really was a sub today with the walk, speech from the birch and then the two minuets silence which as I hoped was immaculately kept.
The club can and should be so proud of what they have done today, the day albeit an emotional nightmare was presented in a perfect manner and a fantastic tribute.
I’m 54 in a couple of weeks and today will go down as thee most emotional but great days in so many different ways for me as a city fan and part of the city family.
People say no player is ever bigger than a club, but that cannot and will never be said about our boss, he built with his family something that we never thought we would have and I’m sure in Top this will carry on.
The game today was really of total insignificant and the result, well a fair one, and when you get The Burnley coaches drop fans off to do the walk, I’m pleased they got their point.
So onwards and upwards we go, the family, club and fans alike will grow closer together for our loss and it goes without saying, thank you for everything you have done for our fantastic football club,
RIP Mr chairman, your club with Top is in safe hands, and look down on us on Saturday afternoons and show us that smile that glowed each time I / we saw you,
What I witnessed today, I guess I will never see again, it was totally inspirational.
#ThanksBossandleicestercityfcfortodayandwhatyouhavedone xx
Premier League - 10 November 2018
Over the 48 years I have followed my beloved Leicester City, I have, as we all have been of similar age or older than me, have been for one reason or another through the mill.
The 5-3 win against Shrewsbury in the cup, when every Tom dick or Harry went in goal, or the cup win at Luton, when my hero Weller danced his way through the Luton defence to score, or my first Wembley experience when we lost to Blackburn, or when city ran riot at derby and were 3 and then 4 nil up in no time, or the league cup and play off wins, my trips to Vienna, Madrid, Porto etc on our European tours, and of course winning the premier league, a dream it was, that turned into a fairytale, and one that I’ll never forget.
BUT!!!! The last two weeks, and I like most fans, never new the boss personally, has put everything that I and City fans alike totally into perspective.
The boss was the boss, and how the club, players, staff and fans have showed us is utterly perfect, in every respect of the past fortnights emotions, the outcry of love and respect for our chairman
Is nothing short of amazing and so fully deserved.
The two young sisters that I guess hoped for a 100 or so to walk with them today, for the 5000/1 charity, had a nought missing when estimated figures say 50,000 walked from jubilee square today, another show of total love for a very special man.
The game really was a sub today with the walk, speech from the birch and then the two minuets silence which as I hoped was immaculately kept.
The club can and should be so proud of what they have done today, the day albeit an emotional nightmare was presented in a perfect manner and a fantastic tribute.
I’m 54 in a couple of weeks and today will go down as thee most emotional but great days in so many different ways for me as a city fan and part of the city family.
People say no player is ever bigger than a club, but that cannot and will never be said about our boss, he built with his family something that we never thought we would have and I’m sure in Top this will carry on.
The game today was really of total insignificant and the result, well a fair one, and when you get The Burnley coaches drop fans off to do the walk, I’m pleased they got their point.
So onwards and upwards we go, the family, club and fans alike will grow closer together for our loss and it goes without saying, thank you for everything you have done for our fantastic football club,
RIP Mr chairman, your club with Top is in safe hands, and look down on us on Saturday afternoons and show us that smile that glowed each time I / we saw you,
What I witnessed today, I guess I will never see again, it was totally inspirational.
#ThanksBossandleicestercityfcfortodayandwhatyouhavedone xx
Cardiff 0 - 1 Leicester City
Premier League - 03 November 2018
On a day when the game, result and performance was totally irrelevant to the tragedy of the last week, City somehow managed to win at Cardiff.
I would like to say that Cardiff put on a fantastic support for Vichai and the family today , and a big thank you for that, with total respect for the minute silence and the gestures I’m reading and hearing about from friends that went to the game, from Cardiff supporters around the ground prior to K/O. I did not manage to get today, and watched the game with Arabic commentary, not quite John Motson, but it somehow worked.
During the minutes silence, and the visible distress on the players faces, I did wonder if this should have been postponed, but life I guess has to go on, with whatever circumstances, sports or personal.
In a way, Cardiff were probably the sort of team that you would want to play on a day like today, a typical Warnock side, hard tackles and in your face, which I guess city actually needed today.
The game was never fluent, not helped by a dreadful ref, and another blatant penalty not given, not just handball but the handball actually stopped the ball going in.
The goal was well worked, with Albrighton linking up well with the ever impressive Chillwell, who looked up and pulled the ball back from the touch line and Gray neatly finished.
I fully appreciate and understand the rules of football, and if you take your shirt off , you are going to get booked, but come on !! There are times and places for common sense, and this was one of them, with the city family totally emotionally charged and understandably so, once Gray scored and showed his tribute on his t shirt To Vichai and his family, what on earth is the ref booking him for.
So not a full report today, but one of reflection and on to what will be an even more emotional KP next Saturday.
I hope that the week ahead goes as well as these things can, and I know that Vichai will get the send off he wholeheartedly deserves.
No mom or manager review today, just thanks again Vichai for everything, and to all in The LCFC family, and from what I’ve seen that’s pretty world wide .
RIP Vichai xxx
Premier League - 03 November 2018
On a day when the game, result and performance was totally irrelevant to the tragedy of the last week, City somehow managed to win at Cardiff.
I would like to say that Cardiff put on a fantastic support for Vichai and the family today , and a big thank you for that, with total respect for the minute silence and the gestures I’m reading and hearing about from friends that went to the game, from Cardiff supporters around the ground prior to K/O. I did not manage to get today, and watched the game with Arabic commentary, not quite John Motson, but it somehow worked.
During the minutes silence, and the visible distress on the players faces, I did wonder if this should have been postponed, but life I guess has to go on, with whatever circumstances, sports or personal.
In a way, Cardiff were probably the sort of team that you would want to play on a day like today, a typical Warnock side, hard tackles and in your face, which I guess city actually needed today.
The game was never fluent, not helped by a dreadful ref, and another blatant penalty not given, not just handball but the handball actually stopped the ball going in.
The goal was well worked, with Albrighton linking up well with the ever impressive Chillwell, who looked up and pulled the ball back from the touch line and Gray neatly finished.
I fully appreciate and understand the rules of football, and if you take your shirt off , you are going to get booked, but come on !! There are times and places for common sense, and this was one of them, with the city family totally emotionally charged and understandably so, once Gray scored and showed his tribute on his t shirt To Vichai and his family, what on earth is the ref booking him for.
So not a full report today, but one of reflection and on to what will be an even more emotional KP next Saturday.
I hope that the week ahead goes as well as these things can, and I know that Vichai will get the send off he wholeheartedly deserves.
No mom or manager review today, just thanks again Vichai for everything, and to all in The LCFC family, and from what I’ve seen that’s pretty world wide .
RIP Vichai xxx
Leicester City 1 - 1 West Ham United
Premier League - 27 October 2018
Due to the to the tragic events following the West Ham game and in memory & respect to our beloved Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha LTID will not be publishing a match report for this game following those events.
Premier League - 27 October 2018
Due to the to the tragic events following the West Ham game and in memory & respect to our beloved Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha LTID will not be publishing a match report for this game following those events.
Arsenal 3-1 Leicester City
Premier League - 22 October 2018
So no great surprise in the team selection, although I really cannot understand why Suyuncu is not starting?
City started the best with attacking flair play and causing Arsenal all sorts of problems, better set up from puel, allowing Chillwell and Ricardo to push on, and closing Arsenal down with ease, and with better finishing and an awful miss by the ref for handball against holding, city should have been two or three ahead and fully justified, but city were only one up and a great move from right to left found Chillwell who with the help of a deflection of Bellerin City were one up and deservingly so.
At this moment in time I have to admit I was optimistic, especially after the chances and penalty appeal, but it’s an old saying, that you have to take your chances and also a bit of luck, especially against one of the big 6.
In Arsenal you have to stay on top, and after 30 minutes or so Arsenal started to get control of the midfield with Ozil playing like he can, but has rarely shown the last 18 months or so.
With half time approaching and me desperately wanting the half time whistle to blow, Vardy gave the ball away all to easily and Arsenal broke with in my opinion the MOM Ozil who fed Bellerin who headed towards the by line and pulled it back to Ozil who side footed home, leaving Kasper no chance.
So 1-1 at half time and to be honest pre kick off I’d have taken that, but 1-0 up and seconds before half time, I was gutted to say the least.
So half time, Cup of tea, and thinking over the first half , City and me came out with optimism, and after 30 minuets of the first half, why not ?
From the moment the second half started and to the final whistle, there was only one winner, and that was Arsenal, from a team that were put on the back foot by city to a team putting city in their place, and a total dominant display from Arsenal in the second half.
The difference was that Arsenal had the bench to change things, and that proved it with Aubameyang coming on and scoring two goals,with free flowing and precision passing which completely split cities defence, and on another day perhaps they could have had 4 or 5, but we could have had 2 or 3 in the first half.
One disappointment tonight was again why puel took off Maddison, the only real creative player we have, and Vardys form to me is slightly worrying.
I feel that maybe we have to change from playing both mendy and Ndidi, to allow either silva or Iborra to slot in to midfield?
Overall a great 30 minuets, probably the best this season, and then Arsenal took and dominating the rest of the game.
My MOM for city was Maddison, overall team performance was 7 and Puel was 6, ( need to get Iborra or Silva in ).
Premier League - 22 October 2018
So no great surprise in the team selection, although I really cannot understand why Suyuncu is not starting?
City started the best with attacking flair play and causing Arsenal all sorts of problems, better set up from puel, allowing Chillwell and Ricardo to push on, and closing Arsenal down with ease, and with better finishing and an awful miss by the ref for handball against holding, city should have been two or three ahead and fully justified, but city were only one up and a great move from right to left found Chillwell who with the help of a deflection of Bellerin City were one up and deservingly so.
At this moment in time I have to admit I was optimistic, especially after the chances and penalty appeal, but it’s an old saying, that you have to take your chances and also a bit of luck, especially against one of the big 6.
In Arsenal you have to stay on top, and after 30 minutes or so Arsenal started to get control of the midfield with Ozil playing like he can, but has rarely shown the last 18 months or so.
With half time approaching and me desperately wanting the half time whistle to blow, Vardy gave the ball away all to easily and Arsenal broke with in my opinion the MOM Ozil who fed Bellerin who headed towards the by line and pulled it back to Ozil who side footed home, leaving Kasper no chance.
So 1-1 at half time and to be honest pre kick off I’d have taken that, but 1-0 up and seconds before half time, I was gutted to say the least.
So half time, Cup of tea, and thinking over the first half , City and me came out with optimism, and after 30 minuets of the first half, why not ?
From the moment the second half started and to the final whistle, there was only one winner, and that was Arsenal, from a team that were put on the back foot by city to a team putting city in their place, and a total dominant display from Arsenal in the second half.
The difference was that Arsenal had the bench to change things, and that proved it with Aubameyang coming on and scoring two goals,with free flowing and precision passing which completely split cities defence, and on another day perhaps they could have had 4 or 5, but we could have had 2 or 3 in the first half.
One disappointment tonight was again why puel took off Maddison, the only real creative player we have, and Vardys form to me is slightly worrying.
I feel that maybe we have to change from playing both mendy and Ndidi, to allow either silva or Iborra to slot in to midfield?
Overall a great 30 minuets, probably the best this season, and then Arsenal took and dominating the rest of the game.
My MOM for city was Maddison, overall team performance was 7 and Puel was 6, ( need to get Iborra or Silva in ).
Leicester City 1-2 Everton
Premier League - 06 October 2018
People that know me and people that don’t, truly know my feelings on the manager and not purely based on today’s game or the result, but I won’t for anyone sit on the fence with my feelings about Puel, he is not for me and based on what I saw again today, I’ll try and explain my feelings or perception of how I am on this.!!!
In a game that after 15 minuets you could see that Everton were playing with a high energy and attacking angle in the empty space in the middle of midfield , and we did not in anyway adapt or try and counter act this obvious tactic.
Why oh why is Puel continually playing the best and most creative midfield player we have had since the days of Izzet or McAllister and by that I mean Maddison being played out on the left wing ?
How can we keep playing Wes, and I for one appreciate everything the captain has done for us, but today was one game too many, with him and bad management from puel cost us the game today.
Morgan being booked and then commits 2 more fouls and was then clearly warned by the ref that he was on last chance saloon, surely that was the time puel should have subbed him for Evans, not rocket science or is it ?
I do fully understand what puel is trying, but when it is not working, bloody change the tactics, let the opponents worry about what we are doing, but our subs are always changed for a like for like,and when you take off the only creative player we have, then I’m afraid with puel, that to me again says it all.
All I ask from players when I go and watch my team, is that when they play, they leave everything they have out there, and today and not for the first time, Iheanacho flatters to deceive, Vardy broke blood vessels to get to a through ball, squared it back and where was his strike partner, jogging into the box when more effort would have resulted into a tap in, as you can imagine my voice has probably gone on just that one incident, that to be fair to puel you Can’t account for.
I don’t agree that Everton were better than us, we have good players who to me are massively lacking in leadership both on and off the field, and for one, start putting round pegs in round holes, and stop trying to fit players into a formation that clearly can work but play the players that fit, not out of position.
As for the game, points dropped when it was easier to either hold on to what we had or even win it .
As you can tell I’m frustrated to say the least, but we have the players/ squad to be a top 6 side, but I personally don’t think this will happen while Puel is our manager.
Fans all have views and rightly so have opinions on how they see a game or managers or tactics, and my blog is just that, some will agree and some won’t, that’s what football is, opinions!!!
My MOM today was Mendy, overall team performance was 7 and managers performance 4 .
So a two week break, a bit of sun hopefully and my batteries re charged for a trip two weeks on Monday to Arsenal.
Premier League - 06 October 2018
People that know me and people that don’t, truly know my feelings on the manager and not purely based on today’s game or the result, but I won’t for anyone sit on the fence with my feelings about Puel, he is not for me and based on what I saw again today, I’ll try and explain my feelings or perception of how I am on this.!!!
In a game that after 15 minuets you could see that Everton were playing with a high energy and attacking angle in the empty space in the middle of midfield , and we did not in anyway adapt or try and counter act this obvious tactic.
Why oh why is Puel continually playing the best and most creative midfield player we have had since the days of Izzet or McAllister and by that I mean Maddison being played out on the left wing ?
How can we keep playing Wes, and I for one appreciate everything the captain has done for us, but today was one game too many, with him and bad management from puel cost us the game today.
Morgan being booked and then commits 2 more fouls and was then clearly warned by the ref that he was on last chance saloon, surely that was the time puel should have subbed him for Evans, not rocket science or is it ?
I do fully understand what puel is trying, but when it is not working, bloody change the tactics, let the opponents worry about what we are doing, but our subs are always changed for a like for like,and when you take off the only creative player we have, then I’m afraid with puel, that to me again says it all.
All I ask from players when I go and watch my team, is that when they play, they leave everything they have out there, and today and not for the first time, Iheanacho flatters to deceive, Vardy broke blood vessels to get to a through ball, squared it back and where was his strike partner, jogging into the box when more effort would have resulted into a tap in, as you can imagine my voice has probably gone on just that one incident, that to be fair to puel you Can’t account for.
I don’t agree that Everton were better than us, we have good players who to me are massively lacking in leadership both on and off the field, and for one, start putting round pegs in round holes, and stop trying to fit players into a formation that clearly can work but play the players that fit, not out of position.
As for the game, points dropped when it was easier to either hold on to what we had or even win it .
As you can tell I’m frustrated to say the least, but we have the players/ squad to be a top 6 side, but I personally don’t think this will happen while Puel is our manager.
Fans all have views and rightly so have opinions on how they see a game or managers or tactics, and my blog is just that, some will agree and some won’t, that’s what football is, opinions!!!
My MOM today was Mendy, overall team performance was 7 and managers performance 4 .
So a two week break, a bit of sun hopefully and my batteries re charged for a trip two weeks on Monday to Arsenal.
Newcastle 0-2 Leicester City
Premier League - 29 September 2018
Three points and a professional display, about sums today up.
A goal either side of half time killed off a less than spirited Newcastle team, a penalty from Vardy and a second half bullet header from Maguire sealing the points.
Before city scored, although totally dominating the game City could and should have been two down,a one on one against Kasper and with the Newcastle forward dithering, Maguire somehow got a toe to the ball and city survived, then from a good cross, a free header, somehow found its way into the fans rather than the net.
Somehow city got back into the swing of things and a melee in the box and a clear handball and the ref, who had a good game today, pointed to the spot, Vardy stepped up and buried it in the corner, giving the keeper no chance.
City went in at half time one up, and overall deserved it.
The second half started with city kicking towards the traveling fans high up in the gods, and it was the man mountain that is Maguire that from a precise corner from Maddison hit the second which from 8 yards unstoppable.
The home fans demonstrating pre match and mostly during it to against the owner Mike Ashley, streamed out like the fire alarm had gone off.
Overall a good, professional performance against a team looking like relegation candidates, unless Ashley delves into his shallow pockets in January.
My MOM today was Amartey, yes Amartey!!
Team performance was 8/10 and the manager, well 8/10, actually got everything just about right today.
So the long trip home, but well worth it!!!
Premier League - 29 September 2018
Three points and a professional display, about sums today up.
A goal either side of half time killed off a less than spirited Newcastle team, a penalty from Vardy and a second half bullet header from Maguire sealing the points.
Before city scored, although totally dominating the game City could and should have been two down,a one on one against Kasper and with the Newcastle forward dithering, Maguire somehow got a toe to the ball and city survived, then from a good cross, a free header, somehow found its way into the fans rather than the net.
Somehow city got back into the swing of things and a melee in the box and a clear handball and the ref, who had a good game today, pointed to the spot, Vardy stepped up and buried it in the corner, giving the keeper no chance.
City went in at half time one up, and overall deserved it.
The second half started with city kicking towards the traveling fans high up in the gods, and it was the man mountain that is Maguire that from a precise corner from Maddison hit the second which from 8 yards unstoppable.
The home fans demonstrating pre match and mostly during it to against the owner Mike Ashley, streamed out like the fire alarm had gone off.
Overall a good, professional performance against a team looking like relegation candidates, unless Ashley delves into his shallow pockets in January.
My MOM today was Amartey, yes Amartey!!
Team performance was 8/10 and the manager, well 8/10, actually got everything just about right today.
So the long trip home, but well worth it!!!
Wolves 3-1 Leicester City (pens)
Carbabao Cup - 22 September 2018
Leicester scraped into the last 16 with a penalty shoot out win at Wolves last night in a game that had more players changed than chances made.
With 17 changes in all from the weekend premier league fixtures, there was little chance of fluidity from either side with passing poor and flicks and party pieces not coming off.
For the first 15 minuets city dominated possession without making any clear chances.
With players playing for places at Newcastle on Saturday, only Ward, Albrighton and Fuchs stepped up to task and will be asking the question, have I done enough to start at Newcastle?
With few chances and at times the game scrappy, the first half dragged and with Albrighton and Vardy both going close, there is little more to say to be fair.
The second half started and was much the same as the first,a lot of effort but no real stand out moments, Ruddy pulled off a great save from Albrighton and gazelle, which to be honest should never had seen, let alone saved.
The clock ticking towards 90 minuets and Wolves had a corner and city down to 10 men as gray was stretchered off with what looked like a serious injury, let’s hope not!,
The corner was floating over and I thought here we go, but it sailed over and penalties it was.
I’m not in favour of penalties but, a game has to be finished somehow, and Ward turned out to be leicester, s match winner with 3 brilliant saves, the last was very special that won us the game and a place in round 4.
My MOM was Ward, the overall team performance was 6/10 and the manager performance was 6/10, his substitutions again baffled me, but I’m used to that now.
So Geordie land bound now on Saturday and a really difficult game ahead.
Carbabao Cup - 22 September 2018
Leicester scraped into the last 16 with a penalty shoot out win at Wolves last night in a game that had more players changed than chances made.
With 17 changes in all from the weekend premier league fixtures, there was little chance of fluidity from either side with passing poor and flicks and party pieces not coming off.
For the first 15 minuets city dominated possession without making any clear chances.
With players playing for places at Newcastle on Saturday, only Ward, Albrighton and Fuchs stepped up to task and will be asking the question, have I done enough to start at Newcastle?
With few chances and at times the game scrappy, the first half dragged and with Albrighton and Vardy both going close, there is little more to say to be fair.
The second half started and was much the same as the first,a lot of effort but no real stand out moments, Ruddy pulled off a great save from Albrighton and gazelle, which to be honest should never had seen, let alone saved.
The clock ticking towards 90 minuets and Wolves had a corner and city down to 10 men as gray was stretchered off with what looked like a serious injury, let’s hope not!,
The corner was floating over and I thought here we go, but it sailed over and penalties it was.
I’m not in favour of penalties but, a game has to be finished somehow, and Ward turned out to be leicester, s match winner with 3 brilliant saves, the last was very special that won us the game and a place in round 4.
My MOM was Ward, the overall team performance was 6/10 and the manager performance was 6/10, his substitutions again baffled me, but I’m used to that now.
So Geordie land bound now on Saturday and a really difficult game ahead.
Leicester City 3-1 Huddersfield
Premier League - 22 September 2018
Two second half goals from the back to form Vardy and the ever impressive Maddison saw of a defence minded and time wasting Huddersfield team that to be fair look like a team that could have a long hard season ahead of them.
The final score line looks a lot different than what I thought after another early defensive nightmare when Huddersfield scored through Jorgensen after 5 minuets from a flick on from a throw in that was so poorly marked that I was in total despair at what I was seeing again. The crowd which seemed subdued before the game were even more so now, and after the horror show at Bournemouth last week I thought if this carried on Puel will definitely be a gonna.
Unlike Bournemouth last week the heads did not drop, and I guess being at the KP to helped the situation.
I admit I thought Amartey had a steady game at right back, but cannot understand why Maddison started on the wing, a player that will one day be pushing the England squad as what he is, a number 10 in all aspects.
Huddersfield striving for a second lost the ball in the city area and what seemed like all the Huddersfield players in there, city broke clear and a perfect pass from Vardy found Iheanacho who calm as you like slotted the ball into the right corner, this was defensive suicide at the highest level from Huddersfield.
Overall city started to take control of the game and a well worked training ground free kick found Vardy who sliced the ball wide with the goal gaping.
So half time and overall I’d take that as it was not the best again, with the final pass just missing and confidence not at the level I was or am hoping for.
With Gray coming on for Ghezzal who was not as effective as usual today, City took total control of the second half, with Maddison, Vardy and Iheanacho all linking up well and it was Maddison who stepped up to take a free kick after a foul on Mendy, 25 yards out and curled it with supremacy into the top corner leaving the Huddersfield keeper in no mans land.The goal was just what city needed and the confidence slowly but surely coming back and when Iheanacho slipped the ball through to Vardy and a one on one situation, Vardy finished the move with a sublime chip over the out-coming keeper.
Pretty much game over, and a valuable 3 points in the bag, my MOM today was Maddison, my overall team performance was 6.5 and manager performance was 7, I’m not a Puel fan, but at least he did try something different today which worked.
So Wolves now Tuesday, in the cup and as about as local a game we have these days.
I would imagine 8-9 changes, but with the squad we have feel confident of progressing into the next round, and then a little trip up the A1 to the toon, a difficult place to go, but one we have won at in the past.
Premier League - 22 September 2018
Two second half goals from the back to form Vardy and the ever impressive Maddison saw of a defence minded and time wasting Huddersfield team that to be fair look like a team that could have a long hard season ahead of them.
The final score line looks a lot different than what I thought after another early defensive nightmare when Huddersfield scored through Jorgensen after 5 minuets from a flick on from a throw in that was so poorly marked that I was in total despair at what I was seeing again. The crowd which seemed subdued before the game were even more so now, and after the horror show at Bournemouth last week I thought if this carried on Puel will definitely be a gonna.
Unlike Bournemouth last week the heads did not drop, and I guess being at the KP to helped the situation.
I admit I thought Amartey had a steady game at right back, but cannot understand why Maddison started on the wing, a player that will one day be pushing the England squad as what he is, a number 10 in all aspects.
Huddersfield striving for a second lost the ball in the city area and what seemed like all the Huddersfield players in there, city broke clear and a perfect pass from Vardy found Iheanacho who calm as you like slotted the ball into the right corner, this was defensive suicide at the highest level from Huddersfield.
Overall city started to take control of the game and a well worked training ground free kick found Vardy who sliced the ball wide with the goal gaping.
So half time and overall I’d take that as it was not the best again, with the final pass just missing and confidence not at the level I was or am hoping for.
With Gray coming on for Ghezzal who was not as effective as usual today, City took total control of the second half, with Maddison, Vardy and Iheanacho all linking up well and it was Maddison who stepped up to take a free kick after a foul on Mendy, 25 yards out and curled it with supremacy into the top corner leaving the Huddersfield keeper in no mans land.The goal was just what city needed and the confidence slowly but surely coming back and when Iheanacho slipped the ball through to Vardy and a one on one situation, Vardy finished the move with a sublime chip over the out-coming keeper.
Pretty much game over, and a valuable 3 points in the bag, my MOM today was Maddison, my overall team performance was 6.5 and manager performance was 7, I’m not a Puel fan, but at least he did try something different today which worked.
So Wolves now Tuesday, in the cup and as about as local a game we have these days.
I would imagine 8-9 changes, but with the squad we have feel confident of progressing into the next round, and then a little trip up the A1 to the toon, a difficult place to go, but one we have won at in the past.
Bournemouth 4-2 Leicester City
Premier League - 15 September 2018
People who know me well, know that when I talk about Leicester City or football, or sports in general I’m usually pretty chatty, and up for a good chat or debate, but having just returned from Bournemouth having driven 170 + miles and feeling pretty fed up, my defenses for debate are down and out, pretty much like the defence I just witnessed at Bournemouth.
Having travelled down on Friday and enjoying the sites and the lovely horses in the new forest and small hamlet/ villagers that make up a beautiful part of the country , on to Bournemouth and a few drinks and a visit to Harry Ramsdens,( yes we live the high life)?
So match day, the sun out, the beach looking stunning and me as always feeling hopeful of a result, but not the one I ended up witnessing.
I’m writing this pre MOTD, so my view is from the stands and not the TV.
City and Bournemouth opened up with similar tactics, and the first 18 minuets or so was free play, open and exciting football, with both teams creating chances and after 18 minuets City hit the bar / post, which on any other day would have gone in, but a quick release from Begovic and Bournemouth broke at the pace that city had in the league winning season and Fraser beat the outstretched, star shaping Schmeichel and City 1 down.
Although 1-0 down strangely we were playing some great football, but when Bournemouth went two up after 37 minuets, the heads dropped and all the energy you could see was draining away from the players and again we had no Plan B.
When Bournemouth went 3-0 up from the penalty spot, which to me seemed harsh for the handball on Ricardo, the game was over, not a points defeat as it would be in boxing, but a no nonsense KO .
Again the half time chat was on no plan B, and why is Albrighton not starting these games ? buy again,puel surprised the travelling 1,200 fans with the impressive
Ghezzal being subbed ahead of the unimpressive Gray.
When Smith made it 4-0, stream after stream of city fans made for the exit and the long trip home, with two consolation goals from Maddison and Albrighton to make the score line slightly less embarrassing, the question I am asking my self, is puel the man to take us to the level that the owners and board want, and more importantly the fans, well my view and answer is a big fat NO.
I truly believe If we do not beet Huddersfield next Saturday, he will be sacked.
To sum the game up , the team look a distance from being a team,Puel has got to have a better plan A and then a B, Vardy is desperate for quick support and captain Morgan has to be left out the starting 11, which I know he will be next game with his sending off.
For what it’s worth, my MOM today was Mendy. My final thoughts on my team are we have the players to be a top half team, but not the manager, or the back room staff to make this achievable.
Premier League - 15 September 2018
People who know me well, know that when I talk about Leicester City or football, or sports in general I’m usually pretty chatty, and up for a good chat or debate, but having just returned from Bournemouth having driven 170 + miles and feeling pretty fed up, my defenses for debate are down and out, pretty much like the defence I just witnessed at Bournemouth.
Having travelled down on Friday and enjoying the sites and the lovely horses in the new forest and small hamlet/ villagers that make up a beautiful part of the country , on to Bournemouth and a few drinks and a visit to Harry Ramsdens,( yes we live the high life)?
So match day, the sun out, the beach looking stunning and me as always feeling hopeful of a result, but not the one I ended up witnessing.
I’m writing this pre MOTD, so my view is from the stands and not the TV.
City and Bournemouth opened up with similar tactics, and the first 18 minuets or so was free play, open and exciting football, with both teams creating chances and after 18 minuets City hit the bar / post, which on any other day would have gone in, but a quick release from Begovic and Bournemouth broke at the pace that city had in the league winning season and Fraser beat the outstretched, star shaping Schmeichel and City 1 down.
Although 1-0 down strangely we were playing some great football, but when Bournemouth went two up after 37 minuets, the heads dropped and all the energy you could see was draining away from the players and again we had no Plan B.
When Bournemouth went 3-0 up from the penalty spot, which to me seemed harsh for the handball on Ricardo, the game was over, not a points defeat as it would be in boxing, but a no nonsense KO .
Again the half time chat was on no plan B, and why is Albrighton not starting these games ? buy again,puel surprised the travelling 1,200 fans with the impressive
Ghezzal being subbed ahead of the unimpressive Gray.
When Smith made it 4-0, stream after stream of city fans made for the exit and the long trip home, with two consolation goals from Maddison and Albrighton to make the score line slightly less embarrassing, the question I am asking my self, is puel the man to take us to the level that the owners and board want, and more importantly the fans, well my view and answer is a big fat NO.
I truly believe If we do not beet Huddersfield next Saturday, he will be sacked.
To sum the game up , the team look a distance from being a team,Puel has got to have a better plan A and then a B, Vardy is desperate for quick support and captain Morgan has to be left out the starting 11, which I know he will be next game with his sending off.
For what it’s worth, my MOM today was Mendy. My final thoughts on my team are we have the players to be a top half team, but not the manager, or the back room staff to make this achievable.
Leicester City 1-2 Liverpool
Premier League - 01 September 2018
On defensive frailties games are lost, and two today put us on the back foot and cost us what would have been more than at least a well earned point. I can’t put my finger on why ? But we are a team that continues to struggle from the start, today was another, albeit Liverpool did come out of the traps like a greyhound after that illusive rabbit.
Liverpool looked sharp and with Milner still looking good in that holding midfield role, the class in the first 15 minuets or so shined through liked newly cleaned windows.
Liverpool should have scored in the opening few minutes when the ball dropped to salah, and from point blank range and Kasper ready to pick the ball out of the net, he somehow put it wide, could it be our day I thought!!
The miss from Salah was not to be costly as after 10 minuets a piece of bad defending from Morgan and Ricardo when neither looked committed to the situation allowed mane an easy opportunity to slide the ball home for to be honest a well deserved lead.
Would this set back kick start city so early on ? To be slightly critical, no , but that was not just down to city not being able to stamp any authority on the game but Liverpool looked like a team on a mission and at times in the first half were steam rolling city into a submission.
After 25 minuets City got well and truly into the game, and the hardworking Albrighton linking up well with Chillwell and Maddison. From this period to half time city played some great football, but lacked the striker to perhaps finish one or two half chances that we created. With half time approaching and city well in the game, Liverpool had consecutive corners at the kop end of the KP and it was from the second that Firmino was left unmarked and a free header that left me speechless, I have to say rightly or wrongly, basically schoolboy marking.
With my head down and feeling pretty fed up at half time thinking we are two down yes, but we are well in this game except for those two poor defences lapses.
The second half was a truly enthralled 45 minuets and Leic playing with the intensity, passion, free flowing and entertaining football I been hoping for.
With the boys kicking towards the kop in the second half and the KP at last showing the atmosphere that we are proud of, were right behind the team and the boys rose to it, with half chances falling to Gray, Ndidi, Morgan and only a great tackle from Gomez stopped city scoring, but when the goal came, it came in a question of sport manner, with a what happened next ???
The Liverpool keeper decided to play get the ball off me if you can, and Iheanacho did just that, pulled the ball back for Ghezzal and with what seemed an absolute eternity poked the ball home and the KP went into raptures. The pressure city we’re piling on got the KP hearts pounding with hope, expectation and could we ?
The Liverpool manager made two substitutions and to be honest totally changed the flow of the game, particularly on city’s part, as Klopp obviously got the instructions across to his team to change the pace of the game which we seemed to struggle to adjust to, this is by no means a criticism of city, but a very switched on Liverpool manager for seeing what Leic were doing to them, as up to them, City were in total control of the situation and were favourites to grab a point.
So 1-2 it ended up and I have to say, although we lost, and Liverpool will be in the top 2 at the end of the season, this was a great performance and can only take positive thoughts from the display, even the two goals conceded I hope we learn from for Bournemouth in two weeks time and another trip to the seaside.
As for my MOM,
The whole team and fans were absolutely top drawer today, but how Shaw at Man Utd has got in the England squad ahead of Chillwell I’ll never know, but today the flying left back is my MOM.
Premier League - 01 September 2018
On defensive frailties games are lost, and two today put us on the back foot and cost us what would have been more than at least a well earned point. I can’t put my finger on why ? But we are a team that continues to struggle from the start, today was another, albeit Liverpool did come out of the traps like a greyhound after that illusive rabbit.
Liverpool looked sharp and with Milner still looking good in that holding midfield role, the class in the first 15 minuets or so shined through liked newly cleaned windows.
Liverpool should have scored in the opening few minutes when the ball dropped to salah, and from point blank range and Kasper ready to pick the ball out of the net, he somehow put it wide, could it be our day I thought!!
The miss from Salah was not to be costly as after 10 minuets a piece of bad defending from Morgan and Ricardo when neither looked committed to the situation allowed mane an easy opportunity to slide the ball home for to be honest a well deserved lead.
Would this set back kick start city so early on ? To be slightly critical, no , but that was not just down to city not being able to stamp any authority on the game but Liverpool looked like a team on a mission and at times in the first half were steam rolling city into a submission.
After 25 minuets City got well and truly into the game, and the hardworking Albrighton linking up well with Chillwell and Maddison. From this period to half time city played some great football, but lacked the striker to perhaps finish one or two half chances that we created. With half time approaching and city well in the game, Liverpool had consecutive corners at the kop end of the KP and it was from the second that Firmino was left unmarked and a free header that left me speechless, I have to say rightly or wrongly, basically schoolboy marking.
With my head down and feeling pretty fed up at half time thinking we are two down yes, but we are well in this game except for those two poor defences lapses.
The second half was a truly enthralled 45 minuets and Leic playing with the intensity, passion, free flowing and entertaining football I been hoping for.
With the boys kicking towards the kop in the second half and the KP at last showing the atmosphere that we are proud of, were right behind the team and the boys rose to it, with half chances falling to Gray, Ndidi, Morgan and only a great tackle from Gomez stopped city scoring, but when the goal came, it came in a question of sport manner, with a what happened next ???
The Liverpool keeper decided to play get the ball off me if you can, and Iheanacho did just that, pulled the ball back for Ghezzal and with what seemed an absolute eternity poked the ball home and the KP went into raptures. The pressure city we’re piling on got the KP hearts pounding with hope, expectation and could we ?
The Liverpool manager made two substitutions and to be honest totally changed the flow of the game, particularly on city’s part, as Klopp obviously got the instructions across to his team to change the pace of the game which we seemed to struggle to adjust to, this is by no means a criticism of city, but a very switched on Liverpool manager for seeing what Leic were doing to them, as up to them, City were in total control of the situation and were favourites to grab a point.
So 1-2 it ended up and I have to say, although we lost, and Liverpool will be in the top 2 at the end of the season, this was a great performance and can only take positive thoughts from the display, even the two goals conceded I hope we learn from for Bournemouth in two weeks time and another trip to the seaside.
As for my MOM,
The whole team and fans were absolutely top drawer today, but how Shaw at Man Utd has got in the England squad ahead of Chillwell I’ll never know, but today the flying left back is my MOM.
Southampton 1-2 Leicester City
Premier League - 25 August 2018
3 points is always sweet especially when you are not showing top form. In Puel have we the new tinker man, Amartey in at right back ahead of Ricardo who at right midfield does not look at home, I think some rethinking on that side next week?
Pre game I was surprised to see Morgan start, but to be honest he played ok, and I must say Maguire looked more comfortable.
Both sides in the first half looked like it was a pre season friendly, slow, painful and crab like football, side to side, backyard football, and when either side did have an opportunity to break, the final ball was nothing short of shambolic. My first half report must finish there as I cannot seem to think of anything else to say.
The second half started and pretty much the same for the opening 15 minuets, but then the opening goal, and one you could see coming, and a great strike from Bertrand that left Kasper with no chance.
The goal certainly woke city up and the lively gray equalised with a smart turn and leaving McCarthy stranded.City made changes and Albrighton that now seems to be the easy player to leave out, kept busy and tried to up the pace, but we continue to be slow, something we need to sort, as we certainly have the pace to undo sides.
The sending off certainly changed the reflection of the game, and with city trying to break down a resilient saints defence, a drawer was in The cards, but with injury time board showing 4 minuets, up stepped MOM Maguire to shoot from 20 odd yards and the ball shot into the bottom corner leaving the saints keeper wrong footed, and the 3 points heading back to the midlands.
As it is the week of exam results, my report would say, lots of potential, but can do better. So Fleetwood in midweek and probably 11 changes , and then home to Liverpool.
6/9 points is a decent return and can’t wait for this squad of players to click as I know they can and will.
Premier League - 25 August 2018
3 points is always sweet especially when you are not showing top form. In Puel have we the new tinker man, Amartey in at right back ahead of Ricardo who at right midfield does not look at home, I think some rethinking on that side next week?
Pre game I was surprised to see Morgan start, but to be honest he played ok, and I must say Maguire looked more comfortable.
Both sides in the first half looked like it was a pre season friendly, slow, painful and crab like football, side to side, backyard football, and when either side did have an opportunity to break, the final ball was nothing short of shambolic. My first half report must finish there as I cannot seem to think of anything else to say.
The second half started and pretty much the same for the opening 15 minuets, but then the opening goal, and one you could see coming, and a great strike from Bertrand that left Kasper with no chance.
The goal certainly woke city up and the lively gray equalised with a smart turn and leaving McCarthy stranded.City made changes and Albrighton that now seems to be the easy player to leave out, kept busy and tried to up the pace, but we continue to be slow, something we need to sort, as we certainly have the pace to undo sides.
The sending off certainly changed the reflection of the game, and with city trying to break down a resilient saints defence, a drawer was in The cards, but with injury time board showing 4 minuets, up stepped MOM Maguire to shoot from 20 odd yards and the ball shot into the bottom corner leaving the saints keeper wrong footed, and the 3 points heading back to the midlands.
As it is the week of exam results, my report would say, lots of potential, but can do better. So Fleetwood in midweek and probably 11 changes , and then home to Liverpool.
6/9 points is a decent return and can’t wait for this squad of players to click as I know they can and will.
Leicester City 2 - 0 Wolverhampton
Premier League - 18 August 2018
Sometimes in life you get things you perhaps don’t deserve, I believe today was one of those, 3 points won, possibly nil or one deserved. With changes made from last weeks opening day defeat, Evans started along side Maguire, Mendy alongside Ndidi , Albrighton in his accustomed position and Vardy back leading the attack, but not for the next 3 games, as a red mist descended in front of him and recklessly jumped into a challenge on Doherty and Mike Dean could not wait to pull out the Red card.
Leicester again started slowly, with Wolves very much the better side, quicker, more direct and creative play, which in another day would have seen them 2 or 3 up, and city blown away, but city rode their luck and the xtra lick of paint the grounds man put on the woodwork paid dividends, as not once but twice in the opening exchanges Wolves hit cities woodwork and with Chillwell clearing another off the line, how we were 0-0 after twenty minutes or so I’ll never know.
After the initial bombardment of the city goal, city eventually started to get into the game, and the impressive mendy, Maddison and Ricardo looking what they are, Quality !!!
With city now on equal terms with Wolves, as in possession, good work down the right with Albrighton and Ricardo, the aforementioned Albrighton pulled the ball back from the dead ball line and the ball with speed hit Doherty smack on the forehead and with bullet like speed hit the back of the net.
This piece of luck was certainly welcomed and seem to kick start city into playing the way we can, and on the stroke of half time my MOM Maddison scores from 25 yards into the bottom corner.
I would imagine that the two managers team talks were similar, The Leic manager saying we will take that, but how the hell are we two up and the Wolves manager, great first half, how the hell can we be two down.
With new summer signing Traore coming on for Wolves, his pace, direction and quick thinking caused city many headaches, and with Wolves peppering the goal, a goal back now, may have just set the alarm bells ringing, on the pitch, in the dug out and on the terraces.
With the hour mark passing and the game drifting in and out of consciousness, and City just not getting any rhythm to their game, Vardy broke away and waiting for support to arrive, eventually lost the ball ,and I guess through frustration jumped into Doherty and an early bath.
With the dismissal, Wolves grew in confidence and city on the back foot, and another chance towards the end of the second half rattled the newly painted woodwork.
So overall today, a win yes, a good performance, probably not,but that’s football, as we played better last week and picked up nothing.
So onto a nice little trip next week to Southampton minus Vardy, I guess the only change will be Iheanacho for Vardy, but who knows???
As previously mentioned my MOM today was Maddison .
Premier League - 18 August 2018
Sometimes in life you get things you perhaps don’t deserve, I believe today was one of those, 3 points won, possibly nil or one deserved. With changes made from last weeks opening day defeat, Evans started along side Maguire, Mendy alongside Ndidi , Albrighton in his accustomed position and Vardy back leading the attack, but not for the next 3 games, as a red mist descended in front of him and recklessly jumped into a challenge on Doherty and Mike Dean could not wait to pull out the Red card.
Leicester again started slowly, with Wolves very much the better side, quicker, more direct and creative play, which in another day would have seen them 2 or 3 up, and city blown away, but city rode their luck and the xtra lick of paint the grounds man put on the woodwork paid dividends, as not once but twice in the opening exchanges Wolves hit cities woodwork and with Chillwell clearing another off the line, how we were 0-0 after twenty minutes or so I’ll never know.
After the initial bombardment of the city goal, city eventually started to get into the game, and the impressive mendy, Maddison and Ricardo looking what they are, Quality !!!
With city now on equal terms with Wolves, as in possession, good work down the right with Albrighton and Ricardo, the aforementioned Albrighton pulled the ball back from the dead ball line and the ball with speed hit Doherty smack on the forehead and with bullet like speed hit the back of the net.
This piece of luck was certainly welcomed and seem to kick start city into playing the way we can, and on the stroke of half time my MOM Maddison scores from 25 yards into the bottom corner.
I would imagine that the two managers team talks were similar, The Leic manager saying we will take that, but how the hell are we two up and the Wolves manager, great first half, how the hell can we be two down.
With new summer signing Traore coming on for Wolves, his pace, direction and quick thinking caused city many headaches, and with Wolves peppering the goal, a goal back now, may have just set the alarm bells ringing, on the pitch, in the dug out and on the terraces.
With the hour mark passing and the game drifting in and out of consciousness, and City just not getting any rhythm to their game, Vardy broke away and waiting for support to arrive, eventually lost the ball ,and I guess through frustration jumped into Doherty and an early bath.
With the dismissal, Wolves grew in confidence and city on the back foot, and another chance towards the end of the second half rattled the newly painted woodwork.
So overall today, a win yes, a good performance, probably not,but that’s football, as we played better last week and picked up nothing.
So onto a nice little trip next week to Southampton minus Vardy, I guess the only change will be Iheanacho for Vardy, but who knows???
As previously mentioned my MOM today was Maddison .
Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City
Premier League - 10 August 2018
A familiar opening day result but so many pluses to come out of the visit to old Trafford.
So after just short of a 4 hour drive up, we arrived and studied the team sheet, I was surprised and to be honest disappointed to see Amartey at right back, especially having spent £20m + on Pereira, and Albrighton not starting, the team was pretty much how I expected it to be, but not what I want to see going forward.
To the game and as standard practice at the moment, city put themselves on the back foot and after 3 minuets or so conceding a penalty from a hand ball by Amartey, harsh I thought at the time but having seen it back on TV, the right decision.
With city fans in disbelief at the penalty decision and so early on, Pogba stepped up to take and with a run up that resembled more of a Wayne sleep run than a footballer, put the ball into the top corner.
This was not the start we wanted and I sat there thinking not a hatful please on day one, but quite the opposite as City grew into the game and not through Blue spangled eyes I believe we actually started to take control of vast amount of the first half, we played some neat football at times and with Chillwell and Gray causing havoc down the left and Maddison linking play up in the no 10 role, we looked ok, and with better finishing with the half chances we did create, going in at half time level would have been at least what we deserved, but we didn’t and 1 down at half time to me was not a true reflection on the game, but then the premier league is not about just or maybe !
With no subs made and the home fans as per usual (quiet), the city contingent were as always in full voice trying to rally an equaliser from our team, and with the hour mark ticking Vardy and Ghezzal came on, moving Pereira to right back and Iheanacho to the where Maddison was playing, now Vardy needs a link up player and I could not understand taking Maddison off, as that was Vardy's linked up partner.
Utd did have more possession in the second half and Pogba and Sanchez at times looked the quality they are. With city trying to get the equaliser Utd broke and to be honest against the run of play Shaw somehow beet Kasper and with minuets remaining Utd were 2 up and game over, or was it ? With the board showing 4 minuets added time Vardy popped up and pulled one back, and with every man and his dog in the box for the final corner of the match, I was hoping that Harry would pop up and shut Jose up, but alas it was not to be but it was to be an opening day defeat .
So what have I learned, well we have a quality player in Pereira, but need him at right back, Chillwell and Gray with their pace will undo a lot of teams this season. Maddison is and looking like a snip, and with a tweak here and there, I’m really optimistic about this season and the players we have available and over the season will force there way into the starting 11.
My MOM today was Chillwell, but was closely followed by Gray. So bring on Wolves next Saturday and yes a 3 pm kick off.
Premier League - 10 August 2018
A familiar opening day result but so many pluses to come out of the visit to old Trafford.
So after just short of a 4 hour drive up, we arrived and studied the team sheet, I was surprised and to be honest disappointed to see Amartey at right back, especially having spent £20m + on Pereira, and Albrighton not starting, the team was pretty much how I expected it to be, but not what I want to see going forward.
To the game and as standard practice at the moment, city put themselves on the back foot and after 3 minuets or so conceding a penalty from a hand ball by Amartey, harsh I thought at the time but having seen it back on TV, the right decision.
With city fans in disbelief at the penalty decision and so early on, Pogba stepped up to take and with a run up that resembled more of a Wayne sleep run than a footballer, put the ball into the top corner.
This was not the start we wanted and I sat there thinking not a hatful please on day one, but quite the opposite as City grew into the game and not through Blue spangled eyes I believe we actually started to take control of vast amount of the first half, we played some neat football at times and with Chillwell and Gray causing havoc down the left and Maddison linking play up in the no 10 role, we looked ok, and with better finishing with the half chances we did create, going in at half time level would have been at least what we deserved, but we didn’t and 1 down at half time to me was not a true reflection on the game, but then the premier league is not about just or maybe !
With no subs made and the home fans as per usual (quiet), the city contingent were as always in full voice trying to rally an equaliser from our team, and with the hour mark ticking Vardy and Ghezzal came on, moving Pereira to right back and Iheanacho to the where Maddison was playing, now Vardy needs a link up player and I could not understand taking Maddison off, as that was Vardy's linked up partner.
Utd did have more possession in the second half and Pogba and Sanchez at times looked the quality they are. With city trying to get the equaliser Utd broke and to be honest against the run of play Shaw somehow beet Kasper and with minuets remaining Utd were 2 up and game over, or was it ? With the board showing 4 minuets added time Vardy popped up and pulled one back, and with every man and his dog in the box for the final corner of the match, I was hoping that Harry would pop up and shut Jose up, but alas it was not to be but it was to be an opening day defeat .
So what have I learned, well we have a quality player in Pereira, but need him at right back, Chillwell and Gray with their pace will undo a lot of teams this season. Maddison is and looking like a snip, and with a tweak here and there, I’m really optimistic about this season and the players we have available and over the season will force there way into the starting 11.
My MOM today was Chillwell, but was closely followed by Gray. So bring on Wolves next Saturday and yes a 3 pm kick off.
