Leicester City 2 - 0 MKDons - Post Match

[jonw88]

Btw does anybody know where Weso, Adams and Porter were today and why they weren't involved even on the bench? Would have thought all of those might be starters? Might certainly add something to the midfield that we maybe lacked today?

[Bryn]

Definitely a positive day. Two goals, a clean sheet and for the most part domination of a pretty poor looking MK Dons side. We did the job well and we looked bright and hungry. Gradel particularly was excellent, so persistent. His final ball needs work but he's the kinda player who simply has not been dispossessed until the ball is at least 10 yards away from him. Dyer was less effective but still good, though it was evident when he was forced inside that he has no right foot, but that's not a big deal. Oakley kept things ticking over nicely; he and King for most of the game were onto every second ball, and for that matter the third and the fourth ball, challenging ably. We looked robust in the centre of the park and thats why for most of the game the ball was continually being won back and sent back to the wings. Howard was Howard, not particularly mobile but winning most things in the air and laying them off. He can't be criticised because he does what he is asked and he did it pretty well, though I might rather we had another option. But that said, it took us about 30 minutes to adjust to playing without him.

Surprised, and frankly disappointed, that people weren't impressed by Morrison. He was excellent imo. Just as solid as Tunchev, and I think faster and more alert and responsible. Commanded the backline, he's clearly our future captain if he stays and progresses. Kept the slightly erratic Gilbert in check, he played like a defender who'd been doing it for 15 years, but with the added bonus of having the physicality of a fit 22 year old.

Speaking of Gilbert, and of Mattock, they look the weak links but they weren't too bad today. Both excellent going forward, slightly suspect at the back; I think a better side would have got in behind them with much more frequently. But then, we were playing quite gungho in the first half which obviously exposed them. In the spell in the second half were the Dons were on top they did just fine.

Fryatt was outstanding, even without his goals he was excellent. Lead the line well, kept running for 90 minutes, looked good on the ball and finished well with his one clean shot at goal. Dickov's presence boosted the crowd and the team as well.

He was another leader on the pitch. We had multiple, which makes a change from last year. Morrison, Oakley, Kishishev, Dickov, all leaders at various times, all talking, all commanding and reassuring. And the whole team was at it; they were talking to each other. Gradel telling Gilbert what he wanted him to do being a good example.

There were negatives too, of course. We did tire towards the end, we did let them get into the game and I do think a better team would have done better against us. But we were very good and we should definitely take a lot of confidence from today.

[Thracian]

I saw Beswick arriving at the game with about 15 people in the back of his old polo (style! ) that included Jonny Hayes - will he ever play again?

Is Beswick now completely out the frame, or just not ready yet? I was slightly concerned over Mattock today defensively, I'm not saying Beswick is the answer though..

If Beswick had Johnny Hayes in his car I really do fear for him.

Porter couldn't get in he team without doing anything like that.

How's Hayes' neck by the way? Or was he wearing a roll top.

[Tommy G]

Btw does anybody know where Weso and Adams were today and why they weren't involved even on the bench? Would have thought both of those might be starters? Might certainly add something to the midfield that we maybe lacked today?

Well you only have 5 spaces on the Bench for starters. Kish and King also play in the same position as Weso. Adams is fighting for the RM sport where Gradel plays, and if he carries on playing like he did today then Adams will carry on being in the stands.

I expect both to play a part at least on tuesday though..

[lavrentis]

I was reading some of the comments of an MK dons forum and they say the atmosphere we made was quite good.

[Sooper Steve's shin]

Slightly worried about the defence - all looked pretty shaky except Morrison, I thought. I am concerned about our cover at full-back now Chambers has gone. Tunchev was blowing and had his hands on his knees at the end of the first half - what's he been doing in pre-season? His positioning today also looked suspect to me and against better strikers I think we'd have struggled. Gilbert is bloody quick but, again, somewhat dodgy on positioning.

Midfield was a strange choice for me, don't understand why King was in there. He has not really impressed me in any of his first-team outings last season, pre-season or today (except for that goal last year). I would have Weso in there any day of the week, possibly even Kish ahead of King (and maybe Adams on pre-season form). I was more impressed with Dyer today than in the couple of pre-season games I saw, certainly in the first half. He died a bit in the second, but so did most of the rest. I have slated Oakley before but felt he did well and Gradel could be a star for us, although his crossing was woeful today.

Up front I felt Howard was a bit more mobile than many games last year, I would have liked to have seen him put that one away where he burst through in the first half. Fryatt looked pretty sharp, unlucky a couple of times but a decent pen and good finish for the second. Dickov surprised me in so much as it was like he'd ever been away. Chased lost causes, harried defenders and showed energy that put players 10 and 15 years younger than him to shame.

I wasn't displeased with the tactics, I felt we attacked with pace and directness where possible and started really well. Got a bit slower in the second half and almost looked like we were treating it as a pre-season game.

I'd like to see some of the fringe players use Tuesday's Cup game to give Pearson a selection problem, particularly Martin (we need a more dominant keeper), Hobbs, Weso and Adams.

Today's result was good but we should really have been expected to beat a side that was in League 2 just a few months ago. I know some of the chat in here about winning the league is tongue-in-cheek, so I won't even comment on that. We have something to build on, though, and let's hope this breathes a bit of confidence into the club.

[Tommy G]

If Beswick had Johnny Hayes in his car I really do fear for him.

Porter couldn't get in he team without doing anything like that.

How's Hayes' neck by the way? Or was he wearing a roll top.

Do you know something we don't Thrac? I'm aware there was something going on between Hayes and Taggart at the training ground...

I've only seen Hayes out once in Leicester, he comes across as a bit of a cocky plank to be honest...and 3rd choice behind Dyer and Levi for the left mid spot!

[Suffolk_fox]

Just got back - after a brief post match pint or 3 with Thracian and AoWW in the Swan & Rushes...

I think apart from our defensive spell from 75th to 85th minute, we played very well. I loved the link up between Gradel and Gilbert, and thought we should have bagged more goals. And Dickov is proving some people (including me) wrong in his energy and passion.

I think the team can only get better from today - they actually seemed more like an organised unit rather than a rag tag collection of 11 players. Having an active midfield and wingers - been ages since I have seen that at Leicester!!

Well done lads! And excellent noise from the Kop etc.

And a quick hi to Lisoh, Kilworth, Manuel, Singh Kokopops and Fez who I 'came across' for the first time today!!!

[Thracian]

Do you know something we don't Thrac? I'm aware there was something going on between Hayes and Taggart at the training ground...

I've only seen Hayes out once in Leicester, he comes across as a bit of a cocky plank to be honest...and 3rd choice behind Dyer and Levi for the left mid spot!

No. I'm only being a bit mischievous. As far as I'm aware Beswick is recovering from injury but whether he can force his way into the first team squad is another matter. There seems to be only me and his girlfriend rate him judging by the chances he got last season when our left side was a joke.

[Sooper Steve's shin]

Surprised, and frankly disappointed, that people weren't impressed by Morrison. He was excellent imo. Just as solid as Tunchev, and I think faster and more alert and responsible. Commanded the backline, he's clearly our future captain if he stays and progresses. Kept the slightly erratic Gilbert in check, he played like a defender who'd been doing it for 15 years, but with the added bonus of having the physicality of a fit 22 year old.

I fully agree. He looks a big lad, proper centre-half build. He never stopped talking to the rest of the defence and to me looked the more seasoned pro of the central defensive pairing (although I appreciate there will be a language and cultural issue for Tunchev until he settles into it).

I was thinking to myself during the game that if Morrison carries on like that he could be a great team captain.

[eye666]

Notice a few people slagging off Howard. Thought he looked alright today. Couple of mistakes but linked up nicely at times with Fryatt who should have scored more today. Fair play to Fryatt though, bagged two and is hopefully the start of a solid scoring run. Howard won almost every header though today, and if he can find any of Fryatt, DJ or Dickov, we should have no problems getting goals. He needs to be in the box more though. But (as I slagged him off last season a lot) thought he looked better today. Tunchev was like a brick wall and could well be the best signing for a long time. Gradel looked brilliant at times, but his final ball could be better. Thought Oakley could have done more - namely shoot. He had 3 opportunities but tried to pass every time rather than blast it. Overall, a good day, but plenty of work to do as there are better teams in this division than McFranchise. My tip who will surprise people I think is Carlisle - you read it here first. The start we needed to this season, and let's hope we get into Stockport next week (twice).

[Tommy G]

No. I'm only being a bit mischievous. As far as I'm aware Beswick is recovering from injury ut whether he can force his way into the first team squad is another matter. There seems to be only me and his girlfriend rate him judging by the chances he got last season when our left side was a joke.

Hmmm I think you have more to let on RE the Hayes situation. I think Beswick shouldn't be given the chance at least, or a pay rise so he could afford something better than a dog-awful lime green VW Polo

[Thracian]

Hmmm I think you have more to let on RE the Hayes situation. I think Beswick shouldn't be given the chance at least, or a pay rise so he could afford something better than a dog-awful lime green VW Polo

With Dyer in the box seat, Porter on the fringes and Gradel plus, reputedly, Adams, capable of playing on the left wing I'd say the best Beswick can hope for this season is a loan out to a League team. He could compete for the left-back spot when he recovers but I wouldn't bank on it.

Some people like Dodds and Ashley Chambers never seem to get the breaks when they need em and I can't help but think Beswick might end up the same. For me it's a pity. He's always looked a good, positive one-touch footballer who could make goals, score goals and deliver free kicks.

But since when has that mattered necessarily? It did him no good last season and this year he's got some genuinely fearsome competition.

[wirralsimon]

I wasn't at the game so can't comment on the performances but it is nice to see people discussing the opening game of the season rather than conducting an inquest into what went wrong!

Simon

[FleckneyFox]

Pretty pleasing game. I said any win would do for me, we played some decent passing football. My first ever game in L block! im row JJ right next to the railing, any FTer's near me?

[Tevez]

Don't think we need to change the team tbh. Dyer and Gradel have a good connection, Porter isnt good enough for Sunday League football. I mean Come on, He produces one good performance a season. Not good enough.

Might aswell loan Beswick out to Cowdenbeath aswell.

[thecannon]

Im quite satisfied with the start we have made! Gradel looks very good, he will prove to be a very good prospect in that division and the championship! and maybe in a few years time, the prem!!

Our passing game looked quite good, slacked a bit in the second half, but, hay, thats football right?

[Austin]

thought we played relatively well ..

Overall impressed ..

Roll on Stockport.

[Lillehamring]

Am I the only one who thinks we played poorly for long periods of the game. I went to the game and was satisfied with the first 15-20 minutes but after that and especially the second half, I thought we played very poorly.

I expected us to dominate and create really exciting football throughout, and have more chances- but that only happened occasionally through Gradel

The 2nd half was last season standard but because we won 2-0 knowone seems to care

We resorted to long ball bollocks throughout the second half and barely had anything to cheer apart from the fryatt goal and the appearence of Dickov

If we'd have put that performance in against a championship side we'd have been beaten or at least badly outplayed.

I'll give them the benefit of the doubt with it being so early in the season but I am slightly worried if thats the best we can do

this reminds me of the season we dropped out of the prem and went straight back up, that season we hardly dominated any games, just absorbed pressure and popped up to score a goal here and there when needed.

the sign of a good team, is the ability to take their foot of the pedal for periods wiothout conceeding, and score goals when it matters. i personally can't watch chelsea play, they are so boring, but they do this so effectively.

so, this result and, from how people have reported it, i think we have hit upon a potentially winning formula. so don't panic, guys

[Matt]

I was reading some of the comments of an MK dons forum and they say the atmosphere we made was quite good.

I thought it was better than usual yesterday, but with the optimism of the new season (Although I felt slightly pessimistic - But can much else be expected after 5 years of going into the first game with so much optimism for it all to flop), and then when we went a goal ahead and we were playing well it = a good/half decent atmosphere.

How many times have I said atmosphere starts on the pitch, they show us something, they give us the belief and it will create a good atmosphere.

Do you know something we don't Thrac? I'm aware there was something going on between Hayes and Taggart at the training ground...

I've only seen Hayes out once in Leicester, he comes across as a bit of a cocky plank to be honest...and 3rd choice behind Dyer and Levi for the left mid spot!

Yeah does anyone actually know what happened between Hayes and Tags?

[Guest]

And a quick hi to Lisoh, Kilworth, Manuel, Singh Kokopops and Fez who I 'came across' for the first time today!!!

Pretty pleasing game. I said any win would do for me, we played some decent passing football. My first ever game in L block! im row JJ right next to the railing, any FTer's near me?

Think there are a few in that area.....

[cowshedphil]

MK Dons Fan here - I come in peace.

I thought in the 1st half you were all over us. Especially in the first 20 minutes - we looked like rabbits in headlights.

However - 2nd half I feel we edged it as we dominated the play for 10-15 mins.

On the whole - you dereved it as you took your chances so can't complain really.

Great banter with vast majority of your fans as well

Good luck for the rest of the season

[davieG]

MK Dons Fan here - I come in peace.

I thought in the 1st half you were all over us. Especially in the first 20 minutes - we looked like rabbits in headlights.

However - 2nd half I feel we edged it as we dominated the play for 10-15 mins.

On the whole - you dereved it as you took your chances so can't complain really.

Great banter with vast majority of your fans as well

Good luck for the rest of the season

I think that's fair, the difference was that when you were on top 2nd half you lacked the cutting edge to score, missing a couple of chances, if you'd have put one away then I think any outcome was possible certainly we scored our 2nd against the run of play.

We did on the whole deserve the win, not least because we scored but we also created more opportunities to score when on top.

I think you played some decent passing football in the 2nd half but it wasn't very effective you're going to need to be a little more direct, not hoofing but with incisive forward passes.

As for us we're going to need to push when on top and not sit back thinking a game is won because we've scored a goal.

Not that we're in a position to lecture or brag after 4/5 years of dire football.

[Narborough Bod]

I fully agree. He looks a big lad, proper centre-half build. He never stopped talking to the rest of the defence and to me looked the more seasoned pro of the central defensive pairing (although I appreciate there will be a language and cultural issue for Tunchev until he settles into it).

I was thinking to myself during the game that if Morrison carries on like that he could be a great team captain.

also thought Morrison did v.well in the second half when Mattock got caught out of position and they out stripped Tunchev covering down the right. He had the positioning spot on to cover the front post and clear danger.

And isn't it nice to have wingers playing on the wings and sticking to the wings. Granted Dyer was quiet in the second half but the fact they were there gave us an outlet. I know he's a cock but Hollotool could still have been in a job if he'd brought Gradel back last year. I honestly think it's as simple as that, what a mistaka to maka.

[Bellend Sebastian]

MK Dons Fan here - I come in peace.

I thought in the 1st half you were all over us. Especially in the first 20 minutes - we looked like rabbits in headlights.

However - 2nd half I feel we edged it as we dominated the play for 10-15 mins.

On the whole - you dereved it as you took your chances so can't complain really.

Great banter with vast majority of your fans as well

Good luck for the rest of the season

Hiyer. You certainly gave us a game in the second half.

What I really want to know is - and sorry if this has been covered in the thread or elsewhere already - but what's that bloke dressed as a leopard all about? Is he the MK Dons equivalent of Bernie?

He frequently appeared to be dancing to a beat that only he could hear