Leicester City 1 - 0 Blackpool

[Captain...]

Just wanted to make a point on the centre midfield.....

I know alot of people on here have craved for a tough tackling physical player in there which yes, would be a nice option, but i honeslty think we can get by without. Drinkwater and King look very good and both still young lets not forget. James, i think, will become a good player in time, he needs time to settle and find his feet and is probably a long term replacement for Wellens.

Then that still leaves Wellens himself and Danns who can both do a job.

Drinkwater, in particular, looks like he's got alot of quality and will only improve

This was the point I have been trying to make about the formation and the midfield, and imposing ourselves and our style on the game, 442 can work, and can work against 433, or 424 or 226 or whatever formation Holloway was playing at the end.

2 in the centre can dominate against 3 in the centre if they have the support and the outlets from the forwards and the wide men, if we set the tempo and dictate the play.

As an option it would be good to bring on someone to sure things up when we are 1-0 up and under pressure, I am still dumbfounded that NP thought Beckford was that man when we had James or even Futacs on the bench to provide an outlet, but we got away with it and almost worked perfectly with Beckford almost getting a couple.

We have a tough game next, despite their poor start Wolves will be up for this, hopefully we will be able to play our game and not concede from the first attack like our last 2 away games. I just don't want to wait 2 weeks for it...

[nickelbyfox]

Yeah slight concern to be fair and something i thought of. Its early days but 4 league games in and only Vardy scored of the forwards

Nugent likes to drop deep though or play in the channels so he's not always on there where he should be

yep wouldn't mind seeing Beckford start against wolves if he is still here for Wolves! even futacs given a run

[Guest Col city fan]

This was the point I have been trying to make about the formation and the midfield, and imposing ourselves and our style on the game, 442 can work, and can work against 433, or 424 or 226 or whatever formation Holloway was playing at the end.

2 in the centre can dominate against 3 in the centre if they have the support and the outlets from the forwards and the wide men, if we set the tempo and dictate the play.

As an option it would be good to bring on someone to sure things up when we are 1-0 up and under pressure, I am still dumbfounded that NP thought Beckford was that man when we had James or even Futacs on the bench to provide an outlet, but we got away with it and almost worked perfectly with Beckford almost getting a couple.

We have a tough game next, despite their poor start Wolves will be up for this, hopefully we will be able to play our game and not concede from the first attack like our last 2 away games. I just don't want to wait 2 weeks for it...

Wolves really have had a bad start. This will work one of two ways for us. They will either be clamouring for a home win (like us on Saturday) and play their hearts our, or will sink even further when we beat them.

They actually aren't a very good side at the moment. We'll have a real chance against them.

Oh and I'm gonna go...

Unless summats good on the tele...

[Corky]

Drinkwater's passing was mixed but his pressure on the ball was excellent. Rarely gave Blackpool time to pick the pass they wanted.

[cc_star]

This is now three league games on the trot where we have 'dominated' for long spells without ever truly looking like winners, and yes I include yesterday.

It took a dodgy penalty to get us the points and as usual we made few really clear cut chances, yet pretty much everyone had a decent game.....

Yet more evidence (to me anyway) that it is our formation and setup that is not working effectively.....

And no, it isn't luck!

After the first 55-60mins how you can say we didn't look like winners is bemusing. We'd done everything first half & came out the traps in the second like I've never seen before, it was like Mourinho had given chelsea a teamtalk after being 1-0 at HT

Blackpool had one breakaway in all that time, even then when Blackpool switched to 4-2-4 we still had more chances with Ince's tricky runs their only chance, whereas we had chances from all over whether it be Marshall taking the mickey down the right, Dyer breaking through down the left, Drinkwater on the edge of the box or King ghosting in later... the 2 forwards gave their defenders a tough game throughout too.

The only thing I'd say we were lacking against both Blackpool & Blackburn (probably Charlton too) was that we didn't gamble on the second ball, when the ball was put in the box and it ended up loose from either an attacking or defensive effort they, the opposition were always first to clear the ball...

Now we don't have an Owen-esque poacher our forwards historically score by running with the ball and shooting, if were were to switch one for a poacher (which we don't have currently) then a lot of our play would fall to pieces as you effectively play with 10 men until such a point that a poacher who does gamble on the second ball pops up in the right place at the right time. Is that something we should look at when we offload Beckford? Maybe, it's another option but they would almost certainly come at a premium and with premium wages which could see us scraping or breaking through the FFP limits, which is probably one of the reasons for trying to offload our marquee signing.

I really don't think there's anything about our play that's not working other than defensive concentration levels vs Charlton & Blackburn, we've got danger all over the pitch... Blackpool have one option & one option only in tricky wingers, which we not only did a job on but had the bulk of play & chances too.

[marbelladave]

No i'm afraid it is. Had that Blackpool defender not have been stood directly in from of Dyers point blank range shot we'd have won. I agree that the penalty looked harsh, but we should have had one before that. Thing is, if we weren't getting into these position then we would never have won. Saturday was a turning point in that we had a result go for us. Also, we have scored in every game this season. It just now a case of taking our chances the first time round. Decent start to the season lets hope our form continues and our strikers start coming up with the goods.

To me three games is a trend, not luck......

I actually hope you are right, but I'm not holding my breath.....

[MattyFromLE]

To me three games is a trend, not luck......

I actually hope you are right, but I'm not holding my breath.....

I kinda of see what you mean. It certainly is worrying. However, when you consider we had a perfectly good equaliser against Blackburn ruled offside, Nugent uncharacteristically missed a sitter against Charlton. These things won't go against us for the next 40 odd matches. A bit of positive thinking Davey wouldn't go a miss!

[The Year Of The Fox]

Drinkwater was poor at the weekend. I've seen nothing of knockout to be impressed with as yet, tho I didnt go to the Sunderland game. Not being negative I just hope he's as good as what people say.

Let's not make a big deal of Nugents drought. It only gets back yo the players. Weve scored in every game so far and I thought nugent looked good on Saturday the only thing missing was a goal. His time will come

[chris_lcfc_85]

Drinkwater was poor at the weekend. I've seen nothing of knockout to be impressed with as yet, tho I didnt go to the Sunderland game. Not being negative I just hope he's as good as what people say.

Let's not make a big deal of Nugents drought. It only gets back yo the players. Weve scored in every game so far and I thought nugent looked good on Saturday the only thing missing was a goal. His time will come

I appreciate we're all entitled to our opionions but this is nonsense. Whilst he wasnt at his best, his workrate was excellent, his ball retention was very good and he covered very well in front of the back 4, mopped up a few times

[Corky]

To me three games is a trend, not luck......

I actually hope you are right, but I'm not holding my breath.....

I do see your concerns, we should be more clinical and finishing teams off.

But we are creating chances which wasn't always the case last season.

[foxfanazer]

I appreciate we're all entitled to our opionions but this is nonsense. Whilst he wasnt at his best, his workrate was excellent, his ball retention was very good and he covered very well in front of the back 4, mopped up a few times

I agree, did the thankless work well, allowed king some freedom too

[marbelladave]

After the first 55-60mins how you can say we didn't look like winners is bemusing. We'd done everything first half & came out the traps in the second like I've never seen before, it was like Mourinho had given chelsea a teamtalk after being 1-0 at HT

Blackpool had one breakaway in all that time, even then when Blackpool switched to 4-2-4 we still had more chances with Ince's tricky runs their only chance, whereas we had chances from all over whether it be Marshall taking the mickey down the right, Dyer breaking through down the left, Drinkwater on the edge of the box or King ghosting in later... the 2 forwards gave their defenders a tough game throughout too.

The only thing I'd say we were lacking against both Blackpool & Blackburn (probably Charlton too) was that we didn't gamble on the second ball, when the ball was put in the box and it ended up loose from either an attacking or defensive effort they, the opposition were always first to clear the ball...

Now we don't have an Owen-esque poacher our forwards historically score by running with the ball and shooting, if were were to switch one for a poacher (which we don't have currently) then a lot of our play would fall to pieces as you effectively play with 10 men until such a point that a poacher who does gamble on the second ball pops up in the right place at the right time is that something we should look at when we offload Beckford? Maybe, it's another option but they would almost certainly come at a premium and with premium wages which could see us scraping or breaking through the FFP limits.

I really don't think there's anything about our play that's not working other than defensive concentration levels vs Charlton & Blackburn, we've got danger all over the pitch... Blackpool have one option & one option only in tricky wingers, which we not only did a job on but had the bulk of play & chances too.

Sorry cc, let me try and explain. Sometimes when you are dominating a game you just know the goals are coming but on saturday I never really felt that.

Our attacking play was pacy and energetic but we remain a blunt instrument when it comes to making or scoring goals. Sure, Nugent and Vardy work hard and get onto the ball in decent areas but the ball into them is usually the obvious one and they are invariably closed down.

Where is the variation, the balls that leave the defenders wrong footed? Where are the support players playing balls in from the edge of the box, pulling defenders away from our strikers, picking up the 'second' balls?

The answer of course is that there is very little of that, which leaves our two strikers battling against 4+ defenders, is it any surprise that the defenders always manage to get in a tackle or a block or whatever it takes to foil our attacks......

Four league games and just one goal from an attacking player, says it all for me.....

[theessexfox]

I could only watch the last 15 minutes, and in that we were dreadful. Youd've thought that while trying to retain a lead, we'd've at least attempted to keep the ball and run down the clock. Our clearances were dodgy and we were lucky not to concede. Having said that, I hear we played well until then, and a win is a win, and outplaying a team that will be right up there this season is a good performance.

[Ric Flair]

Drinkwater was poor at the weekend. I've seen nothing of knockout to be impressed with as yet, tho I didnt go to the Sunderland game. Not being negative I just hope he's as good as what people say.

Let's not make a big deal of Nugents drought. It only gets back yo the players. Weve scored in every game so far and I thought nugent looked good on Saturday the only thing missing was a goal. His time will come

Did you go to the Charlton and Blackburn games? Knockaert was superb against Charlton and his cross for Vardy's goal that should have stood was excellent. Not having a go, just surprised you've failed to be impressed. Not sure what else he could do in 20/25 minute cameo's? Vardy's goal should have stood and his pass that set Dyer free against Charlton which was inexplicably missed were assists on a plate.

[Ric Flair]

I could only watch the last 15 minutes, and in that we were dreadful. Youd've thought that while trying to retain a lead, we'd've at least attempted to keep the ball and run down the clock. Our clearances were dodgy and we were lucky not to concede. Having said that, I hear we played well until then, and a win is a win, and outplaying a team that will be right up there this season is a good performance.

Although I tend to agree, Blackpool are the best team in the league at chasing a goal or two from behind and we should have scored twice in the last 15 minutes so it wasn't 'that' bad. Beckford wasn't offside when flagged and clear through, along with 2 other City players and he also should have made the easy pass to Vardy when he squared it and messed it up.

[Ric Flair]

Sorry cc, let me try and explain. Sometimes when you are dominating a game you just know the goals are coming but on saturday I never really felt that.

Our attacking play was pacy and energetic but we remain a blunt instrument when it comes to making or scoring goals. Sure, Nugent and Vardy work hard and get onto the ball in decent areas but the ball into them is usually the obvious one and they are invariably closed down.

Where is the variation, the balls that leave the defenders wrong footed? Where are the support players playing balls in from the edge of the box, pulling defenders away from our strikers, picking up the 'second' balls?

The answer of course is that there is very little of that, which leaves our two strikers battling against 4+ defenders, is it any surprise that the defenders always manage to get in a tackle or a block or whatever it takes to foil our attacks......

Four league games and just one goal from an attacking player, says it all for me.....

Totally agree.

Our play from out wide was refreshing to see, but Marshall cannot beat a man and his crossing impresses me but it hasn't led to many clear cut chances in the games i've seen this season. Dyer is just atrocious at everything, bar beating a man and messing up golden opportunities. I can't remember the last time he put a good cross or pass in to the box, it's infuriating.

[Kitchandro]

Sorry cc, let me try and explain. Sometimes when you are dominating a game you just know the goals are coming but on saturday I never really felt that.

Our attacking play was pacy and energetic but we remain a blunt instrument when it comes to making or scoring goals. Sure, Nugent and Vardy work hard and get onto the ball in decent areas but the ball into them is usually the obvious one and they are invariably closed down.

Where is the variation, the balls that leave the defenders wrong footed? Where are the support players playing balls in from the edge of the box, pulling defenders away from our strikers, picking up the 'second' balls?

The answer of course is that there is very little of that, which leaves our two strikers battling against 4+ defenders, is it any surprise that the defenders always manage to get in a tackle or a block or whatever it takes to foil our attacks......

Four league games and just one goal from an attacking player, says it all for me.....

I do agree with this somehwat tbf. Other than Marshall and his crossing our midfield lacks a true creative player, and that's not really enough. King and Drinkwater played well but as usual neither really did a lot in a creative sense.

I don't put this down to the formation, I put it down to not really having a balance of different kinds of player in midfield. King and Drinkwater are too similar for me.

If we could get one of our left sided midfielders to have an impact as much as Marshall did on Saturday it might not be as much of an issue.

[Happy Fox]

I do agree with this somehwat tbf. Other than Marshall and his crossing our midfield lacks a true creative player, and that's not really enough. King and Drinkwater played well but as usual neither really did a lot in a creative sense.

I don't put this down to the formation, I put it down to not really having a balance of different kinds of player in midfield. King and Drinkwater are too similar for me.

If we could get one of our left sided midfielders to have an impact as much as Marshall did on Saturday it might not be as much of an issue.

Knockaert will provide that in his cameos thus far he has impressed and has that ability like Marshall has, when he starts game he will produce the goods imo.

[cc_star]

Totally agree.

Our play from out wide was refreshing to see, but Marshall cannot beat a man and his crossing impresses me but it hasn't led to many clear cut chances in the games i've seen this season. Dyer is just atrocious at everything, bar beating a man and messing up golden opportunities. I can't remember the last time he put a good cross or pass in to the box, it's infuriating.

The crossing hasn't directly lead to clear cut chances, the actual chances come from the second ball, which I said we weren't winning or even looking like winning

the cross comes in and Vardy either heads it towards goal and the keeper pushes it away, or a defender gets his head on it

It's at that point we could get a touch towards goal, but we've had that much possession Vs Charlton (2nd half), Blackburn & Blackpool (1st hour) that the opposition has that many bodies in the area meaning they're almost always going to win these second balls

Solutions are to swap out one of our forwards for a poacher, or to play through the middle more and have Nuge+Vardy's chances come less from crosses but more from running on goal which both are probably more comfortable with

But, and this is subjective... I'm not sure what else Drinky+King (or anyone else) can do, King is excellent at bringing the ball out from our defence & starting attacks off, from this position he's famously unmarked arriving very late in the box and has a 1 in 2 scoring rate so far this season. then there's Drinky (he's young and will get better with each game) he's pretty good at imposing his presence on the opposition, pressing well & using the ball quite well when he wins it. We do lack a Garry Parker type player to slot a ball through for N/V to run on to, but having one could sacrifice possession, which is what is excellent about our game, after all the opposition can't score if they don't have the ball, and unlike Blackpool we aren't one trick wonders whose only dangers come from a tricky winger, we have threats from all over.

What we probably need to see is Nugent gambling on the second ball more, if Verdy has a chance rebounding or a defender knocks it down it's always gonna land somewhere. We also need to see Drinkwater looking to slot a ball down the channel, rather than always spraying it out-wide, so as Nugent can run on to it which is his prefered method of scoring rather than from crosses. Wellens plays a ball down the channel really well, but his strengths are only in the opponents half as his lack of pace really shows when defending, unlike Drinkwater who is better at getting a foot in in these areas.

I think we have the personal right, it possible they just need to mix up what they do a bit more & that comes as the season settles into its rhythm & the players play together more,

[Guest Col city fan]

Sorry cc, let me try and explain. Sometimes when you are dominating a game you just know the goals are coming but on saturday I never really felt that.

Our attacking play was pacy and energetic but we remain a blunt instrument when it comes to making or scoring goals. Sure, Nugent and Vardy work hard and get onto the ball in decent areas but the ball into them is usually the obvious one and they are invariably closed down.

Where is the variation, the balls that leave the defenders wrong footed? Where are the support players playing balls in from the edge of the box, pulling defenders away from our strikers, picking up the 'second' balls?

The answer of course is that there is very little of that, which leaves our two strikers battling against 4+ defenders, is it any surprise that the defenders always manage to get in a tackle or a block or whatever it takes to foil our attacks......

Four league games and just one goal from an attacking player, says it all for me.....

I have to agree with all this.

Though how we failed to score a second when they had everybody in our half I don't really know.

Very astute post Dave IMO.

We 'controlled' really well on Sat, but did lack the cutting edge.

[Guest ttfn]

Although I tend to agree, Blackpool are the best team in the league at chasing a goal or two from behind and we should have scored twice in the last 15 minutes so it wasn't 'that' bad. Beckford wasn't offside when flagged and clear through,

along with 2 other City players and he also should have made the easy pass to Vardy when he squared it and messed it up.

I was right in line with that offside - he was off, and so was at least one other.

[foxfanazer]

I was right in line with that offside - he was off, and so was at least one other.

Nobody was offside mate

[artursteppe]

I have been a Leicester fan for years. To give you a clue, I used to watch David Nish hit shots from outside the box, since then Gary McAllister, Andy Peake, Jon Sammels, Keith Weller and maybe the odd player every now and then since.

Andy King, a couple of years ago and Nallis used to have a go, and a couple of times Marshall has had a go over the last twelve months, but this is a major problem for us tactically and has been for a very long time.

I have always believed that tactically if a team is prepared to put in a few long shots ( on target ), it worries the opposition - the up shot being that if the opposing defense do not know if a player will pass or shoot at 25 yards out it can only be an advantage. If our attacker draws a defender to cover a possible shot it inevitably leaves a space to slip a pass to someone else in an attacking position.

If we never shoot, the spaces that can be created will obviously be reduced because the opposition get to realise that no Leicester player wants to shoot, they only want to 'walk the ball into the net'. This makes defending against Leicester easier, and therefore harder for us to create a higher number of goalscoring opportunities.

[marbelladave]

To ric, Kitch, cc and Col.

I've been going on about this all season and been 'called' on it many a time......

We have no cutting edge up front and it is primarily due to our fairly ridged setup with 2 men up and two wide, it does not suit our players. I'll explain one more time before Babs tells me off, again!

We play two men up because it is attacking but Nugent and Vardy are too similar, both work the channels, chase hard and get into decent positions but duplicate each other to a large extent. One of them should lead the line, I would pick Nugent for his experience but either would be fine.

Support the frontman with 3 midfielders in attacking positions, any three from Knockeart, Marshall, Dyer, Vardy (Nugent) or even Gallagher. This is your attacking option, get the 3 to play fairly narrow, swap positions and support the front man, ie get your ballplayers in and around the box.

If we need a bit more steel in midfield, for a difficult away game for example, replace one of the attacking players with Danns or James, either of whom will naturally track back and help the midfield, but the system remains pretty much the same.

Drinkwater and King continue as they have been of late, defensively sound with the occasional forward run, mostly from King. With midfield players in front of them they do not have quite so much to do so should be able to pace themselves better.

To my mind it is pointless bringing yet more players when we have not yet come close to getting the best from what we have.

[Bob Weasel Fox]

I have to agree with all this.

Though how we failed to score a second when they had everybody in our half I don't really know.

Very astute post Dave IMO.

We 'controlled' really well on Sat, but did lack the cutting edge.

Maybe JB is the answer . . . . . . . . . .