Leicester City 1 - 0 Blackpool

[ADK]

Beckford only seems to have good games time to time, would seriously rather waghorn came on.

[Thracian]

Well, whoever's grumbling about being in the reserves now knows the reason why! And why they'll have to lift their performance a long, long way, to force themselves into this side on the basis of the Burton game.

First half I thought we were majestic. We smothered Blackpool at source, spread the ball to both wings, had pace and penetration and yet, sadly, no-one to win the final ball in the air or able to beat some desperate defending on the ground.

In the end I wondered if it'd be Charlton and Blackburn all over again when Ince had his great chance near the right-hand post but, thankfully, Kasper made himself big and deflected his shot to safety.

The second half produced one controversy after another but our first penalty claim looked a dead cert from where I was sitting as did the baulking of Dyer when he went to shoot from close range.

Whether Vardy's second claim was justified I'm notsure and whether their keeper should have been sent off for handling outside the box is a further debate but, bottom line, is that we finally dominated a game and got the win we deserved.

There were several quality performances and the gap between them wasn't sufficient for me to choose a Man of the Match. But King, Vardy, Morgan and Schmeichel were outstanding over 90 minutes with Dyer and Schlupp deserving of an honourable mention.

I did think Pearson went into fall-back mode towards the end and invited far more pressure than was necessary - pressure we were lucky didn't cost us the result.

But I do understand the reasons. The need to change the team into one with two young, inexperienced full-backs in our reshuffled backline plus the psycholgical importance of winning the game "whatever the performance" were valid concerns.

It was also a warm day and I thought we were running out of gas late on so maybe the option of continuing to close down quickly wasn't realistic.

Some people say we still didn't take our chances but the Nugent offside tap in might well have been a second goal and there were several other really close things including the save from Dyer's volley so, yet again, it was the sort of day we might have had four or five goals.

The big thing now is to maintain this standard instead of going all limp like after the Southampton away game last season. We must treat each team like another Blackpool and hopefully build the sort of confidence that we make us a team that everyone should be wary of.

I think we can do it but I'm more than concerned about the lack of good cover...the sort that can maintain the pace and persistence of our current team. But Schlupp did himself no harm and Moore looks a find for all that he's clearly a work in progress.

Finally a word about Beckford. Things happened while he was out there and he might have been involved in a couple of goals even at a time when we were generally playing the game out.

No he didn't look impressive but he's part of the squad, he's a proven goalscorer and I see nothing to be gained by pillorying the bloke while he's still here.

We need him to be a part of what's going on and to hope that eventually, he comes to enjoy and appreciate being involved. If he eventually goes, he goes, but there's nothing to be gained from bad-mouthing him.

[ADK]

Well, whoever's grumbling about being in the reserves now knows the reason why! And why they'll have to lift their performance a long, long way, to force themselves into this side on the basis of the Burton game.

First half I thought we were majestic. We smothered Blackpool at source, spread the ball to both wings, had pace and penetration and yet, sadly, no-one to win the final ball in the air or able to beat some desperate defending on the ground.

In the end I wondered if it'd be Charlton and Blackburn all over again when Ince had his great chance near the right-hand post but, thankfully, Kasper made himself big and deflected his shot to safety.

The second half produced one controversy after another but our first penalty looked a dead cert from where I was sitting as did the baulking of Dyer as he went to shoot. Whether Vardy's was justified I'm not sure and whether their keeper should have been sent off for handling outside the box are further debates but bottom line is that we finally dominated a game and got the win we deserved.

There were several quality performances and the gap between them wasn't sufficient for me to choose a Man of the Match. But King, Vardy, Morgan and Schmeichel over 90 minutes and Dyer and Schlupp deserving of an hojnourable mention.

I did think Pearson went into fall-back mode towards the end and invited far more pressure than was necessary - pressure we were lucky didn't cost us the result.

But I do understand the reasons. The need to change the team and having two young full-backs in our reshuffled backline and the psycholgical importance of winning the game, "whatever the performance" which I think was Pearson's own words.

It was also a warm day and I thought we were running out of gas late on so maybe the option of continuing to close down quickly wasn't realistic.

Some people say we still didn't take our chances but the Nugent offside tap in might well have been a second goal and there were several other really close things including the save from Dyer's volley so, yet again, it was the sort of day we might have had four or five goals.

The big thing now is to maintain this standard instead of going all limp like after the Southampton away game last season. We must treat each team like another Blackpool and hopefully build the sort of confidence that we make us a team that everyone should be wary of.

I think we can do it but I'm more than concerned about the lack of good cover...the sort that can maintain the pace and persistence of our current team. But Schlupp did himself no harm and Moore looks a find for all that he's clearly a work in progress.

Finally a word about Beckford. Things happened while he was out there and he might have been involved in a couple of goals even at a time when we were generally playing the game out.

No he didn't look impressive but he's part of the squad, he's a proven goalscorer and I see nothing to be gained by pillorying the bloke while he's still here. We need him to be a part of what's going on and to hope that eventually, he comes to enjoy and appreciate being involved. If he eventually goes, he goes, but there's nothing to be gained from bad-mouthing him.

I'd rather we gave Waggy or Futacs a go that is all.

[dbt_lcfc]

Beckford had a few wild swings that you would expect him to test the keeper with and lost the ball in our own half which nearly led to a goal but.... He was only on for about 10 mins and managed 2 get into some good scoring opportunities, for the second scuffed attempt the way he plucked the ball out the air was prem quality and he was so close to slipping vardy in towards the end, all round didn't think he was that bad when he came on

[Thracian]

Beckford only seems to have good games time to time, would seriously rather waghorn came on.

On what basis? Waghorn has been 90% anti-climax since he's been here, when he's fit to play at all. He doesn't really make things happen so the only plus is when he scores his occasional goals.

I can't even see how the bloke's improving. Certainly his shooting seems as erratic as ever.

I wish it were different because he's a wholehearted bloke but, whatever the frustrations with Beckford, he has to be watched and there's always a threat from him and that means space for others too.

Today was an example. Behind the defence for one shot and in position to set up an assist for Vardy if he'd weighted the ball a little lighter.

I don't have a view on Futacs. He looked the lumbering sort who'll tempt us to play hoof ball but still hooked in an impressive goal against Burton.

Can't see he'd been any better than Steve Howard at chasing back and that seems to be an important shortcoming nowadays.

However, as an aerial presence I'd doubt we've got anyone better and with all the crosses we fanned across the Blackpool goal we could sure have done with a heading specialist at times.But we'd be sacrificing pace and that's held us back in the past.

[Leicester_Loyal]

Well, whoever's grumbling about being in the reserves now knows the reason why! And why they'll have to lift their performance a long, long way, to force themselves into this side on the basis of the Burton game.

First half I thought we were majestic. We smothered Blackpool at source, spread the ball to both wings, had pace and penetration and yet, sadly, no-one to win the final ball in the air or able to beat some desperate defending on the ground.

In the end I wondered if it'd be Charlton and Blackburn all over again when Ince had his great chance near the right-hand post but, thankfully, Kasper made himself big and deflected his shot to safety.

The second half produced one controversy after another but our first penalty looked a dead cert from where I was sitting as did the baulking of Dyer as he went to shoot. Whether Vardy's was justified I'm not sure and whether their keeper should have been sent off for handling outside the box are further debates but bottom line is that we finally dominated a game and got the win we deserved.

There were several quality performances and the gap between them wasn't sufficient for me to choose a Man of the Match. But King, Vardy, Morgan and Schmeichel over 90 minutes and Dyer and Schlupp deserving of an hojnourable mention.

I did think Pearson went into fall-back mode towards the end and invited far more pressure than was necessary - pressure we were lucky didn't cost us the result.

But I do understand the reasons. The need to change the team and having two young full-backs in our reshuffled backline and the psycholgical importance of winning the game, "whatever the performance" which I think was Pearson's own words.

It was also a warm day and I thought we were running out of gas late on so maybe the option of continuing to close down quickly wasn't realistic.

Some people say we still didn't take our chances but the Nugent offside tap in might well have been a second goal and there were several other really close things including the save from Dyer's volley so, yet again, it was the sort of day we might have had four or five goals.

The big thing now is to maintain this standard instead of going all limp like after the Southampton away game last season. We must treat each team like another Blackpool and hopefully build the sort of confidence that we make us a team that everyone should be wary of.

I think we can do it but I'm more than concerned about the lack of good cover...the sort that can maintain the pace and persistence of our current team. But Schlupp did himself no harm and Moore looks a find for all that he's clearly a work in progress.

Finally a word about Beckford. Things happened while he was out there and he might have been involved in a couple of goals even at a time when we were generally playing the game out.

No he didn't look impressive but he's part of the squad, he's a proven goalscorer and I see nothing to be gained by pillorying the bloke while he's still here. We need him to be a part of what's going on and to hope that eventually, he comes to enjoy and appreciate being involved. If he eventually goes, he goes, but there's nothing to be gained from bad-mouthing him.

Very good post.

[maddog]

Was a great and important 3 points, whilst we weren't that convincing at times or our clinical best.

Still 2 weeks off now for some hard work in training and hopefully a positive performance along with a result to come at Wolves.

[ADK]

On what basis? Waghorn has been 90% anti-climax since he's been here, when he's fit to play at all. He doesn't really make things happen so the only plus is when he scores his occasional goals.

I can't even see how the bloke's improving. Certainly his shooting seems as erratic as ever.

I wish it were different because he's a wholehearted bloke but, whatever the frustrations with Beckford, he has to be watched and there's always a threat from him and that means space for others too.

Today was an example. Behind the defence for one shot and in position to set up an assist for Vardy if he'd weighted the ball a little lighter.

Beckford was absolutely rubbish today. Waghorn will chase after the ball thus putting pressure on the opponent where as Futacs has a good chance of winning headers. Beckford was nothing short of a liability when on the ball in our half and useless when upfront.

Also i think people are writing Waghorn off far too early, the lad has featured in 1 league game since Pearsons return in which he scored. Hes still young but seen as yesterdays prospect because he has been at the club a while.

[Captain...]

On what basis? Waghorn has been 90% anti-climax since he's been here, when he's fit to play at all. He doesn't really make things happen so the only plus is when he scores his occasional goals.

I can't even see how the bloke's improving. Certainly his shooting seems as erratic as ever.

I wish it were different because he's a wholehearted bloke but, whatever the frustrations with Beckford, he has to be watched and there's always a threat from him and that means space for others too.

Today was an example. Behind the defence for one shot and in position to set up an assist for Vardy if he'd weighted the ball a little lighter.

But he didn't, he had 2 options play in vardy or run it to the corner, he chose the wrong option in my opinion it was the last minute and we were under pressure run it to the corner hold it up game over, a man of his experience should know that. Again it may be, as some have said, he was trying too hard when he came on today.

[Leicester_Loyal]

Beckford didn't really play well, but Waghorn is just terrible.

[gerrytaggart]

Did we all watch the same match?? So many positives to take from today, four games in and four good performances. It will take a very good team to finish above us this season, People slating Pearson or the team are in my opinion clueless.

Beckford only had a few minutes to prove himself today and didn't really get the run of the green but no real need to go over the top with the criticism.

Be Positive

[Legend_in_blue]

I think we look decent. We shouldn't fear any team in this league and at home need to stay unbeaten for as long as possible.

Vardy, King, Morgan and Moore were very very good today.

Looking forward to the next one, I think we might get a first away win.

[Thracian]

But he didn't, he had 2 options play in vardy or run it to the corner, he chose the wrong option in my opinion it was the last minute and we were under pressure run it to the corner hold it up game over, a man of his experience should know that. Again it may be, as some have said, he was trying too hard when he came on today.

Yes, I remember us running the ball into the corner against Charlton in Holloway's day. We lost possession got caught on the rebound and lost the two points which would have saved us from relegation.

Beckford chose the right option. Another goal might be important come the end of the season. He just failed to weight the pass precisely enough. Not so surprising given his lack of competitive football and the fact that he'd sat so long on the bench.

Moore nearly gave a goal away too, Nugent perhaps denied us a goal, Vardy made decisions that didn't come off, Kasper miskicked a clearance straight to their midfielder ... there were mistakes everywhere - but the others had time to do good things which made amends.

Beckford didn't get that time but was still involved a lot and yes, he might have been trying too hard. If so, that's something for the manager to sort because honing players' confidence is part of his job.

Right now we have limited striking alternatives to Nugent and Vardy but, of the three or four we've got Beckford has by far the best goalscoring record. I see no sense in wasting that.

[marbelladave]

Evening all, took ages to get home, fooking M1. Pretty knackered to be honest but a few thoughts before I head to bed.

For an hour we played pretty much as as we have all season, agressive attacking play that lacked a cutting edge around their box and had none at all inside it.

Soft penalty, but we had two better shouts turned down, just wore the ref down I reckon.

Need to get Marshall on the ball more, still looks too uninvolved on the right. Vardy heeds to chill a little, sometimes you can try too hard.

Moore seems to improve with every game and Schlupp makes a great emergency full back......

Probably just about deserved the win on the balance of play, good performance considering recent games, still finding it really hard to score from open play though......

Despite the disruptions, the back 4 was better today, Drinkwater and particularly King shielded them quite well, pretty good really considering the attacking threat from Blackpool..

[ADK]

I'm still a little concerned that our strikers have only scored 1 goal between them in the first 4 games.

[5waller5]

Just back from the game, and celebrating the win.....

Firstly, Congratulations to NP, I thought his team selection was spot on and substitutions were the right ones at the right time. The team looked motivated and played with that new style that I'm loving - press hard and fast when not in possession and quick neat passing when they have.

Combined with a very obvious route one from Kasper to Vardy and I think we played really well.

The only concerns are the obvious ones about converting chances, but we keep creating them so lets hope that the strikers just hit form.

y

Vardy and Nugent were really good, forming a strong partnership and working their socks off defending from the front.

Schlupp looks a tidy left back and surely not the last time we're going to see him played there.

How on earth are people moaning about Beckford though - He tried his socks off today - looked like he was trying too hard - but nice touches, good effort and tracking back, just didn't get his shots away cleanly.

I was in the KOP today and one thing i did notice was how nervous ben Marshall looked before hitting the penalty - i really didn't think he was going to score it!!

Fab performance, nice to see us bounce back from Burton.

[MC Prussian]

After watching the highlights on the Beeb, one could think Blackpool dominated the game, with 80% of the chances shown created by the visitors.

Just another blatant modification of the actual truth.

Besides, we should've gotten two more penalties going our way.

Holloway can s*ck my ***** for all that matters - behaving like a petulant little child after the final whistle and mourning the penalty given.

All I can say is - thank **** for Kasper Schmeichel. Vardy was very unlucky today for the chances he missed.

And Dyer, albeit being equipped with pace to burn, just can't score for sh*t.

(Please excuse my language)

[m00nie]

sure at one point in the game the stats said 5-0 for attempts on goal for us yet FLS make it look like they had more chances than us

[ADK]

To be fair Blackpool had their chances

[gazmanthegun]

Summary of today's match -

1 - relieved after Burton

2 - optimistic for the season - need some form in front of goal

3 - holloway is a twat

4 - in Nigel I trust

[AKCJ]

Anyone else wonder how the FLS managed to make Blackpool look like they could really have got something from the game?

I thought we absolutely dominated them from 1st to last.

[Mark_w]

To be fair Blackpool had their chances

Yes, but they had a fraction of the number we created, and we did dominate the vast majority of the match. But the media love Holloway, so presenting the facts isn't high on the agenda.

[breadandcheese]

Just back from the game, and celebrating the win.....

Firstly, Congratulations to NP, I thought his team selection was spot on and substitutions were the right ones at the right time. The team looked motivated and played with that new style that I'm loving - press hard and fast when not in possession and quick neat passing when they have.

Combined with a very obvious route one from Kasper to Vardy and I think we played really well.

The only concerns are the obvious ones about converting chances, but we keep creating them so lets hope that the strikers just hit form.

y

Vardy and Nugent were really good, forming a strong partnership and working their socks off defending from the front.

Schlupp looks a tidy left back and surely not the last time we're going to see him played there.

How on earth are people moaning about Beckford though - He tried his socks off today - looked like he was trying too hard - but nice touches, good effort and tracking back, just didn't get his shots away cleanly.

I was in the KOP today and one thing i did notice was how nervous ben Marshall looked before hitting the penalty - i really didn't think he was going to score it!!

Fab performance, nice to see us bounce back from Burton.

I was one of those moaning about Beckford. I just felt he didn't do the simple things right.

When 1-0 up, try and hold the ball and look for the simple pass. Within the first few moments, he gave the ball away with a bad pass which allowed Blackpool to break and could have led to an equaliser. Secondly, the pass to Vardy was very poor and a basic skill he should have at this level. If he gets the pass right , we go 2 up. Third, the offside call was marginal, when he was put through, however it was 3 on 1 in our favour. The right thing to do in that situation is read it and see that you can drop a yard deeper as there is no way the defender would catch you anyway due to the relative positioning of the defender to you. Fourth, he should have crossed to Nugent when he was on the right side of the box instead of shooting.

I'm willing to believe that Beckford was desperate to get a goal, but I don't think it was his day. Maybe he's short of match sharpness.

[5waller5]

I was one of those moaning about Beckford. I just felt he didn't do the simple things right.

When 1-0 up, try and hold the ball and look for the simple pass. Within the first few moments, he gave the ball away with a bad pass which allowed Blackpool to break and could have led to an equaliser. Secondly, the pass to Vardy was very poor and a basic skill he should have at this level. If he gets the pass right , we go 2 up. Third, the offside call was marginal, when he was put through, however it was 3 on 1 in our favour. The right thing to do in that situation is read it and see that you can drop a yard deeper as there is no way the defender would catch you anyway due to the relative positioning of the defender to you. Fourth, he should have crossed to Nugent when he was on the right side of the box instead of shooting.

I'm willing to believe that Beckford was desperate to get a goal, but I don't think it was his day. Maybe he's short of match sharpness.

I don't disagree with any of that summary ... apart from maybe the laying off to Nugent .... But isn't the fact that we are talking about this many things for a ten minute cameo appearance proof that he was putting himself about and getting in the right places? He had a great touch for the long ball over his shoulder into the box too .... shot was scuffed which was a shame though.

[Bob Weasel Fox]

Just pleased we won