Leicester City 3 - 1 Hull Post Match

[Leicester_Numan]

Thoroughly deserved win and really happy for Nugent, getting his first career hat-trick, and a perfect one at that. It'll be looking really good if we can beat Boro next week.

[5waller5]

Thoroughly deserved win and really happy for Nugent, getting his first career hat-trick, and a perfect one at that. It'll be looking really good if we can beat Boro next week.

Really!? That's his first hat trick??? blimey!

[CharlieSmith]

Congratulations on the win. I'm particularly pleased for flowwolf, whose wry wit - see how he refers to us as 'Dull', guffaw! - have amused me on a day when we were clearly far from putting in a performance that deserved anything more than 0 points

I predicted a few days ago that we would lose 3-0, and also, though possibly on another messageboard, that Nugent would bag a hat-trick. I wasn't too far off. Maybe I should have known we'd bag at least a goal ourselves when I saw Sh*t Ledger's name on the team-sheet

The reason for my pessimism, in spite of three excellent performances in our last three games, was that it was patently clear to me that sticking with a 3-5-2 formation against Leicester at the KP, which we all knew we were going to do, was a suicidal decision. Unfortunately Bruce Snr thought otherwise. I honestly think they should make me manager for a day.

[marbelladave]

Great result and the best performance of the season (for me). First time we have actually turned up and played both halves.....

However, as I said earlier, still a work in progress, take these remarks in context.

The defence remains a bit sloppy, both individually and as a unit, passing out of defence is still an issue, though both James and Drinkwater made themselves more available for the out ball, as indeed did both full backs, particularly De Laet.

James and Drinkwater were far more effective with Knockeart in front of them demanding the ball at every opportunity, not only did he make himself available but he opened up passes to the other forwards as well....... Made the game far easier for our centre mids.

Downside was that Marshall looked a little bit isolated on the left and when he did get the ball he was too predictable, somehow we need to get hin inside alongside Knockeart without actually cramping his style, both are far better through the middle than stuck out wide.

As has been the case all season, Nugent and Vardy still try and play the same role rather than combining together, though they were better and Nugent's resurgent confidence was big difference.

The introduction of Knockeart into the attacking midfield role has made a huge difference, takes a huge load off of our central mids and pulls our play together in a way that we had not seen earlier in the season. Not only has he given our attacking play more bite but he has taken some of the attacking burden off of James and Drinkwater, allowing their defensive play to improve noticeably.

Big steps in the right direction, but there are still issues that NFP needs to address, just hope that he can make the final adjustments that will turn us into a very effective side.

[Kitchandro]

Great result and the best performance of the season (for me). First time we have actually turned up and played both halves.....

However, as I said earlier, still a work in progress, take these remarks in context.

The defence remains a bit sloppy, both individually and as a unit, passing out of defence is still an issue, though both James and Drinkwater made themselves more available for the out ball, as indeed did both full backs, particularly De Laet.

James and Drinkwater were far more effective with Knockeart in front of them demanding the ball at every opportunity, not only did he make himself available but he opened up passes to the other forwards as well....... Made the game far easier for our centre mids.

Downside was that Marshall looked a little bit isolated on the left and when he did get the ball he was too predictable, somehow we need to get hin inside alongside Knockeart without actually cramping his style, both are far better through the middle than stuck out wide.

As has been the case all season, Nugent and Vardy still try and play the same role rather than combining together, though they were better and Nugent's resurgent confidence was big difference.

The introduction of Knockeart into the attacking midfield role has made a huge difference, takes a huge load off of our central mids and pulls our play together in a way that we had not seen earlier in the season. Not only has he given our attacking play more bite but he has taken some of the attacking burden off of James and Drinkwater, allowing their defensive play to improve noticeably.

Big steps in the right direction, but there are still issues that NFP needs to address, just hope that he can make the final adjustments that will turn us into a very effective side.

Fvcking hell, even dave thinks we're somewhat promising! Where's that bloody optimistic bus?

(May reserve a ticket at wonawayfromhomesville station)

[Jaspa]

Amid the pleasantries though

We did conceed a very poor goal, and have had a pretty leaky opening to our campaign.

Get this fixed and we'l be flying :fc:

[Raj]

Knock on the heart was awesome today!

Good display all round(still not sure about Drinkwater/James-thought they was nowhere in the 1st half)

Praise to Nugent,the last goal was brilliantly worked.

[Guest Basildon Fox]

We have now played 4 of the top 7 in the first 7 games so a good return so far. With a bit more luck and better finishing we should be at least 2 points better off. Lets hope we can kick on from the position we are in through October. Should see us comfortably in the play offs.

[dynamark]

According to my 14 yr old that was the best game of football she has seen in a long time.

Not repeating anyone but Knocky is pure profit.Outstanding work in tight situations,fastest thinking player on the pitch,drawing the defence and releasing other players,and of course the clearance off the line.Loves to wear the shirt and shows it.

Only once can I recall kasper going long when he got a bit excited after a save but we were getting the ball back quickly when lost.

Well worked goal from Hull and they were doing some good work just in front of Morgan/SSL so no mugs but looked outclassed.

I would make a coaching video from that performance

.

[The Year Of The Fox]

According to my 14 yr old that was the best game of football she has seen in a long time.

Not repeating anyone but Knocky is pure profit.Outstanding work in tight situations,fastest thinking player on the pitch,drawing the defence and releasing other players,and of course the clearance off the line.Loves to wear the shirt and shows it.

Only once can I recall kasper going long when he got a bit excited after a save but we were getting the ball back quickly when lost.

Well worked goal from Hull and they were doing some good work just in front of Morgan/SSL so no mugs but looked outclassed.

I would make a coaching video from that performance

.

Agree, it was pretty much the perfect performance.

[Ric Flair]

Three goals to boost our goal difference, Nugent's accomplished hat-trick, generally enterprising ground-floor football, chances galore and very little to complain about - and people talk about ditching the manager!

Our unbeaten home record has kept us in touch with the league's pacemakers and will surely have improved our confidence and self-belief although i've never seen any great reason why it should have been lacking.

Results do go wrong sometimes but I saw little wrong with most of the football any more than I saw much wrong with our strike force despite the much mentioned missed chances.

The fact is we're creating excellent chances against everyone - including several of the top teams - and today we made one of those pacemakers look ordinary.

I was particularly pleased for "Did Nothing" Dyer who, once again, laid on a perfect pass for Nugent who, this time gobbled the chance up to round off a three-pronged breakaway including Waghorn that amounted to the perfect counter-attack.

There are signs of these Dyer-led breakaways becoming a potent weapon in City's armoury. I've never considered that Dyer has actually been dropped, just that Pearson has decided to use him in a different way - and a clever ploy it is too.

What pleased me most now is that we're passing the ball. There are times I'd like us to do it quicker - particularly when Knockaert gets it in no man's land and when his mistakes put so many players out of the game.

And such was our ability that there were times I wondered if we could keep the ball indefinitely and that's the sign of a team functioning in the real sense of the word.

And that's the main achievement of Pearson so far - he's got capable but different talents functioning as a unit.

And how different the reaction of Dyer to the likes of Beckford or Danns. Dyer had given his all and been dangerous all season but he shouldered any disappointment in being re-deployed to the bench by saying nothing, continuing to give everything and letting his football speak for itself.

I don't see that either Marshall or Knockaert are playing better than Dyer but I do see that the team is getting better results and that both Knockaert and Dyer seem to having an increased impact. So well done the boss.

Another aspect that impressed me today was Konchesky's contribution. How easily our fans forget the good games he's had and today, after one or two disappointing games, he looked closer to his best and made a nonsense of people flippantly saying we should get rid and use someone like the emerging Schlupp.

Schlupp shows promise as a left-back and should perhaps be given chance to develop that promise but the way to do that is not by ditching an experienced and reasonably capable left-back. It is by keeping him involved as and when the chance arises while schooling him properly on the training ground.

Anyway, well done City, well done Pearson and let's carry on in the same vein at Middlesbrough.

Hey? Are you serious? Knockaert set one up yesterday and threaded 2 pin point passes through to Vardy who was one on one with the goalie and should have scored both. Had Alan Sheehan, Andy King or Max Gradel have threaded those passes through, you'd have been escorted out the ground for playing with yourself. Knockaert is outstanding at the minute, he's provided simialr passes to Waghorn vs Wolves where he hit the post and one for Dyer away at Charlton where he was one on one with their goalie and inexplicably scuffed it straight at him. We've not had a player who splits defences like Knockaert has done, for years!

Dyer isn't perhaps as bad as some make out, but if you genuinely think he deserves to play as much or more than Knockaert then you need sectioning. Baffling.

On a side note, I thought Matty James was excellent, as was Drinkwater. I like the new formation, it gives Knockaert the chance to run amok where he see's fit and I like Vardy cutting in from outwide. I'm slightly concerned that Marshall is a little subdued at the minute, but I think he'll have more success in this formation than in a 4-4-2. I hope Nigel tries to get Knockaert and Marshall to alternate and both have the chance to roam, as Marshall was at his best last season when deployed off the striker.

[Happy Fox]

I think Dyer is more effective than Marshall atm his pace would probably create more space behind the opposition defense crossing ability may be hampered but we rarely utilize that anyway, Marshall needs a much needed rest imo . Next Saturday our two wingers starting should be Dyer and Knockaert.

[chris_lcfc_85]

Good performance from start to finish, made a decent team look very ordinary.

I personally couldnt fault anyone and i think the new formation suits us better for sure.

On the Marshall/Knockaert/Dyer debate, i think its excellent we have all 3, all are very different.

Marshall will come good over the season but i still personally think he's better on the right or in the middle

[marbelladave]

Our bigest problem this season has been, pretty much from day one, our system and setup.

We were far too stretched, with huge gaps between defence and attack. The introduction of Knockeart into an advanced midfield role, ably covered by James/King/Drinkwater has helped tremendously.........

We still need to find a way of getting Marshall more involved, his current dip in form has coincided with him being deployed (and kept) in wide positions where he is much less involved and his lack of pace (for a winger) is more evident.

This could be solved, away from home at least, by deploying Knockeart and Marshall off a lone striker, with a three man midfield in support.

Santa's favourite formation.....

[kylestyle06]

Highlights here

http://footballdiscussion.net/2012/09/leicester-v-hull-city-goals-leicester-hull-3-1-highlights-video-september-23-2012/

[Guest Col city fan]

Our bigest problem this season has been, pretty much from day one, our system and setup.

We were far too stretched, with huge gaps between defence and attack. The introduction of Knockeart into an advanced midfield role, ably covered by James/King/Drinkwater has helped tremendously.........

We still need to find a way of getting Marshall more involved, his current dip in form has coincided with him being deployed (and kept) in wide positions where he is much less involved and his lack of pace (for a winger) is more evident.

This could be solved, away from home at least, by deploying Knockeart and Marshall off a lone striker, with a three man midfield in support.

Santa's favourite formation.....

I have to say I agree with all of this. In Knocky, Pearson has now deployed an attacking midfield player who has the guile to keep the ball, to give and go and to slot the ball through to the on running strikers. Yesterday that worked beautifully with Vardy in particular and if he continues with those runs he will score goals IMO.

I also agree with Ben Marshall. Yesterday, especially in the first half, he looked out of position on that left hand side. Marshall is a clever player, with a lovely right boot. Deployed correctly, I'm sure he could look much more dangerous than he did yesterday.

Just as an aside, playing the way we did yesterday, ie setting up chances through the centre, is exactly the way I wanted to see us play with Jermaine Beckford in the team. It COULD be that giving Beckford a go in this formation might enable him to achieve the potential many think he has. I wouldn't drop Vardy at present, but Beckford, I believe, is crying out for a team to be playing in this way. Just a thought..

[marbelladave]

Morning Col,

All three of our 'primary' strikers want to play this way, none of them relish attacking crosses in the air against big championship defenders and they are not very good at it either......

Once gain this has been the case for ages, certainly since last season which made NFP's insistance on playing 4-4-2 with two wingers all the more baffling.....

NFP has still not quite come to terms with this as yet, Marshall wide left (or right for that matter) is a waste for all kinds of reasons, we need to find a way to get him more involved, ie more central. The opposition are going to be concentrating on Knockeart, we need another attacking threat.

[Grey Fox]

I think this has been said earlier, but I don't get why in that formation Vardy was on the right and Marshall was on the left?

Surely it should be the other way around? Vardy used to play for Fleetwood on the left of a front 3, so that would suit him. Marshall I think prefers to play on the right as well. At the very least they should be rotated during the game. Possibly even the two of them rotated with Knockheart as well, multiple times during a game. The opposition defence wouldn't have a clue if we had all three being rotated a few times in a game either.

People that said that Marshall was predictable yesterday, don't forget he had a great game against Hull last season, including cutting in twice and scoring and hitting the woodwork. So to them he may have been predictable, but that doesn't mean he will be to every team. I suspect they will have paid him special attention pre match because of his last performance against them.

Both Marshall and Vardy will hit form eventually. It's good to have them still to do so, you don't want everyone on and off form at the same time. Maybe we will have games where Marshall and Vardy are on fire, and Nugent and Knocky have a quite one. It's the team winning that counts.

[marbelladave]

I think this has been said earlier, but I don't get why in that formation Vardy was on the right and Marshall was on the left?

Surely it should be the other way around? Vardy used to play for Fleetwood on the left of a front 3, so that would suit him. Marshall I think prefers to play on the right as well. At the very least they should be rotated during the game. Possibly even the two of them rotated with Knockheart as well, multiple times during a game. The opposition defence wouldn't have a clue if we had all three being rotated a few times in a game either.

People that said that Marshall was predictable yesterday, don't forget he had a great game against Hull last season, including cutting in twice and scoring and hitting the woodwork. So to them he may have been predictable, but that doesn't mean he will be to every team. I suspect they will have paid him special attention pre match because of his last performance against them.

Both Marshall and Vardy will hit form eventually. It's good to have them still to do so, you don't want everyone on and off form at the same time. Maybe we will have games where Marshall and Vardy are on fire, and Nugent and Knocky have a quite one. It's the team winning that counts.

Vardy played mostly down the middle, both he and to a lesser degree Nugent pulled wide on occasion but mostly we had no one wide right other than when De Laet got forward, which he did quite well......

[MattyFromLE]

I think i'm starting to see that 4-4-2 doesn't suit us anymore, and I think its good that I think Pearson is also realising this too. Realistically, we need Marshall and Knockaert more central kinda like this:

King Drinkwater

Marshall Knockaert Vardy

Nuge

That, in some parts is what it looked like yesterday.

[Grey Fox]

I think i'm starting to see that 4-4-2 doesn't suit us anymore, and I think its good that I think Pearson is also realising this too. Realistically, we need Marshall and Knockaert more central kinda like this:

King Drinkwater

Marshall Knockaert Vardy

Nuge

That, in some parts is what it looked like yesterday.

I think this would work especially well away from home. Rotate the 3 behind Nugent during the game and confuse the opposition defence a few times.

[marbelladave]

I think i'm starting to see that 4-4-2 doesn't suit us anymore, and I think its good that I think Pearson is also realising this too. Realistically, we need Marshall and Knockaert more central kinda like this:

King Drinkwater

Marshall Knockaert Vardy

Nuge

That, in some parts is what it looked like yesterday.

Penny > > > > drop......

Actually the front 6 looked more like this,

Drinkwater---James

Knockeart

---------Vardy---Marshall

Nugent

[marbelladave]

Sorry, meant....

Drinkwater---James

Knockeart

---------Vardy---Marshall

Nugent

Bloody formatting.....

[MattyFromLE]

Penny > > > > drop......

...like I said Davey, "I think i'm starting to see that 4-4-2 doesn't suit us anymore"

We looked dangerous both against Burnley and even more so Hull with this set up.

[5waller5]

Just like the formation that Sven played and got criticised every week for not having wingers!!!!

I much prefer it to 442 when he did it and am glad that NP has caught on after 12 months too!!!