Match Summary: Leicester City vs. Newcastle United

Leicester City faced a significant defeat against Newcastle United, suffering a 4-0 loss at St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon. The scoring was opened by Jacob Murphy, who capitalized on a corner to give Newcastle the edge at halftime. The second half saw goals from Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak, and another from Murphy, solidifying Newcastle’s dominance and completing a thorough victory.

In football, scorelines can sometimes deceive, but this match was a clear indicator of the disparity between the two teams. Leicester City struggled throughout the game, highlighted by Newcastle’s impressive tally of 27 shots, 11 of which were on target, and nearly 60 touches in the Leicester penalty area. In stark contrast, Leicester managed only 4 shots, with just 1 reaching the target, illustrating their offensive struggles.

The absence of key players in the midfield undoubtedly impacted Leicester’s performance. With our top three central midfielders unavailable, the Foxes were unable to transition the ball effectively from defense to attack. Dan Burn’s presence made long balls ineffective, and although Oliver Skipp and Hamza Choudhury were on the field, they struggled significantly to advance play, resulting in a frustrating and uneventful afternoon for Leicester.

Regarding individual performances, Mads Hermansen stood out as one of the few players who could hold his head high after the match. However, overall, the team was outmatched in nearly every individual duel, and the lack of competitive spirit was evident against a side that is typically seen as a lower-tier Championship team. The sole takeaway from this debacle is a harsh dose of reality regarding the current state of the team.

Despite the disappointing outcome of the men’s match, the women’s team achieved commendable success today.

Three Key Insights from the Match

• Ruud van Nistelrooy must now fully grasp the magnitude of the challenge ahead. The club is entrenched in a relegation battle, and this defeat emphasizes the reality of our current situation.
• Kasey McAteer showcased his potential at this level. His speed and football intelligence were evident, and retaining him in the squad is a positive development.
• While it may seem minor given our other pressing issues, our performance on set pieces and throw-ins is alarmingly poor. Addressing these areas could yield significant improvements in future matches.

Leicester City: Mads Hermansen (Danny Ward 46’), James Justin, Conor Coady, Jannik Vestergaard, Victor Kristiansen, Hamza Choudhury (Caleb Okoli 59’), Oliver Skipp, Kasey McAteer, Bilal El Khannouss (Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Stephy Mavididi (Facundo Buonanotte 59’), Jamie Vardy (Patson Daka 59’) (C)

Newcastle United: Martin Dubravka, Valentino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Jacob Murphy, Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak

This defeat leaves Leicester City with only 14 points from 16 matches, maintaining our position at 16th in the league table. However, we are perilously close to the relegation zone, just 2 points away. Our next match against Wolves is crucial, as it represents a true six-pointer in our battle against relegation. Following this, we face a daunting trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool on Boxing Day.

Critical Moments and Observations from the Match

1’- The absence of Harry Winks, Wilfred Ndidi, and Boubakary from the lineup today means that Oliver Skipp and Hamza Choudhury are tasked with controlling the midfield. Academy player Henry Cartwright is included on the bench for Leicester.

4’- El Khannouss delivers a ball over the top for McAteer, who manages to chase it down and sends a low cross into the box, which Schar deflects away just in time to deny Vardy a guaranteed tap-in.

8’- Close call! Anthony Gordon dribbles in from the wing, weaving through the Leicester defense, and unleashes a shot from just inside the area that requires a stunning save from Hermansen to deflect it over the bar.

14’- Newcastle is dominating play at this point. If Leicester doesn’t regain control, a goal seems imminent.

20’- Alexander Isak makes a brilliant run, setting up Murphy, who is fouled, yet the referee allows play to continue as Murphy curls a shot just wide of the goal. The referee ultimately calls it back for a free kick, which is an unusual decision.

27’- Both Isak and Murphy have significant opportunities but fail to convert, unable to find the net against Leicester’s defense. Choudhury takes a shot to the face and requires medical attention.

30’- GOAL! The Magpies earn a corner and execute a well-crafted routine. A short corner finds Gordon, who cuts it back for Murphy just inside the area; Murphy has all the time he needs to place the ball perfectly into the corner of the net.

The team’s defensive strategy may need serious reconsideration.

37’- Close! Isak breaks free behind the Leicester defense but fails to beat Hermansen one-on-one; it’s more a “poor effort” than a “great save” from the keeper.

38’- Guimaraes is fortunate not to receive a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Vestergaard, rolling on the ground as if seriously injured.

39’- Guimaraes narrowly avoids a second yellow for a dangerous challenge on Mavididi. After receiving a yellow for the foul, VAR reviews and decides it is sufficient. Had he received a yellow for diving…

44’- Leicester finally enjoys a brief spell of possession, though they create no real chances. El Khannouss wins a corner, and the first half concludes with Leicester fortunate to only be one goal down.

46’- Danny Ward replaces Hermansen to begin the second half, a decision that raises concerns.

47’- GOAL! Leicester’s defense falters at a set piece once again. El Khannouss gives away a free kick that is delivered to Lewis Hall, who is unmarked at the far post. Hall heads it back across goal to Guimaraes, who easily nods it in from close range.

50’- GOAL! Newcastle launches an attack down the wing, with Gordon and Hall combining effectively. A deflection off Coady redirects the cross to Isak, who taps it into the net, bringing the score to 3-0.

Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

52’- Close! Isak cuts through the defense effortlessly, finding Murphy in a promising position. Ward manages to tip the shot over, but the referee awards a goal kick instead.

54’- McAteer demonstrates impressive movement, cutting inside and testing Dubravka with a shot from distance. Although it’s an easy save, it marks City’s first shot on target.

59’- Leicester makes a triple substitution, bringing on Patson Daka, Caleb Okoli, and Facundo Buonanotte to replace Vardy, Choudhury, and Mavididi, respectively.

60’- GOAL! Gordon assists Isak, who skillfully turns Vestergaard and squares it to an unmarked Murphy. Murphy nutmegs Ward to score, effectively sealing the match, though it might have been out of reach even at 2-0.