Leicester City recorded a stunning 2-1 away victory against Tottenham Hotspur in North London last weekend, lifting themselves above the relegation zone.
It was a much-needed victory following seven straight Premier League losses, and the Foxes are now out of the relegation zone, albeit by only a point. While the thrilling victory will no doubt be a huge morale booster. It’s been a tough season for the reigning EFL Championship winners in their return to the Premier League.
Leicester sit 17th in the league standings, a point above the relegation zone. The relationship between the club and its fans is at an all-time low, and relegation is looking more and more likely. However, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team haven’t played too badly lately. And it’s easy to see why they have been losing with key players such as Ricardo Pereira, Wilfred Ndidi, Mads Hermansen, and Abdul Fatawu injured. With four starting players sidelined, Leicester City have been lacking that little extra bit of quality, especially in the midfield and the offence.
Leicester City’s injury blows
To start with, Hermansen’s injury is a huge loss. The Danish keeper has been in phenomenal form for the Foxes this season and has been one of the best shot-stoppers in the Premier League. Jakub Stolarczyk, who was brilliant against Spurs, has been a decent deputy, but the gulf of quantity is evident. Especially with the defensive issues Leicester City have faced, the saves of Hermansen were vital.
Continuing with the defensive struggles, Pereira’s absence is also missed. Under Steve Cooper, he didn’t get game time due to his supposed inability to play as an inverted fullback. However, the former Portugal international could have been unlocked by RVN. The Dutch manager has had Boubakary Soumare drop deep in recent games to act as the third centre-back during the buildup, allowing both fullbacks to push up. Pereira is very technical and would have enjoyed this role, offering a greater attacking threat than James Justin.
Pereira and Fatawu linked up well on the right flank last season, and the youngster’s dribbling abilities are sorely missed in the right wing. This has been even more evident in recent games, with the wingers more comfortable drifting inside than tacking on their fullback as Fatawu did. Finally, we come to Ndidi, one of Leicester’s most consistent players in the season’s opening half. His box-to-box abilities were vital to the team’s balance, and while the current midfield trio is good, Ndidi would have made it better.
Hopefully, the memorable victory gives the players confidence to push on and avoid relegation. Still, the absence of Hermansen, Pereira, Fatawu, and Ndidi is a significant loss to the team.
