Leicester Release Half a Dozen

Leicester City today announced that six players were to be released: Darius Vassell,  Steve Howard, Matt Oakley, Chris Weale, Aleksandar Tunchev and  Elliott Chamberlain.

There were no real surprises in this list of the long-term injured and out of favour and, with the recent influx of young players arriving, the squad’s average age has just dropped significantly.
Howard and Oakley will be best remembered for their contribution to the League One title-winning season, whereas Vassell and Tunchev’s City careers were truncated by injury; while Weale’s loss of form was almost dramatic.

We wish them all well in whatever they take on next…

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Sven Weighs Up Keeper Options

Unfortunately the deteriorating form of Chris Weale last season has made the signing of a goalkeeper a priority for Sven Goran Eriksson…

Eriksson’s first attempt at replacing Weale did not work out, with some decidedly shaky performances from Portugese international Ricardo, and it appears that the City boss is now persuing several lines of enquiry to get a new man between the posts.
Egyptian international Hassam El-Hanary has been linked with City, supposedly the best keeper Africa has ever produced, his nickname is ‘the High Dam’, but he is 38 years old.
Three years younger than that is Manchester City keeper Shay Given, who is looking for a move after losing his first team place to Joe Hart. Celtic are favourites to sign the Republic of Ireland international but a move to Leicester is still a possibility, though described as a ‘long shot’ by an Eastlands insider.
Ironically, discarded keeper Conrad Logan has earned rave reviews from a successful stint on loan at Bristol Rovers this season. Teammate Danny Coles said: “Conrad has been outstanding. I’d say he is probably the best goalkeeper I’ve ever worked with. It’s not only about the saves he makes on the pitch; it’s his all-round presence about the place. He’s a fantastic man to have in the changing room and a real character. The more important thing for us is that his football ability is second to none. He’s been our best player since he arrived and all credit to him for that.”
Rovers fans are now desperate to see Logan sign a permanent deal at the Memorial Ground, while City’s search for a keeper goes on…

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Tykes Tamed

Barnsley 0:2 Leicester City

City posted a second clean-sheet and second victory in a row with a stunning, one-sided win at Oakwell with a first goal for Miguel Vitor and a late clincher from Andy King…

Sven made just two changes from that side that beat Preston with Vassell making his debut in place of Fryatt and Davies replacing Hobbs. City began the game defending the section containing some two and a half thousand City faithful who were rewarded with a display that was composed, confident and far superior to anything Barnsley had to offer.
City settled in to their rhythm quickly and simply didn’t allow Barnsley to have the ball. They opened up the Tykes’ defence time and again with some lovely passing moves and as early as the 5th minute Waghorn rounded off a delightful move with a curling shot that was just kept out by Steele. It wasn’t long before City were in front however, Vitor glancing a header past Steel from Waghorn’s curling free kick and it was no more than City deserved.
From the restart City continued to confound Barnsley and King was denied a goal when he finished off a Gallagher free kick only to be denied by the linesman’s flag. This was followed by another near miss when Steele pulled off another good save to deny Waghorn.
Barnsley’s dilemma was underlined when, on the half-hour, Mark Robins made a double substitution with Gray and Wood replacing Doyle and Hayes; decisions that caused fury amongst the stunned Barnsley support.
The changes had little impact and as half time approached. Davies had a shot deflected on to the post before Steele, yet again, denied Waghorn.
Barnsley’s solitary effort was a Hassell shot that sailed wide. So half time arrived and Weale had literally had nothing to do, the only concern amongst City fans at half time was that we only had one goal to show for a completely dominant performance.

The second half brought no relief for Barnsley as City dominated possession but failed to increase the score and the feeling that Barnsley might have an equaliser in them was underlined on the hour when Butterfield had a shot on target (Barnsley’s first) which was comfortably saved by Weale. If that was a wake-up call then City didn’t heed it as Doyle left Weale stranded with a long-range effort that cannoned back off the bar just a few minutes later.
It was to be City’s last scare as they stepped their game up again, helped by the introduction of Dyer and Howard for Vassell and Waghorn.
Steele twice denied Howard in the closing stages before King sealed the points in the 85th minute when he arrived at the far post to slide in Gallagher’s cross and send the travelling support in to raptures.

This was a performance that was brimming with confidence and it seems that Sven has found something close to his best line-up and, just as importantly, a balanced formation with Yuke Abe the star of the show today. He was at the heart of all City’s best moves with his prompting, holding and passing in a manner that reminded us of Gary McAllister in his prime. The defence is also looking solid and for the second week in a row the opponents were restricted to a solitary effort on target. Before we all get too carried away let’s remember that Preston and Barnsley were not the best sides that City will face this season and three-quarters of City’s back line today  is currently on loan. But there is clear progress being made and City fans can now look up and not behind them with a playoff spot a mere six points away.

Barnsley: Steele, Foster, Shackell, Hassell, Potter (Morales 74), Butterfield, O’Brien, Hammill, Colace, Hayes (Doyle 30), Wood (Gray 30). Subs Not Used: Lovre, Preece, Arismendi, Trippier.
Leicester: Weale, Davies, Vitor, Naughton, Cunningham, King, Gallagher (Moussa 86), Abe, Wellens, Vassell (Dyer 62), Waghorn (Howard 81). Subs Not Used: Berner, Logan, Fryatt, Hobbs.

Referee: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire). Attendance: 12,360.

The Weales Come Off

Derby County 1:0 Leicester City

The difference between Derby and Leicester in Saturday’s East Midlands derby was a split second lack of concentration from City goalkeeper Chris Weale, whose error settled the game in favour of the Rams…

Nigel Pearson made three changes to his side with Powell, Brown and Kermorgant in for Solano, McGivern and Gallagher. 
There was a tight opening to a game that was short on entertainment, but Derby were handed a gift-wrapped opener in the 19th minute. King intercepted a Derby move and passed a straightforward ball back to Weale.
The City keeper took his eye off the ball at the vital moment and it rolled straight past him and into the net, to the delight of the home crowd.
City almost responded straight away when Dyer’s quickly taken free-kick set up King, but Bywater saved and the linesman’s flag was up.  
City’s best chance came just before the break when a crossfield run from Wellens ended with a well struck 25 yarder being tipped round the left hand post by Bywater.
Derby had the first chance of the second half when Leacock’s cross from the right was palmed out by Weale to Savage, who could not react swiftly enough to do any damage.
Porter then fired a shot on the turn but the ball went straight into Weale’s chest.
Another driving run from Leacock set Porter up but he fired narrowly over from the edge of the penalty area.
Pearson swapped his strike partnership on the hour with Howard and Gallagher on for Waghorn and Kermorgant.
Wellens then missed a long range effort on goal with Bywater out of his ground and Oakley’s driven cross through a crowded goalmouth saw King clear the bar.
N’Guessan then came on for Oakley and raised City’s game. The Frenchman’s run down the left saw him beat his marker with ease before delivering a cross that was nodded out for a corner. From Gallagher’s flag kick the ball fell for Morrison 6 yards out but his goalward stab went straight at Bywater.
Hulse almost doubled the Rams’ lead heading over from a good position, but the home side had done enough to ease their relegation fears.
City’s play off prospects were not looking quite so comfortable after a terrible week, however.

Derby: Bywater, Leacock, McEveley, Anderson, Barker, Tonge, Savage, Green, Pearson, Porter, Davies (Hulse 64 ). Subs Not Used: Deeney, Hunt, Moxey, Cywka, Martin, Sunu.
Leicester: Weale, Brown, Powell, Hobbs, Morrison, Andy King, Dyer, Oakley ( N’Guessan 75), Wellens, Kermorgant (Gallagher 62), Waghorn ( Howard 63). Subs Not Used: Logan, Solano, Adams, Spearing.

Referee: C Webster (Tyne & Wear). Attendance: 30,259.

Weale Could Be Tottenham Target

City keeper Chris Weale’s recent run of great form has put him in the Spurs Spotlight according to several news stories.
Spurs back up keeper Carlo Cudicini fractured both wrists and injured his pelvis in a motorcycle accident in London last week, so Harry Redknapp has drawn up a shortlist of keepers to provide some cover.

David James and Ben Foster, along with Weale, are on on Harry’s list but he would have a job persuading any of them to play No 2 to the erratic Heurelho Gomes.
Although his last outing wasn’t his best, conceding a couple of long range efforts against West Brom, Weale has impressed this season, and has looked comfortable making the step up from Yeovil and Bristol City reserves.
Having used six goalkeepers last season it has been a refreshing change to see the position settled. Hopefully he won’t be tempted away for a life of bench warming…

West Brom Ease Past City

Leicester City 1:2 West Bromwich Albion

West Brom proved their promotion credentials with an assured performance in the Remembrance Day fixture against City at Filbert Way on Saturday…

Almost 29,000 turned out, having their appetites whetted by seeing back to back televised victories at Reading and QPR, and Nigel Pearson started with the same XI who won at Loftus Road.
The game had a lively opening, West Brom were eager to shoot on sight and Neilson and Brown both had to block goalbound shots, while Weale pulled off a fine save to deny Moore…. while Mattock’s every touch was booed to the rafters.
Then City had a good attacking spell, but were perhaps a bit over-elaborate near to goal and either the final ball went astray or the shooting was off-target – Oakley fired wide and then Waghorn was thwarted by Carson.
The lively Waghorn then executed a neat shot on the turn but Carson was well placed to save.
The Baggies found their way through in the 37th minute. Oakley gave away a needless free-kick tripping Thomas. Dorrans’ didn’t connect at all well with his free-kick but somehow the ball snaked through the wall, past a couple of defenders and beyond Weale’s reach just inside the right hand post.
Three minutes later Weale was picking the ball out of his net again and West Brom were in the driving seat. 
Jara strode through a large hole in the middle of the park and had time to size up a 30 yarder that deceived Weale and found the net.
City looked in disarray at this stage, and Oakley and King both retired injured, replaced by Gallagher and McGivern.

Half time put a 2-0 deficit in perspective as verterans old and not so old paraded round the track in a ceremony that has even more gravity and relevance than usual given the current situation… http://www.poppy.org.uk/support-us/give-money 

City almost instantly had a chance to pull back a goal and set up a great second half contest, but Gallagher somehow failed to prod the ball over the line from close in after good work from Fryatt.
Weale was the busier keeper after that, saving a Moore shot and a Brunt header. When he was beaten by a lob shot the bar came to his aid, Moore denied yet again.  
Howard replaced N’Guessan but City couldn’t find a way through Albion’s well drilled defence.
Not until the fourth minute of time added on, when a Gallagher free-kick was saved by Carson at the foot of the left hand post, but Berner reacted swiftly to tuern the loose ball home.
It was too late and, in truth, the scoreline flattered City who had simply been beaten by a better side.

Leicester: Weale, Brown, Berner, Hobbs, Neilson, King (McGivern 44), Oakley (Gallagher 39), Wellens, Fryatt, N’Guessan (Howard 60), Waghorn. Subs Not Used: Logan, Campbell, Kermorgant, Morrison.
Albion: Carson, Jara, Zuiverloon, Olsson, Mattock, Meite, Thomas (Cech 75), Brunt, Dorrans, Moore (Bednar 87), Cox (Mulumbu 66). Subs Not Used: Kiely, Martis, Teixeira, Koren.

Referee: N Swarbrick (Lancashire). Attendance: 28,748.

City Triumph at Loftus Road

Queens Park Rangers 1:2 Leicester City

City produced a superb performance at Loftus Road on Friday night, coming from behind to win 2-1, Matty Fryatt netting both the goals…

Nigel Pearson made two changes for the visit to in-form QPR, with Berner replacing McGivern at left back and N’Guessan in for Gallagher. 
There was a sense of deja vu as City lined up against blue and white hooped opposition for the second time in five days, and an entertaining, open, attacking encounter unfolded right from the kick off.
Play swung from one end to the other… Borrowdale found the side-netting with a shot on the turn; then Waghorn was inches away from connecting with a Fryatt cross from the right. Routledge broke clear, but sent his shot wide, while Waghorn had a chance saved by Rangers’ keeper Cerny.
In the 14th minute Waghorn then found the net but the celebrations were halted by the linesman’s flag. 
The end to end stuff continued and Weale brilliantly tipped away a Faurlin free-kick at full stretch. 
The breakthrough came for the home side in the 32nd minute, Taarabt and Simpson unzipping City’s backline with a neat passing move that ended with the Moroccan striker slotting home from 15 yards.
Moments later Taarabt almost doubled Rangers’ lead but his shot went narrowly wide.
Instead it was City who bounced back… Waghorn and Wellens combined well down the left, N’Guessan delivered a perfect cross from the left, and Fryatt nipped between two defenders to nod home from inside the six yard box.
City looked the stronger side after the break – Waghorn was again a split-second too late to reach an N’Guessan cross, and N’Guessan narrowly failed to nod in a Wellens cross at the far post.  
At the other end Buzsaky went close with a long range effort, but it was City who were next to trouble the scorers.
R’s keeper Cerny presented City with an absolute gift in the 64th minute. His weak clearance intended for Ramage was intercepted by Fryatt who raced towards goal. This was his third one-on-one on the keeper in five days, but this time he made no mistake clipping the ball past Cerny  and into the net right under the noses of a delighted travelling support.
Weale made a fine save from Routledge as QPR went in search of an equaliser. He got a cut above the eye for his pains and the time it took to bandage him up accounted for much of the 5 minutes that were added on. City weathered the home side’s pressure well and there were no real dramas. A late free-kick for the home side went straight into the wall and City had completed a hugely impressive points haul of 6 from two tricky looking away fixtures.
Nigel Pearson commented: “I’m sure Matty will be delighted to get two goals, but the bigger picture is about results. I thought it was a thoroughly professional performance. We are where we are on merit – although we won’t be by Saturday evening. We can be satisfied with how the season has gone so far – and we are only a third of the way through.”

QPR: Cerny, Borrowdale, Ramage (Vine 67), Stewart (Hall 54), Gorkss, Leigertwood, Routledge, Buzsaky, Taarabt (Agyemang 86), Faurlin, Simpson. Subs Not Used: Ainsworth, Heaton, Alberti, Parker.
Leicester: Weale, Brown, Berner, Hobbs, Neilson, King, Oakley, Wellens, Fryatt (Gallagher 75), N’Guessan, Waghorn (McGivern 89). Subs Not Used: Dyer, Logan, Howard, Kermorgant, Morrison.

Referee: Jonathan Moss (West Yorkshire). Attendance: 17.082.