Click to use the eyefootball Desktop site.
Of the three newly promoted teams in the English Premier League, Leicester City were by far the most impressive with a 2-2 draw at home to Everton. The Foxes showed all the battling qualities that saw them win the 2013-14 Championship by a distance over Burnley but can Nigel Pearson’s men maintain that form and avoid the drop at the end of this current campaign?
The relegation contenders
Along with fellow new boys Burnley and Queens Park Rangers, Leicester were among the favourites with Betfair to fall straight back into the second tier before a ball had even been kicked. That position has changed very slightly after that opening result as pundits start to recognise positive signs in that performance that could point to a comfortable survival.
Everton were among the most impressive teams in the EPL last season and with just a few games left, Champions League destiny was in their hands. Roberto Martinez had enjoyed an excellent first season in charge and the permanent arrival of Romelu Lukaku promises to propel the Toffees to an even better campaign this time around.
A deserved draw
The first point to note is how well City battled in that game, coming from behind twice to eventually level the game with Chris Wood’s 86th minute equaliser. It’s important for any promoted team to never give up and while that may sound obvious, it’s easy to see how other sides’ collective heads will drop as soon as they go down to one of the top clubs.
Secondly, it was evident from the Everton game that Pearson’s men are prepared to attack and not to sit back and let their opponents dictate. Too many sides fail to play their own, natural game while worrying too much about the other team’s style of play. Leicester took the match to Everton in the second half and a 2-2 scoreline was no more than they deserved.
Goals conceded
There can be little blame placed on any of the players for the first goal – a spectacular effort from Aiden McGeady which curled away from Kasper Schmeichel’s reach - but Pearson may have been concerned about the defensive lapses that allowed Steven Naismith to score on the stroke of half time.
Overall however, Leicester were impressive at the back: Wes Morgan and Liam Moore ensured that Schmeichel had a relatively quiet afternoon while Paul Konchesky will add some vital Premiership experience as the campaign wears on.
The most notable aspect for the team as a whole was their patience as Everton dominated possession in the first 45 minutes. The defence kept it tight and as the game progressed, more chances fell to David Nugent in front of the Everton goal.
Moving forward
Nigel Pearson has been relatively quiet in this transfer window and while there were so many encouraging signs in that opening clash, the Foxes may well need reinforcements to cope with a long campaign.
One potentially exciting addition is that of veteran Argentine midfielder Esteban Cambiasso who is a free agent having left Inter Milan over the summer. The 34 year old was allegedly a target for Spurs back in July but wage demands may be an issue for any Premier League side.
Elsewhere, it’s said that Leicester have moved on from Marseille right back Rod Fanni but there is still hope that Sporting Lisbon’s Islam Slimani will cross to the East Midlands. The Algerian was one of the stars of his country’s impressive World Cup and would certainly take the pressure away from Nugent as the club’s main striker.
It’s going to be a tough season for Foxes fans but it could be an exciting one and on the basis of their opening game, Nigel Pearson’s men may already be equipped to survive.
Written by James Turnbull
Copyright 2007 - 2019 Eyefootball Ltd. All rights reserved. The news and views discussed here are those of the participating users, and do not necessarily represent or have the endorsement of the editors of Eye Football.
Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - Contact Us - Use Desktop Site