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Cardiff City 0 Leicester City 1 | Talking Points

Leicester City secured an emotional 1-0 win against Cardiff after the ghastly tragedy which shook them to the core last week.

The game commenced in a somber mood as the stadium observed silence to pay respects to the deceased. Demarai Gray grabbed the solitary goal in the second half, which prompted emotional celebrations from the Foxes. The win pushed Leicester into the top half with the hosts finding themselves drop into the bottom three due to results around them.

Leicester secure three points after an emotional week

The observing public cannot fathom what the Leicester City family has gone through this past week. The tragic helicopter crash which killed five people, including owner and chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, has shocked not just fans of Leicester City side but the whole city itself with tributes flooding in all week for the beloved chairman. It naturally shook everyone, as Srivaddhanaprabha was nothing short of a family member at the club and had a huge part in the Foxes’ recent success.

Leicester’s midweek fixture in the Carabao Cup was postponed but they decided to play in Wales today after deciding it would be a fitting way to honour their late chairman. Cardiff offered their support in whatever way they could and the inclusion of a special message in the match day programme was a nice touch from the Welsh side; a certain group of Cardiff supporters even arranged a banner in memory of the Leicester owner showing how football can be united in the event of such upsetting circumstances. It has been a tumultuous week for Claude Puel’s side, but they showed great character to clinch the win in Cardiff.

Despite the circumstances off the pitch, it wasn’t really a game to remember

The win is a hugely significant one for Leicester and they deserve all the credit in the world for it. But in all honesty, the football on the pitch was not too pleasing on the eye. Cardiff attempted to strangulate Leicester and both sides had difficulty in breaching the opposition goal.



The goal was a well-worked one, but aside from that, the quality on display was average at best. With that being said, the game did open up slightly in the closing stages but Cardiff failed to take their chances. Also, the attitude shown by the Foxes had its own beauty, and most neutrals, if not all must have felt good when Gray slotted the winner. It was a remarkable game, just not to a footballing purist.

A solid midfield duo in the making for Leicester

Leicester City lost both N’Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater in recent seasons – the midfield duo who were so influential in their title-winning season. The hierarchy at the King Power had some problems in replacing them, but it seems as though another midfield twosome is taking shape for the Foxes.

Wilfred Ndidi and Nampalys Mendy were brilliant against Cardiff, as they handled an intense and physical side. Both of them are all-action players, capable of doing more than most. Ndidi is very effective on the defensive end, and he is adept at tackling and intercepting the ball. Mendy spent last season on loan at Nice but he has come to the fore this time, partnering with Ndidi well. A diminutive player who mirrors qualities shown by N’Golo Kante.

The Bluebirds continue to struggle 

It was more of the same for Cardiff, which is not good to hear for the Welsh side. Neil Warnock’s side suffered their eighth loss in eleven games, which brings them back into the relegation zone. Newcastle’s home win did not do them any favours as the Magpies leaped above Cardiff dropping them back into the bottom three.

The Bluebirds have just five points this season and the signs are not encouraging. Their attack has been listless, but their heralded defence has failed to deliver as well. After the 4-2 home win over Fulham, it looked as though they might turn a corner, but that turned out to be false hope. Warnock has a huge task on his hands to keep the Bluebirds safe, and sadly for them, they already seem to be clutching at straws in the eyes of many.

Leicester City united in distress

Prior to the game, the whole backroom staff for the Foxes were invited onto the pitch to join with the players as the whole stadium observed silence to pay respects. When Demarai Gray scored the solitary goal, the whole squad celebrated with raw emotion in front of the traveling crowd.



The happenings on Saturday have clearly made a dent in the lives of all associated with Leicester. But the Foxes are united in distress, as the players, coaching staff, backroom staff and the fans look to move on from the horrible tragedy that has engulfed them. Aside from these, many football fans and players alike have stood with them, which is a heartwarming sight to see.

 

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