The Foxes fired three past Huddersfield Town as David Wagner’s side sunk to the bottom of the Premier League table.
It’s fair to say coming into this fixture it wasn’t predicted to be a blockbuster, however, seeing as both teams were coming off the back of embarrassing defeats it made for a ferocious spectacle.
The opening encounters were dominated by the home side. From the centre of the park it was the Ndidi and Mendy partnership that was in control, keeping possession. Claude Puel had been under some scrutiny recently and his decision to start Ghezzal over Mark Albrihgton won’t have helped. The Englishman was used as an impact substitute last week against the Cherries as he came off the bench to score.
Despite the first few minutes being controlled by Leicester, first blood went to the Terriers. A long throw in from Philip Billing created chaos in the Leicester City six yard box. The first flick came off Depoitre, sending the ball bobbling around in front of Kasper Schmeichel, before Jorgensen stuck out a toe out and poked it home; Mathias Jorgensen’s first goal for the Terriers.
From a Leicester perspective it was a shocking goal to concede, all down to some appalling defending, allowing Huddersfield to celebrate their just third goal of the season.
The first 15 minutes for Huddersfield had been an ideal start. Having just scored, David Wanger’s side sat in and screened the home side, blocking and chasing loose balls. The Terriers formation was flat; the four at the back, protected by a bank of five midfielders allowed them to sit off, keeping the ball in front of them. A controversial style of play, deemed by many as a boring one and one which is associated with the Championship, where Huddersfield could soon be heading.
The goal certainly triggered a response as Kelechi Iheanacho grabbed the equaliser 21 mins into the first half. Leicester broke quickly through James Maddison, who slipped an inch-perfect ball down the middle to Jamie Vardy, creating a two-on-one situation for the attackers. Vardy slipped the ball to his left, into the path of Iheanacho and he coolly slotted it into the corner past Lossl.
A goal which could of easily been avoided by the visitors. Aaron Mooy tried to bring ball down and was robbed by three Leicester players who pounced on him, and broke with vengeance to score.
Minutes later and Jamie Vardy should have doubled their lead. A set-piece from the Puel textbook as James Maddison chipped the ball over the top of the wall, Jamie Vardy only had to touch it either side of the keeper. Instead, he dragged the volley wide and grimaced in frustration. He knew that was a sitter.
The goals sparked the game into life. Huddersfield were sent on the counter, the ball fell to Laurent Depoitre on the edge of the area, but he dragged his shot wide. In the build up, the ball blatantly caught the hand of Aaron Mooy and was ignored by the referee, a decision which induced more encouragement and ferocity from the crowd.
The second half epitomised Huddersfield’s start to this season; missed chances and poor defensive displays. It only took until the 66th minute before the home side climbed back in front. A needless foul by Mendy thirty yards out produced a magnificent Maddison free-kick which put the hosts in front. His effort rose over the wall and was destined for the top left corner past the outstretched hand of Lossl.
The Englishman is off to a flying start in the Premier League, having a total of three goals and an assist to his name he is beginning to fill the Riyad Mahrez void from the summer.
Leicester’s second half pressure paid off and created the goal which tied up the match. Jamie Vardy, who has only scored once this season, put his seal on the game. Following a through ball from Kelechi Iheanacho, Vardy slotted home making it 3-1 to the hosts.
Despite their thrashing last week, the Foxes fought well against the Terriers, in a game which had 26 fouls. Huddersfield however, following another poor performance, are back at the bottom.
James Maddison shines
The 21 year old Englishman, signed for just 24 million from Norwich in the summer, and has hit the ground running in the top flight. Having now scored in back to back matches, he seems to be combining well with fellow Englishman Vardy, and will be hoping to catch the eye of the England boss Gareth Southgate. Maddison’s role in team is similar to Riyad Mahrez who left for City in the summer. Both players manage to find the pockets of space in midfield and drive offensively at the opposition, not to mention that they both have wonderful strikes on them, as displayed today with Maddison’s magical free kick and Mahrez’s brace for City.
Huddersfield in big trouble
Once again, the Terriers lose. The worrying thing is there doesn’t seem to be any improvements from them. Six games gone and they are still yet to actually win a game in the league. Last season they were resolute at the back, and created just enough chances going forward. Similarly this season they are struggling offensively but it looks like others teams have worked them out, knowing how to counter their flat style of play. Their fixtures don’t get any easier, coming up against Spurs and Liverpool in their next three.
Claude Puel on the ropes?
Before the game today, there was a lot of speculation on Puel’s position. Obviously there would be following last weeks antics on the south coast as his side were dismantled 4-2. Many of the fans were calling for Albrighton to start, as he was so influential last week, but Puel chose Ghazzel. Leicester are not doing that bad. Having played six they have won three and lost three, including Liverpool and United along the way. With promising fixtures and after a display like that today, Puel shouldn’t be going anytime soon.
