Leicester City 1-1 Everton: Did you know?published at 18:31 21 September 2024
18:31 21 September 2024
Image source, Getty Images
Leicester City haven't kept a clean sheet in any of their last 16 home games in the Premier League and only once in their history have the Foxes had a longer run of top-flight home games without one (22 in February 1955).
'The point is all we deserved'published at 18:11 21 September 2024
18:11 21 September 2024
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Leicester City boss Steve Cooper has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the draw: "We were nowhere near the level first half, I won't hide away from that. We were deservedly losing the game and we were second best in the fundamentals.
"It was accepted by the players that things had to change at half-time. We had to be better, that was a must for the second half. The boys stuck to the task, got themselves together and didn't go under. Sometimes you can go under and get beaten comfortably in those situations.
"We took the game to Everton in the second half. Yes, they had some counter-attacks because that is what they do, but we got ourselves level with the set piece. We pushed on to get the winner and it didn't quite happen.
"The game could have been better, but it could have been worse. We have to accept that the point is all we deserved today."
On the conditions: "I have never seen anything like it. It was the same for everyone on the pitch and it was probably difficult for the officials as well. There were times where we couldn't see to the far side of the pitch.
"Half-time came at the right time. We had to delay the restart for safety reasons, but the second half was just rain in the end. The first half will take some beating."
On still waiting for their first Premier League win of the season: "Today we got what we deserved, but there are other games where we feel like we should have picked up more points than what we did.
"In general, we feel like there is a lot of good going on in our approach to games, and in our preparation and training, but we have to just try and put it all together.
"This is the first game where we got what we deserved. Every game up to now, we were disappointed that we didn't get more. We have to keep going."
Leicester City 1-1 Everton - send us your thoughtspublished at 17:00 21 September 2024
Sutton's predictions: Leicester v Evertonpublished at 11:19 21 September 2024
11:19 21 September 2024
Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.
For week five, he takes on singer-songwriter and West Ham fan James Smith whose debut album Common People is out now.
Leicester host Everton in a 15:00 BST kick-off on Saturday..
Sutton's prediction: 1-2
This is a huge game for both teams and it is probably safe to say that neither of them will want to go 2-0 up after what happened when they both did it last week - Leicester held by Crystal Palace and Everton losing at Aston Villa.
The Foxes' collapse was not quite as extreme as Everton's against Bournemouth and Villa, but it was still pretty bad.
So, who do I back here? Everton are still without a point and also went out of the Carabao Cup on penalties against Southampton in midweek, but I just have a feeling that this might be the day where their manager Sean Dyche catches a break.
He needs one, that's for sure. Dyche should not be at risk of getting sacked - and I want to make that absolutely clear - but you sense that a fair few of the Everton fans have turned against him now and don't have faith in him anymore.
Another defeat, especially against another side from down the bottom of the table, would not go down well.
Smith's prediction: 1-1
Everton have been absolutely awful but maybe they will play it a bit safer because of what happened to them against Bournemouth and Villa when they were 2-0 up but lost each time.
What is nobody talking about at Leicester?published at 16:01 20 September 2024
16:01 20 September 2024
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We asked for your views on the one thing - good or bad - related to Leicester that nobody else is talking about but should be.
Here are some of your thoughts:
Sam: With the signings of Abdul Fatawu, Bilal El Khannouss and Facundo Buonanotte taking centre stage this summer, the signing of Caleb Okoli went a little under the radar. But, after two great performances against Aston Villa and particularly against Crystal Palace, he may well be the most astute signing - other than Fatawu - that the club made this summer.
Wayne: Why isn't Ricky P playing? Why wasn't Will Alves loaned out? I think Steve Cooper is building a good fighting team, but those high-quality omissions are concerning.
Tim: In some ways, Leicester have made a solid start to their campaign to stay in the Premier League. However, there has been a lack of goals and a tendency to not hold on to winning positions. Do they have the right manager to produce the steely performances necessary to survive this season?
Basil: The squad has lacked resilience and leaders since Christian Fuchs and Wes Morgan left. We got away with it last season but it could cost us again in the Premier League.
James: Since the successful PSR appeal, talk regarding the financial incompetence of the board has all but dissipated. I find this utterly astounding, with the club's hierarchy all but thinking they are off the hook. Their spending on ridiculous contracts and wage bills are one of the key reasons we are in this mess. They must still be held accountable.
'Clever use of the media' by Cooper can create 'siege mentality'published at 10:00 20 September 2024
10:00 20 September 2024
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Former Leicester defender Michael Morrison says Foxes boss Steve Cooper's "clever use of the media" can create a "siege mentality", starting with Saturday's home match against Everton.
The Leicester manager added: "We have seen images that show he [Jean-Phillipe Mateta] clearly was offside, but they froze it at the wrong time - everything seen has been a false image."
Speaking on BBC Radio Leicester's When You're Smiling podcast, Morrison said he feels Cooper is being shrewd with his comments.
"He [Cooper] is trying to tell everybody: 'We met with them, we've shown them, we got the evidence in front of them' and so ask why they are hiding it as such," he said.
"With some of the financial stuff that's going on at the football club with the Premier League as well, some people can feel there is a bit of a witch hunt.
"So, I think he has every right saying those words and I think it will be interesting to see what happens with that. You often see managers get punished but I think he is well within his rights to say it because it is truthful and honest."
Leicester are yet to win since returning to the Premier League but Morrison feels Cooper's words could be helpful in bringing fans and players together.
"It's a really good opportunity to create that siege mentality," he said. "I'm sure he's trying to put that into the players but if you get fans aligned as well then it goes a long way.
"Certainly at home it can make a big difference. It's a clever use of the media."
'A high pressure moment that could steer course of the season'published at 08:06 20 September 2024
08:06 20 September 2024
Owynn Palmer-Atkin BBC Radio Leicester reporter
Image source, PA Media
While Leicester City have only taken two points from a possible 12, the alarm bells should not be sounding yet.
The level of progression from game to game under Steve Cooper has been tangible. The first-half performance against Crystal Palace was the best of the season so far, and it was certainly a far cry from the levels shown in the final pre-season game against Lens, where real concern started to kick in.
Leicester are looking more like a team with an identity every time they play.
However, progression without the return on points can only be accepted for so long. The Foxes are growing more desperately in need of three points to create a foundation in their challenge to survive in the Premier League – and you have to wonder how big a psychological effect conceding so late against Palace would have had.
But this weekend presents the best chance at points so far. A home match against struggling Everton, who are grasping for a win themselves.
Even at this stage so early in the season though, it feels like a high pressure moment that could help to steer the course of the season.
For only a fourth time, Leicester City have failed to win any of their first four Premier League games in a season. On the three previous occasions - in 1994-95, 2003-04 and 2022-23 - they were relegated.
Everton have lost their opening four league matches in a season for just the third time, also doing so in 1926-27 (first five) and 1958-59 (first six).
'Players need to be listened to'published at 08:05 20 September 2024
08:05 20 September 2024
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The issue around the footballing calendar and the demands being placed on players right now is a difficult one.
First, we need to take into consideration the really high demands on the body that go on all-year round with few breaks, especially for international footballers and those in teams competing on multiple fronts.
I know the men's and the women's games are different, but we got exposed to these issues when we went from amateur to professional. There was a lot of loading, a lot of games and the result of that was a higher risk of injury and we have seen a lot of anterior cruciate ligament injuries now in the women's game.
From the fans' side, their point is often that players get paid a lot of money but I think that is irrelevant. That is just the industry players are in and, if you take out the money, they are still human beings.
The governing bodies need to look at who they consult with about changes in the calendar such as World Cups being held in winter and summers where there is just a couple of weeks off before going straight back into it. The changes and fixtures that are put in are there to generate more money, which makes it difficult. As a business, it is about money.
We talk about mental health a lot and you wonder, where is the time to switch off and have that time away from playing? To have that family time which is a deep human need? At some point mentally, if not physically, it will take its toll.
None of us want to see players striking, but players need to be listened to. What do they need to do to make change happen?
Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson
🎧 Steve Cooper wants answerspublished at 07:34 20 September 2024
07:34 20 September 2024
The latest episode of BBC Radio Leicester's When You're Smiling podcast has landed.
Owynn Palmer-Atkin, former Leicester defender Michael Morrison and Foxes fan Tom discuss Steve Cooper's comments on VAR and the 'massive error' against Crystal Palace, plus they look ahead to Saturday's huge game against Everton.
Cooper on VAR's 'false image', Edouard and points 'frustration'published at 15:32 19 September 2024
15:32 19 September 2024
Millie Sian BBC Sport journalist
Leicester City boss Steve Cooper has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Everton (15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
The Premier League has not apologised for the "awful human error" made in last weekend's game against Crystal Palace, which led to Jean-Philippe Mateta's opening goal.
Cooper explained: "We have seen different images that have shown - when they froze the game for the decision of the offside - he was clearly offside. Unfortunately, they froze it at the wrong time and it was deemed to be onside. Everything that has been seen by the media and the KMI panel has been a false image."
The squad will be "the same as last week" with only "a couple of bumps and bruises" after the Crystal Palace trip. He added that the long-term absentees are also "on track and recovering".
He is looking forward to new loan signing Odsonne Edouard being available for selection for the first time: "He adds good experience to the attacking bit of the pitch. He has played mainly as a number nine, but he can also play in slightly different positions. We want options and different profiles in attack - Odsonne is a good example of that."
On the Foxes' start in the Premier League, after picking up two points from their first four games, Cooper said: "We are frustrated that we haven't picked up more points than we have. We felt that we could've got more in each game than we did. So it's a frustration but it's also a motivation."
He believes playing bottom side Everton at home is an opportunity to get more points on the board: "Our focus has been on ourselves and what we can bring, because that is what we can control. It's about continuing with our plan and strategy. We are excited about the game and being at home, after a brilliant training week."
The expectation is that Sean Dyche's side will be "at their best" for the visit, with Cooper highlighting that they have "a lot of good players and a really experienced manager". He anticipates that the game will come with "really difficult challenges".
Jamie Vardy is "still a massive threat" and Cooper believes he has already shown his appetite for goals this season: "He loves training. He loves being involved with the team. He gets excited for matchdays. He is really motivated."
Cooper also praised Vardy for still "delivering" for the Foxes whilst recovering from his pre-season injury.
What is the one thing nobody is talking about but should be?published at 17:11 18 September 2024
17:11 18 September 2024
Leicester are still searching for their first win on their return to the Premier League, but the opening draw with Tottenham and only being denied victory by a last-gasp Crystal Palace equaliser will provide hope picking up points in the quest for top-flight survival.
But when it comes to the Foxes, what is the one thing nobody is talking about but should be - good or bad?
🎧 'I still think it looks offside' published at 11:36 18 September 2024
11:36 18 September 2024
Image source, Getty Images
Former Leicester winger Matt Piper has accepted decisions will go against the Foxes this season.
Speaking on BBC Radio Leicester's When You're Smiling podcast about the controversial VAR review against Crystal Palace, Piper said: "I thought it was offside - like everyone else did. I thought the linesman got it spot on.
"The weird thing was about this situation is that when you see the stills on the TV, it didn't show James Justin, but they were clearly communicating with the referee saying Justin was keeping Mateta onside.
"We didn't see that image and no one else did. The images I've seen today, where you can see Justin in the still, Mateta still looks two yards offside - so it's not great."
The BBC's John Bennett added: "I don't go down the conspiracy route but I agree with Gary Lineker and what he said on Match of the Day. If it is that close, I think you have to stick with the on-field decision.
"Even after studying it, I still think it looks offside."
'Always play your best players'published at 12:32 17 September 2024
12:32 17 September 2024
Kate Blakemore Fan writer
Jamie Vardy did what Jamie Vardy does best with his beautifully taken goal at Selhurst Park. He made light work of his opponent, the apparent £50m+ defender Marc Guehi, with his seemingly timeless pace and superb execution, rounding the keeper with a narrow-angled finish. The celebration wasn't the flying eagle from yesteryear, but a simple smile and 'chit-chat' with the furious home fans. Wonderful. How long will this old dog still be using his old tricks?
Leicester had done the hard work; a 2-0 lead, away at one of the trickier away grounds to navigate. Surely all that was needed was to see it home, right? Not quite. It seems the modus operandi for this was the bane of contention for some fans, fuelled by some divisive tactics from Steve Cooper and an ambiguous VAR intervention (this 'blog' would become a 'novel' if I opened the VAR can of worms).
Cooper's change of tactics around the 70 minute mark to a more defensive set-up, while understandable on one hand, the choice of personnel raised many eyebrows on the other, especially with the exclusion of Ricardo Pereira.
It's a hot topic of conversation, as the player who was the foundation of 'Enzo ball' has yet to feature in any of Cooper's first four league games. He's one of Leicester's best players; good on the ball, versatile and provides attacking and defensive options. It's incredulous that a player who was virtually un-droppable, and often captain, for one manager, appears to be frozen out by another. I do hope that 'Rickie P' isn't a hill Cooper is prepared to die on, as I fear this won't end well, especially, as with any newly promoted team, you have to rely on your quality players to pull you over the line. Always play your best players.
🎧 VAR, VAR awaypublished at 07:48 17 September 2024
07:48 17 September 2024
The latest episode of BBC Radio Leicester's When You're Smiling podcast has landed. Owynn Palmer-Aitkin, John Bennett and former Foxes winger Matt Piper discuss Saturday's draw with Crystal Palace, Steve Cooper's tactics and the video assistant referee.
'Ndidi really put us on the front foot and in behind' - Stowellpublished at 14:24 16 September 2024
14:24 16 September 2024
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Former Leicester City coach Mike Stowell says Wifred Ndidi was his man of the match in the Foxes' draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with the midfielder showing good "discipline and timing" on the ball.
Speaking on BBC Radio Leicester's When You're Smiling podcast, Stowell praised the Nigeria international: "I have always known Wilf as a number six because of his defensive attributes.
"But he is also dogged and will go all day long and put his body on the line. He is very clever with his challenges and those long legs of his just give him range.
"His discipline and timing of things with Jamie Vardy was brilliant. Vardy was orchestrating and pointing [to where he wanted to receive the ball]. Wilf was just doing Vards' running for him because Vards is clever enough to tell him when to go and run to press a ball.
"He won the ball back so many times against Palace, which really put us on the front foot and in behind. So, without a shadow of a doubt, he was man of the match.
"I did say my concerns for him, which would have been being discussed down there [by the coaches], around his tiredness and being on a yellow card. So the question is: do you take him off or do you not?
"There were some big choices and calls to make from Steve Cooper, as the manager. Wilf might have been tired but him coming off was a big turning point for me."
A familiar poor startpublished at 10:46 16 September 2024
10:46 16 September 2024
Chris Collinson BBC Sport statistician
Leicester were close to a win against Crystal Palace and Ipswich have had a really tough start, but this is the second-worst start a promoted trio have made to a Premier League season in terms of points, with only last season worse.
This is also the fourth time in the last five seasons that the promoted sides have failed to reach double figures between them.
That only happened six times in the previous 26 seasons where three sides were promoted.