Leicester should have won it, we've ridden our luck again today. Sooner or later it's going to run out.

A seesaw match as seems to be the pattern recently.

James crossing in the first half with a better striker would have put us two up. 

In the first we were generally better than Leicester though could not finish our chances though at times it was pretty desperate not losing possession as Leicester closed us down. Both James and CHO did well to keep possession in defensive area of midfield and keep us moving forwards. Both CHO and Kante did well at times and poor at others by losing the ball. Pedro linked up well on the left in the first. Despite us playing better in the first Leicester seemed to close us down better than we closed them down.

Second. 

Rudiger gets us off to a great start and they equalise thanks to a deflected goal, not much you can say about that as it had a slice of fortune about it. We kept going yet felt from then on we struggled to put more than three passes together as Leicester upped the place. Felt both Jorgy's yellow and Kovacic's yellows were cleverly done and may have stopped goal scoring opportunities.

Caballero made a bad mistake for their second running our wide and not getting there. He got back into position yet did not have his legs right to save it. I seem to remember in his earlier career he was prone to the odd error of misjudgment like this.

As Leicester with increased the tempo and threatened to really open us up, Frank seemed to struggle to know what subs to being on. For me this took five minutes longer than it really ought to have done. Fortunately Rudiger saved us again with a magnificent header though why Leicester put a short player to mark him beats me. Willian and Kovacic gave us more energy box to box though most of it was used defensively.

The Barkley sub didn't add much for me.

Lot of instances where we could have been better for me:

• Willian breaks down the Left yet Azpi plays it back inside and chance gone.
• Jorgy plays it through the line towards Tammy, Tammy watches it but doe not move and it gets intercepted.
• Barkley has three players trying to get the ball off him and no one goes to help him.

Not sure if this is lack of intelligence or just fatigue. If fatigue, Leicester played midweek..........

CFC fans support was good.

A point won rather than two lost at the end of 90 mins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 minutes ago, fitz said:

Leicester should have won it, we've ridden our luck again today. Sooner or later it's going to run out.

Have I missed us getting lucky recently?

I don't know if Frank has mentioned this in training or in the dressing room but...

If our forwards would like to score a goal sometime this year that'd be super helpful. Thank you!

Just thought it might be worth noting this down in case of some of them happen to read this and wonder what to do on a Saturday.

Does anyone else think we should go back to a back three ?

It would protect James and give him a little more freedom with Azpi by his side and maybe put Alonso on the left, he can actually score goals and deliver some good crosses from time to time.

A midfield of Kovacic/Kanté or Jorginho where the three of them can rotate (i dont wanna see Barkley anymore).

Since our wingers dont produce much maybe if they play off Abraham/Giroud up top and play more in a central role they can get more shots on goal or just to have more bodies in the box to get on James crosses.

 

Just back from king power, what did you lot think ? i thought we bossed first 25 mins and had a couple of chances, Odi looked good in that period.

After the first 25 it became more an end to end game, but we still had the majority of the ball, they had the best chance to win it, and we could of won it ourselves with (the usual story) better finishing.

Did Tammy get fouled when VAR looked at the penalty shout ?

Highlight of the game was the message Frank sent to the board when he subbed Tammy for Barkley, me and the grandson chuckled at that one.

The support as always fully 100% behind Frank and making themselves heard.

 

21 minutes ago, Stim said:

Have I missed us getting lucky recently?

I thought we were lucky to get a point against Brighton, v. poor in the second half that match. Arsenal could have won that match even after they went down to 10, and then today Leicester should have won. Most of our bad luck seems to be self inflicted.

44 minutes ago, fitz said:

Leicester should have won it, we've ridden our luck again today. Sooner or later it's going to run out.

Ridden our luck again?

Last three league games before today we conceded from the only serious chances that we allowed, how is that lucky?

A decent point in the end.

A game we could of won in the 1st half and a game we could of lost in the 2nd.

Need to win at least 1 of the games against Man Utd & Spurs as at this stage of the season every win gets us closer to the top 4 as the chasing pack run out of games.

10 out of 10 for the pies Leicester city. Why cant we have proper nosh in the concourses ?

15 minutes ago, coco said:

Just back from king power, what did you lot think ? i thought we bossed first 25 mins and had a couple of chances, Odi looked good in that period.

After the first 25 it became more an end to end game, but we still had the majority of the ball, they had the best chance to win it, and we could of won it ourselves with (the usual story) better finishing.

Did Tammy get fouled when VAR looked at the penalty shout ?

Highlight of the game was the message Frank sent to the board when he subbed Tammy for Barkley, me and the grandson chuckled at that one.

The support as always fully 100% behind Frank and making themselves heard.

 

Might have been touched but definitely not clear, so correct decision IMO.

18 minutes ago, fitz said:

I thought we were lucky to get a point against Brighton, v. poor in the second half that match. Arsenal could have won that match even after they went down to 10, and then today Leicester should have won. Most of our bad luck seems to be self inflicted.

And those teams we were lucky we didn't take our own good chances 

That's how luck works isn't it? Lol

Our goal difference compared to the teams above is crazy, it's clear we just don't have much of a threat at all.

39 minutes ago, coco said:

Did Tammy get fouled when VAR looked at the penalty shout ?

No, never a penalty for me. 

Too lazy to browse through the whole thread so I'll just say it. The most incredible thing's happened today.

Chelsea centerback scored a goal. Twice. With his head. 

And here I was thinking that Reese James' crossing was the only Chelsea miracle I'm going to witness this season.

I Feel sorry for Frank in some ways. He was brought in to get the fans onside, also a lot of established managers might have swerved the appointment due to the transfer ban.

All the effort to overturn the ban looks a waste of time with the vibes coming from the club. We will see what happens in the summer window.

The last thing that is apparent looking at match threads, not one player has a majority vote of being a starter let alone any being 100%!! Then people blame Frank for selection and missing top 4 when they don’t think the squad is good enough.

1 hour ago, coco said:

Just back from king power, what did you lot think ? i thought we bossed first 25 mins and had a couple of chances, Odi looked good in that period.

After the first 25 it became more an end to end game, but we still had the majority of the ball, they had the best chance to win it, and we could of won it ourselves with (the usual story) better finishing.

Did Tammy get fouled when VAR looked at the penalty shout ?

Highlight of the game was the message Frank sent to the board when he subbed Tammy for Barkley, me and the grandson chuckled at that one.

The support as always fully 100% behind Frank and making themselves heard.

 

Very much my feelings coming from the game too. We should have been 1 up before half time. Second half was a good performance from both teams. I’m happy with the point, though need to be more clinical, and from what I talked to Leicester fans they also think a draw was fair.

There are weaknesses in our squad but the real weakness right now is the manager. We are so open. We can't keep a clean sheet to save our lives. It's 1 in every 6 games I think, which is comical. Coaching. Jorginho is the holding midfielder, which only works if every single player in the team presses, and presses hard, and remains compact at all times. It has to be like clockwork, engrained into the team. Then there's movement, and options on the ball, so that when he receives it every player knows where to go. This just isn't happening. We play a far more open, a far less structured style under Frank, which is fine, but Jorginho is completely the wrong guy. He's not a holding midfielder to save his life. You need a real tactical mind to use Jorginho, otherwise his limitations come to the fore. Our defence had no protection. Zero. There was space behind Jorginho all day long, in front of our defence, and Leicester were finding it. They were by far the more cohesive side, especially after our initial spell. Second-half, from open play, there's only one side that looked like scoring, again and again. That has f**k all to do with the transfer window, and the sooner Frank realises the better.

 

Some people don't want to hear it, because they love Frank, as I do, but right now we're on a run of 15 points from 13 games, and more than anything, the reason for that is the coaching. I don't care about top four this season, it isn't a big deal for me, I'm happy Frank's here I'm happy he's playing the kids I'm sure he'll get the chance to shape the squad more in his image in the summer, but people pointing the finger at the board or the players should be really focusing on the manager.

 

Second-half Leicester were immeasurably superior to us, they were finding those pockets of space in front of our defence, they were creating chances and we weren't. Frank did nothing to change it. We went ahead from a corner as soon as the second-half started, after which they took control and deservedly went 2-1 up. We could see it coming but Frank did nothing. We scored from a corner again, at which point Frank made changes, but they had missed a few gilt-edged chances.

 

Some of you will think this is harsh, but the game lasts 90 minutes. Sure, we missed a few chances early doors, but the game goes on, Leicester get a foothold and but for two goals from set-pieces we're losing that game, very easily, and then a lot of you would be being harsher. Over the course of the game we were second best, and that has nothing to do with personnel, and everything to do with coaching.

 

Lastly, Kepa. He's been poor this season, undoubtedly, but nobody has ever mentioned the role Frank may have had in this. Kepa last season was pretty good. He had a very encouraging season, generally, although there is obviously a problem in claiming crosses. He was excellent with his feet, and Sarri wanted a keeper that could play, to fit his style, and that gave Kepa confidence, because there was a strategy, because Sarri's a very meticulous manager, every time Kepa had the ball at his feet the defenders and the midfielders knew exactly where to go, so that Kepa had options, and he didn't have to think. It was drilled into them in typical Italian style, until it's on auto-pilot. As a result, Kepa was calm, cool, composed, and oozed confidence. I'm not letting him off this season, as his primary job is to stop goals and he hasn't been doing that, but a lot of that calmness and serenity at the back has left us. We're shipping way more goals than last season, and Derby shipped a lot of goals last season. We're playing out from the back but not in a structured way, and we're not pressing from the front as a team, and I think that's impacted the whole team including the keeper. A lot of you will scoff at that and so be it, but that's my theory, It's not all to do with how we play, I'm saying it's played a part, however small, and it's got into his head, and maybe the manager can help him out more. He's a good keeper, from what I saw last season. We'll be getting rid in the summer, maybe for somebody who's more suited for us. Which brings me to this.......

 

What are we? As a team? Does anybody know? We're a bit of a muddle. We're half one thing and half another. That's okay, we're a work in progress, and I like managers that let their players play, but if you're going to let your players play, play your best players. Kovacic has to be in that midfield, ahead of both Jorginho and Kante. Kante's another one, does Frank really know how to use him properly? All these questions are far more important than who we might have signed as a back-up striker. What are we? Who are we? Is there a method? These are the questions I want answered as Frank's tenure at the club ensues. People talk about planning with the board. What about planning on the pitch? This is what I'd really like to see some more of, and I'm hopeful we will as Frank grows into the job. I think the kids could do with a bit more method. Right now it all looks a little bit higgledy-piggledy to me.

It’s either Barkley starts or he isn’t on the bench. Gilmour is better in a cameo’s from the bench. Barkley is a player that needs about 30 mins to warm up into a game. No point using him as a sub. Either start him or leave him out of the 18.

Set pieces bailed us out. 2nd half was pretty poor but not bad considering we had many passengers. Tammy clearly not fit and was slipping like he was on a skating ring

The more I watch Mount the more I think he is a wide player. He doesn’t have the natural CM sense. He should be be used in the front 3. 

CHO started brightly especially in the 1st half. 2nd half he faded. I have been impressed with CHO since he came back into the squad. He looks more confident and is growing into that role. He also gives James more space. Many wont give him praise and always go back to his wages but he has stepped in well for Pulisic. 

Good saves by Cabby. Odd decision for him to chase that ball but he wouldn’t have saved Chilwell shot anyway. Felt he came out and claimed about 3 crosses very well in that game. Its the small things like that which can make a difference. 

Christensen was woeful and is just too SOFT for the premiership. Ok he is comfortable on the ball and can pass it but he is easily bullied for a premier league defender would love to see a Tomori and Rudiger partnership.

Fantastic support today, plastic fans my arse. Was an absolute privilege to be part of that support. We gained a useful point today against a useful team. We showed a lot of spirit today and I must confess that when we went 2.1 down I feared the worse. I understand people being critical but Frank is still learning, as is this team and we are still fourth. KTBFFH.

25 minutes ago, The Don Antonio said:

I would love to see a Tomori and Rudiger partnership.

In a 4 at the back with two central defenders, that's the only possible combination of two from our four CBs that hasn't been tried this season, which is bizarre as it has the potential to be the best one !

 

46 minutes ago, The Don Antonio said:

would love to see a Tomori and Rudiger partnership.

Not a bad day, 1 point away from a v good side. We are sort of lucky with the teams around us helping us out the, manc drawing with Wolves helped.

37 minutes ago, Davey Baby said:

 

Lastly, Kepa. He's been poor this season, undoubtedly, but nobody has ever mentioned the role Frank may have had in this. Kepa last season was pretty good. He had a very encouraging season, generally, although there is obviously a problem in claiming crosses. He was excellent with his feet, and Sarri wanted a keeper that could play, to fit his style, and that gave Kepa confidence, because there was a strategy, because Sarri's a very meticulous manager, every time Kepa had the ball at his feet the defenders and the midfielders knew exactly where to go, so that Kepa had options, and he didn't have to think. It was drilled into them in typical Italian style, until it's on auto-pilot. As a result, Kepa was calm, cool, composed, and oozed confidence. I'm not letting him off this season, as his primary job is to stop goals and he hasn't been doing that, but a lot of that calmness and serenity at the back has left us. We're shipping way more goals than last season, and Derby shipped a lot of goals last season. We're playing out from the back but not in a structured way, and we're not pressing from the front as a team, and I think that's impacted the whole team including the keeper. A lot of you will scoff at that and so be it, but that's my theory, It's not all to do with how we play, I'm saying it's played a part, however small, and it's got into his head, and maybe the manager can help him out more. He's a good keeper, from what I saw last season. We'll be getting rid in the summer, maybe for somebody who's more suited for us. Which brings me to this.......

 

 

I agree with some of your points Davey but this?!!!

Surely only Kepa's Mum, Dad or Agent could use Lamps as the reason he is so pony! 

It has become a bit frustrating of late after a decent start to the season. But we always knew this season would be tricky and expectations were low so I  still feel we are ahead of schedule. But you're right, although at times we play some good stuff, we also look all over the place - always look likely to concede goals and not troubling the opposition keepers anything like enough. I do want us to finish top 4 as I think Lamps and the team will be judged by that and I think a top 4 finish would be a good achievement. If we can also knock the dippers out the FA Cup and maybe get to Wembley that would be a bonus and a good season. But onto next season............

We have a good nucleus of a squad (bar the keepers) - maybe some are still too young to be involved next season but I'll list the ones I would be happy to be involved

James, Tomori, Rudiger, Christensen, Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic, Gilmour, Ampadu, Loftus-Cheek, Mount, Pulicic, Hudson-Odoi, Abraham.

Would probably keep Azpi, but the days of him being a regular starter are over. My wishes would be:

Replacement No.1 for Kepa. Have no faith in him - he ISN'T a Top Keeper. Also get a reliable No.2 - someone happy to sit on bench majority of the time but younger than Willy.

Sign a quality centre back, quality left back and spend whatever we have to to get Werner from Leipzig. One more wide player (Sancho?) and I'd be happy for our third striker to be academy player Broja.

Would let go both keepers, Alonso, Zouma (maybe Christensen too if we get a good CB), Emerson, Barkley, Pedro, Willian, Giroud, Batshuayi and all of the forgotten men out on loan.

I think we're on the right track but we must kick-on and this summer will be a crunch time freshen the squad and make some real, QUALITY signings. The club cannot afford to f**k up and get this wrong.