Leicester City's horror run
BY Abreshmina S Quadri18 Feb 2017 3:20 PM GMT
Abreshmina S Quadri18 Feb 2017 3:20 PM GMT
Leicester City became the unimaginable, unexpected Premier League champions last season and just like them lifting the trophy was unprecedented, few expected them to defend the coveted title but surely, none expected them to be staring at relegation.
Leicester is currently sitting at the 17th spot in the league table with only 21 points from 25 games — only a point above the relegation zone. Going by the situation, Leicester is in if they don't better themselves, they will be only the second defending champions in the Premier League history to be relegated after Manchester City in 1938.
After a brilliant run last season where Leicester won the league by a 10-point difference, it's very disturbing to find Leicester in such a spot of bother and one can't help but think of the reasons that have made Leicester so poor.
Kante-shaped hole
The biggest difference for Leicester this season is the absence of N'Golo Kante. Kante moved to Chelsea and well, Chelsea players are league leaders and almost definitely the champions this season.
The statistics aren't just coincidences. Kante is undoubtedly Premier League's best midfielder. The Frenchman is an extremely intelligent midfielder who's equally breathtaking with his defensive skills.
Kante made timely interceptions and tackles, something that Leicester squad is lacking at the moment. At Leicester, Kante used to cover the defensive line and ran right at the players snatching possession, averting danger. Daniel Amartey — Kante's current replacement — isn't anywhere near to match his skill.
Opposition's changed tactics
Last season, Leicester relied on their counter-attacking abilities with the pace of Kante, Mahrez, Vardy and Okazaki. Leicester used to let their opponents have the ball for most times and sit back and defend only to be able to find holes and make the best of it.
On the contrary, this season, their opponents have their plans changed. The teams let Leicester have the possession which forces the Foxes to play short passes in order to go forward, something that they aren't very comfortable with.
This has affected Leicester's game plan and Claudio Ranieri hasn't been able to find a definite and effective solution to it yet!
Closing down Mahrez
One of the biggest reasons for Leicester success last season was the link-up play between Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy. In a team of reactors, Mahrez is the only one who one can call close to a playmaker and it was his dynamic play on the field that brought the goals for Leicester.
Ranieri recently mentioned: "The opponent is very, very careful when he (Mahrez) receives the ball, three opponents are always close to him," and this is exactly what is disrupting Leicester's play.
Usually, when the opponents block or surround a particular player, spaces open up on the other side but Leicester is an extremely one-dimensional team, they just don't know another way to get the ball up front. Hence, with Mahrez closed down, Leicester's attack shut shop.
Tinkering
Claudio Ranieri has seemingly played a lot with formations and players this season. With additions to the squads and more games to be played (Champions League in addition to the England tournaments), Ranieri has attempted to shuffle the team and rest some players while give playing time to others.
Last season, the FIFA coach of the year had no extra competitions to deal with and fielded a settled side in a consistent 4-4-2 formation that worked wonders for the team.
With no consistent style of play and set-up, the Foxes have lost their identity and have not been able to find a balance.
Leicester horror season is validated by the statistics that Leicester have gone 94 minutes without scoring a goal after 25 games compared to 48 minutes last season.
The defending champions are clearly not defending the title anymore but now for them, it's about defending their place in the top division football. Leicester will soon have to find a way through their tempest or they would be creating another history — joining Manchester City back in 1938.
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