The Fox Report - “A lot of hurt people in the dressing room” after 4-0 embarrassing home loss to Oxford United

Martin Speaks After Foxes Hunted by Oxford's Students

Russell Martin faced Leicester’s media team after a totally embarrassing roll over to Oxford United at home on Saturday. He said his side “were so soft today” and that “we “concede poor goals,” “lack of fight in duels” and “the energy was a big problem.”

The Manager's reaction to #LEIOXU 💬

🔗 https://t.co/qnqh8jXMcW pic.twitter.com/6pof9Xlhlc

— Leicester City (@LCFC) September 6, 2026

Martin blamed those issues for the loss and the fact that a few players were playing their 3rd game of the week, although I see the reason for the loss being poor defensive positioning, a basic element of the game and a lack of grit and strength when going toe to toe with opposition attackers.

Oxford United faced Leicester in the Championship last season and that was an issue felt then also. Martin continued, “I apologise to everyone, the staff, they don’t deserve that, the fans,” and with some Leicester fans calling for his job, his days may well and truly be numbered. I don’t see a world where Martin will lose his job as the club look for a new ownership and sacking Russell Martin would be a costly task.

Emil Riis and Kamari Doyle made their debuts for the club after signing on deadline day.

A first outing in Leicester blue 🔷#LEIOXU pic.twitter.com/BGbUolGshd

— Leicester City (@LCFC) September 5, 2026

First Half Review

Oxford found themselves ahead after just 8 minutes with a scrappy finish from Mark Harris, a cross from Mo Missanga that was neatly converted. Luke Thomas should’ve swung for it or committed to try block the low cross and Harry Souttar is caught not goal side, and Alex McCarthy needs to smother Harris.

Harry Souttar was seen carrying the ball into the midfield area, something he has been able to do a few times recently, Emil Riis has a good header saved after an excellent whipped cross from the talented Will Alves.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s run of poor finishing continued as he hit the side netting in a promising chance to level the game. With Jayden Joseph finding a shooting opportunity, testing Simon Eastwood in the Oxford net twice.

Joseph also late on found Emil Riis with a superb cross, his positioning was good but couldn’t test the keeper.

Second Half Review

It only took 12 minutes into the second half for Oxford to find their second.

A testing through ball found Kai Andrews who muscled away Jayden Joseph, the resulting ball takes Luke Thomas out of the game as Mo Missanga cuts inside evading Thomas’ tackle and wrong-footing McCarthy. Harry Souttar was nowhere to be seen, way too high for his speed to track back and game over.

United’s lead was then extended 3 minutes later, Mark Harris, catching Thomas on the wrong foot, Souttar doesn’t press quickly enough, and McCarthy couldn’t reach Harris’ strike low to his right-hand side and within the hour, Oxford took all 3 points with 3 defensively poor chances taken.

With Jamie McDonell completing the dismantling of the Leicester defence with Oxford’s 4th goal in the 77th minute. Both centre halves had sloppy performances and can be to blame for every goal.

Leicester now faces Stockport on Saturday, who sit in third. City sits in 18th with 5 points and only 1 win in 5.

A defeat at home.#LEIOXU | @BCGame pic.twitter.com/cwd34y6oW3

— Leicester City (@LCFC) September 5, 2026

Player Ratings

Alex McCarthy – 3/10: No Presence from set pieces, looks poor passing wise and needs to do better getting down low, huge blow to lose Stolarczyk for the season.

Jayden Joseph – 5/10: Had a few attacking chances but was out strengthened for Oxford’s first goal.

Harry Souttar – 4/10: Poor positioning for almost every goal conceded.

Luke Thomas – 4/10: Again, with Souttar, to blame for almost every goal.

Christian McFarlane – 5/10: Best of a bad bunch defensively.

Louis Page – 5.5/10: Head always up but lost possession a fair few times.

Will Alves – 6.5/10: Probably our best player on the pitch, created a lot with his skilful dribbling.

Wes Burns – 5/10: Never seems to have any return for his running.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid – 4.5/10: Most of our attacking players could’ve converted his chances.

Sammy Braybrooke – 6/10: Covers a lot of ground, creates a fair bit, sometimes a scapegoat as loses the ball trying to create.

Emil Riis- 6.5/10: Had a few decent chances, looks to be our best number 9.

Kamari Doyle – 5.5/10: Didn’t have a tonne of the ball, passing range looked decent, decent free kick chance not taken.

Tommy Watson – 5/10: Missed a few decent chances.

Harry Howell – 5/10: A lot of possession lost and so one footed that he will be found out.

Olabade Aluko – 5.5/10: Hardworking and unlucky not to start.

Admir Bristric – 5/10: Just not sticking for him yet, hopefully a goal soon to boost his confidence.