The Fox Report - Formidable Foxes Fall Short at Stadium MK

The Foxes went into this match sat in 18th. Russell Martin’s lineup announcement had mixed reactions, mainly to Bobby De Cordova-Reid starting ahead of Admir Bristric.

It was Leicester’s first match at Stadium MK in the league since 2008 and City looked to gain their first win of the season.

Leicester had 76% possession, a common theme with Martin’s sides. They completed 24 shots, 7 of which that hit the target, attempting 643 passes with 89% completion, all improvements from the game on Tuesday against Ipswich Town.

First Half Review

Leicester came out strong, they passed well from the back, looking a lot more confident than recent weeks.

Harry Souttar started on the right-hand side of the two centre halves, on his favoured right foot. Both Centre Backs passed well in the first half, constantly looking to split lines.

Jakub Stolacrzyk was caught out of his box as he looked to sweep up a high through ball, he was intercepted and Leicester were lucky not to concede early on.

In a similar chance, Bobby De Cordova-Reid was put through 1-on-1 against MK’s goalkeeper, as he lifted a shot over the goalkeeper, dragging his shot wide of the target. He looked far from it, warranting the questions of his start.

Conor Chaplin went down after 35 minutes and couldn’t continue, Martin replaced Chaplin with Admir Bristric.

Admir forced Reid into the 10, which made the team a lot more rounded. As Admir was making more direct runs and spreading the defence.

Jayden Joseph forced another save from MK Don’s goalkeeper as he looked to score his second of the campaign.

Second Half Review

The second half continued as the first ended, with Leicester City peppering MK Dons’ goal. Since the Ipswich performance midweek, progressive play has improved. The team seems to attack with more energy and urgency.

Over the second half, Leicester had numerous shots smothered or deflected wide, earning corners. As their barrage continued.

Sammy Braybrooke tested Craig MacGillivray with a shot that was magnificently saved. Going on to hit the post only a few minutes after.

Over the second 45, MK Dons rarely ventured out of their own half, looking as if they were holding onto a draw opposed to going for the win.

Jayden Joseph was set up around 20 yards out, he strook the bouncing ball, smashing the crossbar. That was the closest chance all game until that point.

Late in the game, Liam Cullen had a clean chance from around 5 yards out. He didn’t test the keeper as it was blocked by an MK Dons defender, that took the sting out of the shot. Allowing the goalkeeper to calmly collect and gain Milton Keynes a point.

Player Ratings

Jakub Stolarczyk – 7/10: Solid defensively, looked comfortable on the ball, distribution was on point.

Jayden Joseph – 7.5/10: Carried the ball forwards well, hit the crossbar and looked most likely to score.

Harry Souttar – 7.5/10: A lot more comfortable on the right-hand side, favoured his stronger foot, broke lines with his passes and looked strong against their strikers.

Luke Thomas – 8/10 (MOTM): So much better centrally, passed well, blocked two low crosses sliding in, all round great performance.

Christian McFarlane – 7/10: Physically dominating, quick and switched on, played well in their final third.

Sammy Braybrooke – 7.5/10: Another good performance from the youth prospect, always with his head up, looking to attack.

Conor Chaplin – 4/10: Saw very little of him, probably unfair to give him such a low score.

Louis Page – 7/10: Always passed forwards, set piece delivery was very good.

Tommy Watson – 6.5/10: Not his best performance, unlucky not to get an assist.

Wes Burns – 6.5/10: A lot of backwards passing and negative play, he’s a lot better when allowed to cross into the box.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid – 4/10: Missed the clearest chance of the game, has to hit the target and has to be benched against Plymouth.

Admir Bristric – 7.5/10: The team plays better with him in it, drops deep to create space for internal wingers.

Will Alves – 7.5/10: Made an impact when he was brought on, has likely earnt a start.

Harry Howell – 7/10: Always runs at his man, always cuts inside but often effective, very one footed.

Liam Cullen – 4/10: Has to score late on in the game, poor performance, which is becoming a reoccurrence.