The Fox Report - Martin’s Foxes crumble again against Barnsley, although “None of it matters as we don’t win”

Leicester Crumble Against Barnsley - Report and Ratings

When speaking to the clubs’ media team, Russell Martin spoke about his “disappointment” something he quoted 8 times in the 3-minute interview.

His Leicester City side saw themselves ahead after just 7 minutes, with his side having “the chance to go two, three, four, up.”

Martin felt as if his side had “better chances today, miles better [than at Stockport,]”

and that it was “Not normal to have 50 odd touches in the box away from home,”

as his side was dominant for most of the game, whilst not managing to convert a second and take all three points away from Oakwell.

Russell Martin’s #BARLEI verdict 💬

🎥 https://t.co/dRErxg1FVH pic.twitter.com/6XpI8WaV2N

— Leicester City (@LCFC) September 20, 2026

First Half Review

Olabade Aluko started the half spectacularly, overlapping from his right back position, create numerous chances early on.

Although the first clear chance fell at Reyes Cleary’s feet, with a low shot testing Alex McCarthy, the veteran goalkeeper blocking the shot with his shins only a few minutes into the game.

Luke Thomas progressed quickly getting onto a ball, just short of the byline, with a crossed pass, finding Liam Cullen who couldn’t miss, slotting the first of the game in the 7th minute.

Liam Cullen finds the net in #BARLEI, his second in as many games for us ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/4QVbsKWIvE

— Leicester City (@LCFC) September 19, 2026

Will Alves, as always, carried the ball toward goal at every opportunity in the first half, being the main playmaker of the Leicester side. With fellow academy graduate, Sammy Braybrooke having a shot cleared a few yards off the goal line.

Alves also tested the goalkeeper just dragging a shot wide, Braybrooke took the whole backline out of the game with one pass, although Alves didn’t look ready to get on the end of his line splitting pass.

Emil Riis had another massive chance smothered by the Barnsley goalkeeper after Alves found him through on goal, Braybrooke continued the onslaught of the Barnsley goal, having a headed chance parried away from the bottom left-hand corner.

Barnsley looked out of the game when Luca Connell was sent off for a rash challenge on Luke Thomas, the sending off had mixed receptions from the fans inside Oakwell, although Thomas was subject to heavy booing after from the Barnsley faithful.

In my opinion, it was a strong challenge that was asking for a red card, I’ve seen yellows be given for it but flying in like that is asking to be sent off.

Second Half Review

Liam Cullen was unlucky not to convert his second early in the second half. Although he needs to put his foot through chances as he has had numerous soft hit chances that really could test the goalkeeper.

Russell Martin post-match said that Liam Cullen’s “move for the goal is outstanding,” but “he’s Frustrated he didn’t take another chance.”

Warren O’Hora was solely at fault for Barnsley’s equaliser as a poor passing attempt out from the back was intercepted and Reyes Clearly converted his chance, making the game level in the 61st minute.

An ariel view of Reyes Cleary’s goal vs Leicester City on Saturday 👏 #BarnsleyFC #LCFC #LeicesterCity pic.twitter.com/gudWHz4lBD

— AllAboutLeagueOne (@LeagueOne25) September 21, 2026

John Lundstram also had a clear chance if only for his heavy touch taking the ball away from his grasp, he found himself 1-on-1 with Rogan Ravenhill in the Barnsley net, although touching the ball straight into Ravenhill’s path.

Tommy Watson also had three or four massive chances in his 30-minute cameo, greedily choosing to shoot over finding an open teammate.

McCarthy saved at least one point for the Foxes as Patrick Kelly saw his high shot, tipped over the Leicester crossbar.

On the final whistle, there were numerous boos and fans calling for Martin’s job, criticising his decisions and football style. Before the international break, Leicester City face Fulham’s Under 21s in the Vertu Trophy.

A point at Oakwell 🔵#BARLEI | @BCGame pic.twitter.com/xRi75YziKk

— Leicester City (@LCFC) September 19, 2026

Player Ratings

Alex McCarthy – 6/10: Realistically won us 2 points, couldn’t have done much for the goal and two massive saves.

Olabade Aluko – 6/10: Not awful and better going forward.

Warren O’Hora -5/10: At fault for the goal, looked solid enough apart from that.

Wout Faes – 5.5/10: Not awful, usual scapegoat but didn’t play terribly.

Luke Thomas – 7/10: Again, looking solid, both wingbacks attack well, can play centrally or wide.

Louis Page – 8/10: Silky, smooth, class.

Sammy Braybrooke – 7/10: Tested the keeper on numerous occasions, unlucky not to score.

Liam Cullen – 8/10: Decent finish, probably could’ve had a second and should do better.

John Lundstram – 7/10: One smaller touch away from scoring, classy and ageless in that midfield, perfect experience needed around academy graduates.

Will Alves – 7/10: Always progressive, always beating his man, created so much.

Emil Riis – 7/10: Great holdup play, a real dominant force centrally.

Tommy Watson – 5/10: Greedy but poor on the ball, surely Jake Evans is a better fit.

Harry Howell – 5.5/10: So one footed, won a good free kick but rarely created much.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid -5.5/10: So little when brought on, somehow still looks out of his depth.

Woyo Coulibaly – 5/10: Few risky passes/ poor mistakes, looked so good in preseason as well.

Wes Burns – 5.5/10: Created a bit, still has sparks of pace, should be doing a lot better in League One.

Russell Martin – 5/10: All substitutes took away from the teams momentum, just couldn’t convert a second, under scrutiny and fairly with the squad he has.