JibrinLeicester City etched an unwanted chapter in their history at the King Power Stadium as they stumbled to a fourth consecutive home defeat, sinking deeper into the relegation quagmire.
The Foxes haven’t endured four straight second-tier losses on their own turf since April 1914, yet Gary Rowett can have little argument on an afternoon when his team scarcely threw a punch.
Sandwiched between a pre-match demonstration against the King Power hierarchy and a performance so lacking the firepower they had summoned in Rowett’s opening two fixtures, this was a dismal afternoon on what was meant to be a day full of optimism.
Rowett implemented a solitary alteration to the lineup that fought so valiantly at Middlesbrough in midweek, with Abdul Fatawu primed to feature from the outset, stepping in for Stephy Mavididi. City also received a boost with the return of Jamaal Lascelles and leading scorer Jordan James to the bench.
That consistency proved beneficial as Rowett’s men navigated a goalless opening period. Indeed, they registered the first effort on target when Fatawu’s strike ricocheted to Winks, whose well-struck, swerving attempt demanded a late adjustment from Vladan Kovacevic. That 15th-minute opportunity marked the closest City came at any juncture.
Norwich, conversely, crafted a pair of clear-cut openings. First, when Paris Maghoma delivered a near-post corner that Mathias Kvistgaarden met firmly and ought to have buried in the net rather than the side paneling. Later, Maghoma was permitted to surge 50 yards unchallenged through the heart of the pitch before unleashing a low drive that Stolarczyk pushed wide.
Maghoma and Ben Slimane both extracted fine stops from Stolarczyk early in the second half, and midway through, the stalemate was shattered.
Norwich possessed the ball on the right flank and worked it infield where Sam Field threaded a pass to Ben Slimane near the D. The forward sidestepped Caleb Okoli and fired low into the bottom right-hand corner of Stolarczyk’s goal.
Ten minutes on, City failed to react to a swift free kick on the right, permitting the visitors to deliver two successive crosses into the box, the second finding Ahmed at the far post.
City huffed and puffed towards the conclusion but never caught a glimpse of the visitors’ goal.
Player Ratings:
Stolarczyk 7 – A late inclusion, slipped during his initial clearance but thereafter enjoyed a solid first half with a notable stop from Maghoma. Didn’t have much chance with either goal and pulled off a couple of decent saves.
Pereira 6 – Had his work cut out when Ahmed and Maghoma overloaded his flank. However, he did compose himself and made some vital interventions, notably a sliding tackle when Stolarczyk had dashed from his line.
Okoli 6 – Got a toe or head in when required inside his own box but was not entirely convincing throughout. Booked in the second half.
Nelson 6.5 – Contended with Kvistgaarden’s physical approach, holding his own. Contributed an important second-half block when the striker had the goal in his sights.
Thomas 6.5 – Pushed forward on a couple of occasions and ensured things remained tight down his side. Kept Liam Gibbs largely under control.
Winks 6 – Utilized the ball impressively at times in the first period but was insufficiently effective without possession. To his credit, he at least continued to show for the ball and attempt to do the right thing.
Skipp 5 – Delivered a strong showing at Middlesbrough but appeared less effective during the opening 45 here. A step backward in performance levels.
Fatawu 5 – Breezed past his marker with his first touch, then kept drifting infield into congested defenders. Forced a yellow card for Cordoba in the second half, yet City simply didn’t supply him with enough ball.
Mukasa 5 – By the standards of his nascent City career, a subdued first half. He endeavored to get on the ball in the second, but truthfully, there were neither the passing lanes nor the room to excel.
De Cordova-Reid 5 – Genuinely subpar in the opening stanza, the lowlight being a dreadful touch when he enjoyed space and time inside the penalty area. He lasted merely 12 minutes of the second half before a poor cross saw him replaced by Mavididi.
Daka 5 – Was scarcely flooded with service but didn’t particularly excel with whatever ball came his way. Another ineffective display at the forefront of a team that is falling short.
Jibrin
