Energized Leeds Put a Stop To Leicester's Winning Ways

The Ten-Game Win Streak Just Wasn't Meant To Be...

On Friday night, Leeds United travelled to King Power Stadium for their away fixture against a rampant Leicester City. Leicester City were on a 9-game win streak and had only dropped points in one of their first 14 games. Leeds on the other hand had struggled at the start of the season, having drawn 3 of their first 5 games and only grabbing 1 win. Despite the rocky start Leeds United seemed to have found their form now having won 4 of their past 5 games.

The game was Friday's top-billed match as the two relegated Premier League teams readied to face each other, Leicester hoping to make it an unfathomable 10 wins in a row, whilst Leeds United aimed to keep up their form and get a big 3 points from the league leaders, reducing the gap.

The Match Run Down

From the first whistle, Leeds were putting the pressure on Leicester, being relentless in their high press and locking most of the game down to Leicester's final third for much of the opening minutes. The game continued to be a tight affair with some excellent defensive work from both teams especially from Leicester City right-back Ricardo Pereira and Leeds United defender Ethan Ampadu, both reading the attacking plays well and shutting down the opposition's momentum.

Both team's defences were unbreakable for much of the match and it looked like it would take a moment of brilliance or luck to end the deadlock. Enter Leeds United forward Georginio Rutter whose 58th-minute close-range effort gave Leeds the lead, following the rebound of a top save by Leicester City keeper Mads Hermansen.

Much to Leeds United's credit, Leicester City couldn't find a way to break through the stubborn Leeds defence as they clung on to their one-nil lead. They were still making fast breaks after winning possession. Leeds United's defensive unit was so well drilled that Leicester couldn't muster a single shot on target until the 94th minute when a Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall header was heading in the top corner only to be scrambled away by Leeds United keeper Illan Meslier, all but ensuring Leeds walked away with the 3 point victory.

Where Does That Leave Leeds United and Leicester City?

Following the victory over Leicester City, Leeds United continue to sit in 3rd place on 28 points, 6 points behind 2nd place Ipswich and still 11 points behind league leaders Leicester City. The win will prove vital for the squad, as it stopped Leicester's lead extending to 17 points above them. Leeds will be hoping to capitalise on their success with their next 3 matches all against teams in the lower half of the Championship table.

On the other hand, Leicester City shouldn't be too worried about the loss as they maintain the top spot and still have 13 wins under their belt before December has even begun. City remain on 39 points and well on course for automatic promotion back into the Premier League as they're still 11 points above 3rd place Leeds United. However, their place at the top could be in jeopardy as Ipswich currently have 34 points with 2 games in hand, meaning they could pip Leicester of the top spot soon enough. their next 3 games should ease them back in with 10th place Middlesbrough next up before facing Watford and the League's bottom spot Sheffield Wednesday, who are still sitting on just 6 points, with only 1 win in 14 games.