Steve Cooper made the most of this 2nd round Carabao Cup fixture, playing an interesting line-up, giving starts to Okoli, Thomas, Pereira, Ward, Skipp, Mavididi, Ayew and McAteer, keeping Winks, Faes and Ndidi from the line-up vs. Fulham.
Leicester dominated form the first minute, putting pressure on Tranmere goalkeeper, Joe Murphy. The 43 year old Republic of Ireland international made his debut for this club back in 1998, being the goalkeeper in that 2000 Worthington Cup final vs. Leicester, almost 25 years ago.
He struggled against Matt Elliott back then, letting in two goals from the former Leicester captain, this time he came short on four occasions. Leicester taking the lead in the 38th minute with a golden touch from Jordan Ayew, curling the ball into the back corner of goal with a perfect shot. Leicester had dominated the game fully from start, but had to wait for that opener, as it also became the only goal scored in the first half.
Leicester looked sharper than we have seen them before, of course playing a weaker team, but in all it looks so controlled and confident, with a good midfield trio out there, giving Ndidi that advanced attacking role in midfield in front of Winks and Skipp, who both have played together before.
Leicester pushed on and tested Joe Murphy, but it was a arguable decision from the referee that leaded to a Leicester penalty, Ricardo Pereira going to the ground, but the ball might have been out in the stages before that penalty, also looking a bit soft, but nothing to bother about from a Leicester point of view. Mavididi took the penalty, converting easily from the spot, shooting the ball down in the left corner.
Leicester did not look back from this point on. Wilfred Ndidi showed his skills in the 71st minute, taking control inside the penalty box and moving step by step towards the goal before chipping the ball over the goalkeeper, Leicester were 3-0 up. Hamza Choudhury had entered the field at this time, replacing Oliver Skipp, who had a good starting debut, looks composed and steady in all departments.
Harry Winks settled the 4-0 score in the 90th minute, scoring with a well placed shot from distance, as it became a good afternoon of football for Leicester, going into the 3rd round of this Carabao Cup competition.
The draw for the next round will be set up by the EFL, taking place tomorrow on the 28th of August.
- Positives
- Steve Cooper giving starts to Skipp and Ayew
- Ayew opening the scoring with a fantastic goal from distance
- Wout Faes playing to the right and hopefully more satisfied today
- Alves and Popov (debut) both coming on as young players are given a chance
- Midfield trio looked lively and exciting
- Pereira and Mavididi both being played, McAteer as well, all of them are good footballers
- Dominating the game in full against a very weak opponent
- Given minutes for a number of players, Luke Thomas back in contention
- Coady back in action, coming on
- Negatives
- Nothing special
Player Ratings: Ward 6, Pereira 7, Okoli 6, Faes 6, Thomas 6, Ndidi 7, Winks 7, Skipp 7, Ayew 7, Mavadidi 7, McAteer 6, Subs: Choudhury, Popov, Alves, Coady, Fatawu
- Leicester City, Man of the Match
- Stephy Mavididi
Match Stats (H/A)
- Possession: 71 / 29
- Shots on Target: 8 / 0
- Corners: 9 / 1
- Fouls: 6 / 9
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