Leicester 2, Derby 1, positives and negatives, player ratings and match report, Championship fixture

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Leicester continued their festive fixtures with this home game vs. Derby. Marti Cifuentes made one change to his line-up from the previous game vs. Watford. Hamza Choudhury on for Ricardo Pereira. Marti had managed to turn the heads of his players as the start was promising.

A good start for Leicester. After just 6 minutes, Abdul Fatawu provided a perfect pass to Bobby De Cordova-Reid. The Jamaican international scored from close range. Leicester were 1-0 up with perfect play.

Then just three minutes later Derby leveled with a goal from Rhian Brewster. Of course, a backlash to concede that goal so early after taking the lead. Again, it never stopped Leicester players from chasing that next goal.

The game then became an even affair. But in the 41st minute, Derby made an error. Luke Thomas broke free and pushed the ball forward and passed to Jordan James. The Wales international got into position and scored with a clever finish. Leicester were 2-1 up at a crucial time in the game.

Leicester made a good impression first half, a solid performance, having a 2-1 lead, going into the break.

Three points 🙌#LEIDER | @bcgame pic.twitter.com/ysC320PU6V
— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 29, 2025

Second half became a transport and in real having control. An early change when Hamza Choudhury was taken off and replaced by Ricardo Pereira. This changed the dynamic. Ricardo makes a difference in that position compared to Hamza. However, today both players handled the position in a good way.

Aaron Ramsey and Silko Thomas was put on in the 65th minute, replacing Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Jordan Ayew. Looked a bit early, but again bold moves from the manager. Aaron Ramsey unfortunately had to leave the field after just four minutes play, picking up a new injury. Louis Page replaced him and made a very good impression the minutes he was on the field. Jeremy Monga replaced Abdul Fatawu at the same time.

Leicester had to adjust in that period with Derby pressing for an equalizer. Page especially showed his quality. Jeremy Monga and Silko Thomas worked hard to keep the momentum as they managed to hold the ball up and be part of a period that in real will see this as crucial learning and of course boost confidence as they held on to the lead all the way into seven minutes of stoppage time.

A good solid performance from Leicester this time, showing that they can fight for points and hold on to a lead over a full game. Let’s hope Marti Cifuentes can be able to build on this and get some sort of momentum and get the next games in the same frame.

Leicester are 12th in the table. 4 points behind the play-off positions. Next up is Sheffield United away on the 1st of January.

Positives
- Jordan James scoring his 7th goal of the season and having a good performance
- Bobby De Cordova-Reid opening the show with a great goal, good assistance from Abdul Fatawu
- The team showing ability to hold on to a lead
- Luke Thomas playing to his best, please continue this and show your best game in and game out
- Solid in all areas, hard working and good mentality
- 7 players from own ranks on the field today
- Youngsters coming on and contributing to the win, Monga, Page and Silko Thomas all in action
Negatives
- Not really being able to hold on to lead early on
- A number of players picked up knocks and injuries

Line Up:
Stolarczyk 6, Choudhury 6, Thomas 7, Okoli 7, Nelson 7, Skipp 7, James 7, Reid 7, Ayew 6, Mavididi 6, Fatawu 6, Subs: Pereira, Thomas S, Monga, Ramsey, Page