Time for a few changes. Jordan Ayew back in, Hamza Choudhury on left back and a Jeremy Monga in instead of Stephy Mavididi. It all looked electric from start as Leicester scored after 18 minutes.
A great build up featured some lovely passes from Bobby De Cordova-Reid. He found Jordan Ayew, who scored with a tap in. It was lovely to watch.
But from that point things started to change and it was something with the formation that made everything look difficult. Hamza Choudhury struggled in his left back position at times. He didn’t get tight enough in his marking. He also had trouble in positioning.
Then in the 34th minute, a great pass found West Bromwich attacker Karlan Grant. He made a perfect run and stylish finish, finding the net. 1-1 and level.
The Baggies were the better team towards the end of the first half. They could have easily taken the lead. However, a good Leicester goalkeeper, Jacub Stolarczyk, made some crucial saves. His actions kept Leicester in the game.
A late, late win 👊#LEIWBA | @BCGame pic.twitter.com/rufOl9SAGX
— Leicester City (@LCFC) January 5, 2026
Leicester started the second half with a positive approach, pressing West Bromwich into their own penalty area. The finishing has to be worked on as most of the attempts was stopped. Leicester looks circumstantial at times and to predictable.
Jordan James especially had a struggling game, not really being able to find the correct space and the best pockets. He also has trouble being understood by his teammates. They do not really understand his moves and play. Ricardo Pereira is also a player that today was far from an attacking option. His presence is a riddle at times, making a good block towards the end.
Marti Cifuentes made his first changes in the 70th minute bringing on Louis Page and Stephy Mavididi. Then he gave Patson Daka a number of minutes entering the field in the 80th minute.
Stephy Mavididi became influential in the end. He made a fantastic pass to Abdul Fatawu, who found the net with a splendid finish. Leicester, almost out of the blue, were in the lead when entering stoppage time. They could scored one more, but Louis Page missed his shot from close range.
West Bromwich were the better team. However, failing to score on your attempts and chances will almost always punish you. This is especially true if the opponent has players who are seen as certain game changers and match winners.
This was a must win for Marti Cifuentes and Leicester. They are still only four points from the play-off positions. They are nine away from a direct promotion position.
Leicester are up against Coventry next.
- Positives
- Two fantastic goals
- Keeping Abdul Fatawu on the field, his presence is crucial
- Giving Jeremy Monga a starting chance, he needs to be involved
- Stephy Mavididi showing his worth when coming on, being crucial with his assist
- Caleb Okoli playing almost a perfect game
- Managing to get three points in a very difficult game
- Goalkeeper who is a game winner, keeping Leicester in it
- Negatives
- Falling apart at crucial periods in the game, losing all momentum
- Too many changes in structure, positioning and players
- Bobby De Cordova-Reid not really managing to bring what is needed in the position he plays in
Line Up:
Stolarczyk 8, Pereira 5, Choudhury 5, Okoli 8, Nelson 6, Skipp 5, James 5, Reid 5, Ayew 6, Monga 5, Fatawu 6, Subs: Daka, Page, Mavididi
- Leicester City, Man of the Match
- Caleb Okoli
Match Stats (H/A)
- Possession: 47 / 53
- Shots on Target: 3 / 8
- Corners: 4 / 4
- Fouls: 9 / 7
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