We all knew that Claude Puel would do changes to the team that won at home in the Premier League v. Huddersfield and so he did. A difficult tie away to Wolves, and in the Carabao Cup you never really know what you are up against. Mercury duo Tanner and Sharpe both believed that Turkish defender and new signing Caglar Soyuncu would be starting, but instead Wes Morgan was back alongside Jonny Evans, giving a well deserved rest to Harry Maguire. Jamie Vardy started up front, would have thought Kelechi Iheanacho would have been given a new start, but no, Puel selected Shinji Okazaki.
The first half was a bit dull, with few chances to both sides and not really setting Danny Ward in any difficulties, in front of his defense who were Pereira, Evans, Morgan and Fuchs, all proven professionals who would cope with this type of Wolverhampton side.
Marc Albrighton was also starting in a midfield who had Silva, Iborra and Ghezzal alos featuring. A solid midfield and as always you know what you get, good passes solid defensive work and probably not too much creativity without a resting Jamies Maddision in the site. Ndidi and Mendy were not either involved.
City looked the stronger team through out the game, and both Albrighton and Evans came close, but couldn’t convert. A great save from Ruddy on the attempt from Albrighton and Evans header was just wide.
We all had to see the game ebbing out in a 0-0 draw. Surprisingly this time it was no extra time played and it all went straight to a penalty shoot out. Always a gamble and a riddle to find out how that can end.
Danny Ward became the Leicester hero as he started to save and he just continued, three saves from four penalties was fantastic, and he shows that he is a quality goalkeeper the Wales international. Leicester scored three times, Ghezzal, Iborra and finally Iheanacho netted, with Choudhury missing with an awful attempt, but again Leicester are through to the 4th round, which will be drawn tomorrow.
Leicester have a solid squad of players, probably too solid, and they can field a reserve team almost as strong as the first 11, so no need to worry, and of course exciting to see who Leicester will draw next.
For the first time Tcf has given a 10 in the player ratings, to save three penalties and keep a clean sheet, it must be a clear 10’r for Danny Ward.
- Positives:
- A well balanced team, players in their best positions
- Resting Maguire, Morgan and Evans getting a chance to gell
- Giving a number of not playing players game time
- Ward saving three Wolves penalties, just great
- Into the 4th round, always positive to win football games
- Puel getting more confidence and hopefully will build on that special win
- Mental strength for Iheanacho scoring a vital goal under pressure
- Great to hear the Leicester fanbase in the stands, they made good noise
- Negatives:
- Not able to score from great chances
- Caglar Soyuncu not getting his debut, sorry for him
- Yellow cards to Evans and Morgan
- Vardy not able to be the difference this time
- Demarai Gray picks up what is believed to be a bad injury
Player Ratings: Ward 10. Pereira 6, Fuchs 6, Evans 6, Morgan 6, Silva 6, Iborra 6, Vardy 6, Okazaki 6, Albrighton 7, Ghezzal 6, Subs: Gray, Iheanacho, Choudhury
Match Stats: H/A
- Possession: 48 / 52
- Corners: 6 / 4
- Shots on target: 2 / 5
- Shots wide: 2 / 8
- Fouls: 8 / 12
- Offsides: 2 / 1
