Leicester 1, Bournemouth 0: Positives and Negatives, Player Ratings and Match Report, Premier League game.

This was the first of a number of potential three-pointers for Leicester, and the absence of Harry Winks caused some confusion, relegating Wilfred Ndidi to defensive midfield, giving Facundo Bounanotte a special role, and bringing Jordan Ayew back into the starting lineup.

Steve Cooper, as we can see, takes a highly pragmatic approach to the games he plays, since his picks appear to be significant gambles and random depending on what he sees in the various opponents.

The game began poorly as Bournemouth pushed for a goal early on, but with some superb defending from Leicester, the game opened up as Leicester gradually gained control. With a fresh lineup and a slight shift in structure, this is generally the case early on, before things settle down.

Leicester improved throughout the first half, and in the 16th minute, everything exploded. Facundo Bounanotte started the puzzle off right, combining a one-two with James Justin before taking everything in his own hands, making a solid dribble and hammering the ball into the roof of the net, Leicester were 1-0 up. Jamie Vardy had a chance to increase the score a few minutes later, but his shot was misplaced somewhere along the way. Also in the first half, we saw a strong handball from Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, but the referee did not whistle and there was no VAR in effect.

Leicester looked strong in the first half, taking away the opening ten minutes, and we looked forward to the second with anticipation, but what we saw was possibly the worst half by a Leicester team in a long time. Bournemouth had everything and even scored, but the goal was rightfully called off for offside.

Bournemouth neutralized everything and succeeded to pull Facundo Bounanotte out of the game, as the Argentinian vanished entirely, forcing him to be substituted. It appeared like Leicester purposefully sank back, giving Bournemouth more room in their half and allowing them to build from the back as Leicester faltered in their attempts to move out of their own penalty area.

Wout Faes has been steady all season for Leicester, and naysayers should stop whining since this Belgian international is one of the greatest defenders in the Premier League right now, earning the captain’s armband when Jamie Vardy exited the field in the 74th minute.

Steve Cooper made three further replacements at the conclusion of the game, giving minutes to Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Bouba Soumare, and Abdul Fatawu. This time, everything worked out because Steve Cooper made the necessary adjustments to secure the season’s first victory.

Congratulations to all of the players and supporters for their support, as the team pulled off another Premier League victory. This was a fantastic way to conclude this Saturday, with the international break coming up soon. Leicester will face Southampton away in their next game.

Positives
Facundo Bounanotte scored a wonderful goal, with hopes for more to come. Wout Faes produced his greatest game for Leicester, demonstrating his maturation as a player.
The first half performance is one to build on, and Leicester looks sturdy.
Jordan Ayew demonstrates his worth and has extensive Premier League experience.
A nice effort by Abdul Fatawu while coming off the bench, what to look for in a substitute.
Winning in the end requires a strong work ethic and a little luck.
Negatives
Not being able to retain the momentum in the second half, being attacked from every angle by Bournemouth
Strange to watch Leicester manager Steve Cooper making substitutes a little too late.
Too many passes in the back line throughout the second half.

Player ratings: Hermansen 7, Justin 6, Kristiansen 6, Okoli 7, Faes 9, Skipp 6, Ayew 7, Ndidi 6, Vardy 5, Mavididi 5, Bounanotte 7. Subs: De Cordova-Reid, Fatawu, Edouard, and Soumare.

Leicester City’s Man of the Match: Wout Faes.

Match Statistics (H/A)

Possession: 44/56.
Shots on target: 2/2.
Corners: 0/9.
Fouls: 12/14.

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