Enzo Maresca reverted to the usual setup, opting for Tom Cannon upfront due to limited alternatives in that position. Cesare Casadei returned to the starting eleven as other options were scarce.
Coventry away proved challenging, with the opposition showcasing early grit through an offensive approach, putting pressure on Leicester.
The first half saw numerous missed chances from Coventry, with Cesare Casadei’s attempt in the 30th minute being the first significant chance for Leicester, narrowly missing the target.
Leicester gained momentum, and in the 44th minute, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall won a penalty against the run of play. Dewsbury-Hall took the penalty and clinically finished, giving Leicester a 1-0 lead.
However, chaos ensued as Abdul Fatawu received a red card for a reckless attack on Coventry defender Jake Bidwell. Down to 10 men, Leicester faced challenges defending their lead.
In the second half, Leicester aimed to protect their 1-0 lead, bringing on Kasey McAteer for Stephy Mavididi. Coventry, led by Sakamoto and O’Hare, kept Leicester defenders occupied.
Coventry broke the deadlock in the 79th minute, with O’Hare scoring and later adding the third goal in stoppage time. Milan van Ewijk scored Coventry’s second goal in the 88th minute.
Despite being a man down, Enzo Maresca made no changes until the 83rd minute, bringing on Hamza Choudhury for Tom Cannon. Abdul Fatawu’s red card remained the main issue, and Coventry displayed an organized and playoff-contending side.
Ipswich awaits on January 22nd, offering another challenging task for Leicester. While Dewsbury-Hall’s penalty and holding the lead until the 79th minute were positives, the inability to navigate defensively without changes and Abdul Fatawu’s reckless decision were significant negatives.
Positives:
- Dewsbury-Hall’s penalty, a well-converted opportunity.
- Holding the lead until the 79th minute.
Negatives:
- Enzo Maresca’s failure to make defensive changes.
- Abdul Fatawu’s headless decision.
Player Ratings:
- Hermansen 6, Pereira 5, Vestergaard 6, Faes 6, Justin 5, Casadei 5, Winks 5, Dewsbury-Hall 6, Mavididi 4, Fatawu 0, Cannon 5.
Subs: McAteer 5, Choudhury
Leicester City Man of the Match:
- Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Match Stats (H/A):
- Possession: 61 / 39
- Shots on Target: 6 / 4
- Corners: 7 / 1
- Fouls: 12 / 14