Coming into this big clash, [team 42] were on the back of a run with mixed results with three wins from five. Still, the way this season is unfolding, seeing the Foxes in the title hunt was not a massive surprise. As for [team 14], their recent form was brilliant. Especially in terms of away results is the best in the division. With two of the best counter-attacking teams facing each other, it was always going to be a hard game even for the scientific football predictions for today.
[coach 896460] came up with an unchanged starting eleven after their impressive win against [team 6]. In comparison, [coach 524307] had to make a change given [player 5252]’s injury, which led to [player 1849]’s inclusion. [player 5149] was given a second consecutive start after his eye-catching display in the win against [team 71].
First-Half
Manchester United started the game with more thrust and higher intensity. The constant runs in behind from [player 1878], [player 1829], and James were stretching Leicester’s backline and creating space for [player 129602] in the process. Both sides are known for their counter-attacking, and it was evident as both sides looked more dangerous when they didn’t have the ball. In possession, Leicester City’s Tielemans was playing good progressive passes to start attacks. However, United looked comfortable sitting deep and denying [player 1182] any space in behind.
Later on, Rashford missed a glorious chance with his head from a dinked cross from Fernandes. Soon, Rashford provided his side with the lead with a fine finish in the bottom corner. The move was nicely executed by United from the throw-in, with Fernandes applying the crucial touch to put it into Marcus’s path. United got the lead, which plays into their hands to use their counter-attacking strengths more.
However, the lead lasted less than ten minutes as [player 10601] leveled the scoreline for the Foxes. A wonderful strike into the corner with his weaker left foot led to the crucial equalizer. The game was fairly even in all departments; however, United looked more dangerous on the counter.
Leicester had more of the ball in the first half, but there wasn’t much between the sides in terms of the other offensive stats. Both the sides had 2 out of 5 shots on target. However, 4 of United’s 5 shots were from inside the box to Leicester’s 2. The away side also created 3 big chances compared to Leicester’s none. Manchester United were defensively strong as they recorded 9 clearances and completed 11 tackles.
Second-Half
Leicester City were looking the better side after the restart. More progressive passes and more crosses started to come United’s way, and Leicester enjoyed a fine spell in the opening stages of the first half. It was due to the midfield overload that the Foxes were creating more in the second half. Ole reacted to this by sending on [player 1992], replacing Dan James, who struggled against [player 62337]. Later on, Anthony Martial’s goal was disallowed by VAR, and the scoreline remained at 1-1. [player 4391] was sent on to replace the injured [player 160206], with Ole now having only one substitution left. That was [player 96088] who came in for Martial.
Four minutes after the Uruguayan’s introduction, Manchester United recovered their lead. Cavani made an intelligent move by dropping between the lines. He then received a pass and turned with Fernandes making a run in behind Leicester’s defense. Cavani did find the Portuguese with a lovely pass, and Fernandes put United in front with a little over ten minutes to play.
Brendan Rodgers reacted to going behind by sending on [player 1396] replacing [player 174]. Once again, it took four minutes for another substitute to make an impact. A lovely run in behind from Perez, who then zipped a pacy low cross, which met Vardy whose shot was deflected goalwards. Eventually, the goal was confirmed as Axel Tuanzebe’s own goal. The match finished level, with both sides scoring twice.
Leicester slightly edged in the possession stats by keeping 52% of it but had no shots on target in the second half. United, on the other hand, had 2 shots on target. Interestingly, All of United’s 4 shots were from inside the box.
Overall, not the best result for either of them, but a loss could have been more damaging. This result arguably is the best for [team 8], who saw both the chasing packs drop crucial points.
Fixture Details: [fixture 16924739]
Eye-Catching Performers
Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)
[player 62342] was critical for Leicester City to progress the ball vertically. From a deeper position, he had to move the ball quickly and effectively to create chances. Once again, his performance was brilliant as he did manage to find consistent forward passes into [player 6838] and Barnes.
The 23-year-old recorded a passing accuracy of 86.1% and completed an outstanding 7 long balls in the process. He also completed an impressive 6 dribbles out of 6 attempted. Tielemans won 12 dues as well, along with a completion of 3 tackles and 2 interceptions.
Fred (Manchester United)
The Brazilian had another fine display this season as he was influential in United’s midfield defensively. [player 205411] completed 1 key pass along with 1 big chance created. He completed 2 dribbles and won 10 duels in total. Defensively, he completed 4 interceptions as well as 5 tackles, which shows the amount of work he does in the middle of the park.
With Manchester United targeting an unexpected title challenge, Fred could be a critical part of Ole’s potential success this season.
