Bristol City could have no complaints over Leicester City defeat or Jamie Vardy’s celebration
Bristol Live fan columnist Math Withers breaks down the 1-0 defeat to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium
More than 3,300 Bristol City fans made the trip to the the King Power Stadium on Saturday. Strangely, it had the feeling of somewhat of a FA Cup-type atmosphere against a Premier League team.
And let’s face it, that is really what the Foxes are. The quality and depth of their squad, their wage budget and entire set-up is that of a top flight side. Let’s not forget it is only seven years since Leicester City won the Premier League title.
The team news was greeted with some shock and disappointment, when we found out that Zak Vyner, who had been ever present in the league this season, had injured his knee in the first half of Tuesday’s 4-1 win over Plymouth Argyle.
Zak had opted to stay on at half-time and went on to make a brilliant goal-saving tackle in the last moments of the game. Nigel Pearson confirmed : “It’s some damage to his ACL but, of course, if it needs surgery, he’ll be out for the same amount of time that Rob’s been out for.
“But if you look at the fact, he played on with it, played 90 minutes and played exceptionally well. The surgeons will weigh up whether the joint is stable enough to manage it conservatively and that would mean something like four, five or six weeks.”
What a blow for Zak who was in the form of his career and has become one of the first names on Pearson’s teamsheet. We wish him all the best and pray that it can be managed and avoid the need of an operation. It was great to see Andi Weimann named as a substitute after his recent foot injury.
Zak’s misfortune meant an opportunity for Rob Dickie, and he took it with both hands. It was interesting to hear Pearson talk about how disappointed and grumpy Dickie had been, something that pleased him, wanting his players to be desperate to play and not being happy on the sideline.
The atmosphere in the away end was brilliant and the players were greeted noisily as they took to the field. There was a nice touch from the matchday announcer as he paused at Matty James name and Andy King’s name when reading out the teams, with both roundly applauded by the home fans.
There wasn’t too much to write about in the opening 20 minutes or so, with both teams working each other out. I was particular impressed with Leicester’s Abdul Fatawu and Stephy Mavididi out wide as well as Harry Winks and Wilfred Ndidi in the middle. The hosts were dominating the ball, but we were resolute and well-organised in defence, and Max O’Leary in the Robins goal didn’t have a lot to do. George Tanner and Cameron Pring had their work cut out but defended brilliantly.
Unlike the Plymouth game in midweek, the midfield trio of Matty James, Joe Williams and Jason Knight just couldn’t exert their influence on the game, and we were second best in that midfield battle.
It was interesting to read so many comments from fans about how poor Plymouth were on Tuesday and how they would struggle this season, and then the Pilgrims go and batter Norwich City 6-2. There are no easy games in the Championship.
It must have been a frustrating afternoon for the front three of Sam Bell, Mark Sykes and Nahki Wells as they just didn’t get the service. We did really well in the first phase of some of our play, breaking up Leicester attacks and striding forward but then not looking after the ball and making a sloppy final pass. Against, quality opposition you just won’t keep getting away with it.
As it was, the defining moment was somewhat of a soft penalty awarded against Kal Naismith. The Scot left his leg out and Ndidi accepted the opportunity to go over it.
I have to say it was a penalty, but I’m not sure that Naismith needed to make the challenge as he did. I guess it was an automatic reaction and some refs may have felt Ndidi’s dive was somewhat exaggerated and may not have given it but for me it was the right decision.
Up stepped Jamie Vardy to smash an unstoppable spot kick high into O’Leary’s net. Vardy probably ran the quickest he had done all afternoon to celebrate in front of the travelling away fans. Turning around and underlining the name on the back of his shirt.
I’ll be honest, I loved it. Vardy and Mrs Vardy in particular had been subject to some fans chants throughout the afternoon and this was the striker giving his own banter back. No issue with that at all from me.
There were further chances for Leicester and we created a couple of good opportunities for Knight and Weimann but in the end the Foxes ran out worthy winners. Most Robins fans that I spoke to after leaving the game were not too disappointed. They had seen their team put in a fully committed, resolute performance against a quality outfit.
It was touching to see the post-match reception that Pearson received from the home fans, and I’ll admit to being moved by the manager’s comments when he stated: “This club here has been a big part of my life, but Bristol City is now a big part of my life. I want us to build something here which is us, we’re not trying to copy anybody, we’re trying to be us.” Love it, Nige!
Our 3 Peaps In A Podcast ‘Robins Review’ ratings were: Max O’Leary 7 *MotM, George Tanner 7, Rob Dickie 7, Kal Naismith 7, Cameron Pring 7, Matty James 5, Jason Knight 6, Joe Williams 5, Sam Bell 5, Mark Sykes 5, Nahki Wells 5, Taylor Gardner-Hickman 6, Andi Weimann 6 and Emphraim Yeboah 6. A game average of 6.00, a season league average of 6.58. For the manager, it was a 7; a great reception for the gaffer from the Foxes fans and his team didn’t let him down.
