Leicester got their 1st league win of 2022 in midweek, Leeds have been in poor form which ultimately led to Marcelo Bielsa leaving, and Leeds still need wins to try get clear, so how would the Jesse Marsch era at Leeds United begin?
It was played at the King Power Stadium
After 2 minutes, 1st chance for Leeds as James chased it and his shot went just wide as Schmeichel got down well.
A minute later, Barnes got a low shot away from edge of area, Meslier comfortably saved it.
After 6 minutes, Barnes skipped away from Dallas, got into area but ball rolled away to Meslier, then Koch had a drive but went wide, Leeds had a corner and Ayling’s header went wide.
After 10 minutes, Harrison drove a low shot towards the near post, but Schmeichel stuck a big boot out to make a crucial save.
Eight minutes later, Vardy got to the byline and pulled it back into 6 yard area, Koch headed clear for Leeds.
A couple of minutes later, Barnes skipped in from left and for a split second it opened up, tried to get shot away but Koch made a important block.
After 22 minutes, Harrison pulled it back for Rodrigo who blasted over from 12 yards.
Three minutes later, Harrison delivered a superb cross into the 6 yard box but ball evaded everyone.
After 39 minutes, Dallas cross cleared by Choudhury for a corner which came to nothing. minute later, Rodrigo’s cross was dangerous and Firpo’s shot cleared by Soyuncu for a corner which was dangerous but came to nothing. Rodrigo went down under Soyuncu’s tackle, VAR checked but nothing given. Then Raphinha’s shot blocked.
The last action of the 2st half was a Leicester corner taken by Albrighton which reached Ndidi but he headed straight at Meslier.
Halftime score: Leicester City 0-0 Leeds United
A solid 1st half of the Jesse Marsch reign, but Leeds may have been disappointed not to go in ahead, could they keep up the good work in the 2nd half?
After 47 minutes, Choudhury was forced to concede a corner which Harrison took but collected by Schmeichel.
After 56 minutes, a big Leeds chance as James’ shot hit Raphinha and went behind.
A couple of minutes later, Leeds corner which Rodrigo glanced towards goal but Schmeichel was alert and stuck a big hand out to stop Leeds.
On the hour, Firpo’s low cross found Raphinha but Schmeichel gambled and made himself big to make an incredible save to deny Raphinha.
With twenty five minutes remaining, Raphinha cut ball back for Gelhardt who shot from penalty spot, his shot drifted wide, VAR checked for handball against Albrighton but nothing given.
1st Leicester goal against run of play Leicester led
After 67 minutes, Barnes and Iheanacho did a 1-2 to get into the area, Barnes opened his body up and finished into the far corner with 1st time shot, and after so much good work, Leeds behind, could they respond?
After 82 minutes, Koch headed wide from a corner.
In the 90th minute, Lookman’s shot blocked then Tielemans shot straight at Meslier.
A minute later, Gelhardt’s shot from edge of area blocked behind for a corner which Leicester cleared.
Fulltime score: Leicester City 1-0 Leeds United
The Jesse Marsch reign started with defeat, but plenty of positives from this game for Leeds but it was another defeat, Leicester were fortunate to win.
Leeds remained in 16th on 23 points still 2 points above bottom three, and they stayed there for the rest of the weekend.
Highlights of this game are at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_bqjqEooOw
Next for Leeds is the 1st of 2 home games this week against Aston Villa which is a game rearranged from in between Xmas and New Year, at Elland Road on Thursday 10th March with a 7:45pm kickoff.
