A freak accident involving the ineffective Paul Gallagher towards the end of the first half meant that he did not return for the second half (much to the relief of the travelling fans); his replacement Andy King introduced a new formation (the diamond 4-4-2 which beat Southampton last week) and a new impetus which lent itself to an exciting second half low in quality but high in endeavour. Eriksson’s enforced change was justified within the first minute after good work by Beckford left King a yard out with an opportunity he couldn’t miss, tucking away his first of the season. The game was finally on.
Barnsley, meanwhile, were rattled by the early goal and were fortunate not to fall behind after several penalty shouts were waved away by the consistently inconsistent referee David Webb; Darius Vassell in particular could count himself unlucky not to have a penalty awarded after a clumsy tackle just inside the area. Although Leicester pushed for a second they never really looked like breaking a dogged and determined Barnsley side who were constantly dangerous on the counter when the visitors’ attacks inevitably broke down. Still, it was a much improved Leicester performance in the second half which belied the obvious question – why was this previously winning formation changed in the first place?
Despite the improvement, Leicester could count themselves fortunate to escape Oakwell with a point. All credit must go to Kasper Schmeichel for two exceptional saves after an incisive Tykes break-away; the first a fine close range save from Danny Haynes before, diving the wrong way, he palmed away the ball after it was returned with interest from 10 yards. At the other end Luke Steele was rarely troubled except for a few poorly hit corners lofted straight into his hands. Five minutes of added time threatened to break the stalemate but the teams had settled for a draw at this point and the game petered out.
Both teams could claim this to be an opportunity missed. For Leicester, much of it was of their own making; poor squad selection and a lack of tactical nous meant they were fighting a losing battle from the start. Barnsley, however, will rue the flagrancy of their strikers when they were on top during the first half and will rightly feel that the promotion favourites were there for the taking. Although neither team will feel the pinch of a relegation battle, if either wants to avoid mid-table obscurity then improvements must be made.
Barnsley desperately need a striker to put away the chances they make, and, although they were well manouevered by the impressive Perkins, their dominance needs to be better rewarded; that is the difference between a good and a great team at this level. Leicester fans will be hoping that Sven takes a long, hard look at the team he played today and realise that much of the problem lies in his own choices.
New captain Matt Mills needs a break to clear his head and remember that he is a talented defender and not the train wreck he has become, whilst the sooner Andy King is returned to the starting line-up the better. Sean St.Ledger and Lee Peltier will feel themselves unlucky not to be starters next week, especially after impressive Carling Cup outings at Bury and the poor performances of Mills and Pantsil.
Either way, something has to give. If Sven isn’t careful, it could be his job.
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Barnsley did’t set out as 4,4,2 it was 4,2,3,1
its David Perkins, not Richie…
but apart from that, it was a good read..