Pearson: We Showed Willingness And Desire

A second half goal from Argentine hit man Leonardo Ulloa sealed the at the Britannia Stadium. 

And Pearson, a battling former centre-half himself, felt the defending from his men was outstanding in tough circumstances. 

Speaking exclusively to Foxes Player following the victory, Pearson said: “We showed a willingness and a desire to keep the ball out of our net – we were under pressure for long periods. 

“We didn’t really play as well as we would have liked in the first half but we remained in the game and I think that’s always important to remember. 

“When you have players that have been away on international duty – it’s a little bit of an unknown quantity as to whether they can reproduce previous form. 

“We managed the ball better in the second half, changed the shape and created some promising situations. 

“I’m happy to get the three points but from their perspective I’m sure they’re disappointed not to get something out the game.” 

The result propels the Foxes up to 10th in the league and will certainly give the players a boost heading into the game against Louis Van Gaal’s Manchester United next Sunday. 

“There is a willingness to put the bodies on the line. Collectively there is a level of organisation now which is reaping regards for us,” added Pearson. “It’s good for us to get that win. 

“It depends now on whether we can reproduce performances. “We’ve won today and probably didn’t play as well as we have done in previous games but it’s a different type of opponent. 

“I think they made it very hard for us, it was a physical game and we had to show different qualities. 

“I’m very pleased with how the players continued to apply themselves in the situation that arises.” 

Coming in for the injured Kasper Schmeichel, Ben Hamer put up a resolute display, making a string of late saves to claim a clean sheet on his Premier League debut. 

Pearson felt the former Charlton shot-stopper gave a good account of himself and congratulated him on his performance. 

He added: “He’s got big boots to fill with Kasper’s consistent performances. There were times where people’s expectations of his level of performance might put him under even more pressure. 

“I thought his contribution was really positive today. He made a couple of great saves in the second half and I think he coped with the occasion well.”