Pearson Disappointed With Newcastle Loss

A defiant display from his side saw Marc Albrighton hit the bar in the first half while Matty James also had a good chance but slotted straight at Tim Krul.
The introduction of Jamie Vardy and David Nugent stretched the game and swung it in favour of City but a 72nd minute breakaway winner from Gabriel Obertan meant the Foxes returned to Leicester without a point.
Speaking to Foxes Player after the defeat, Pearson said: “It’s disappointing – I think we had the chances to get something out of the game and the sucker punch was conceding a goal on the counter attack.
“It was a disappointing outcome for us but it’s something we’ll have to deal with.
“We felt at times we could have played with a bit more intensity in the first half but that happens from time to time.
“We managed the game relatively well in the first half, limited the chances they had and put them under a bit of pressure.
“Ultimately, when our attacking situations arose we weren’t able to do quite enough with them.
“I’m not one for spending too much time playing the luck card. During games you get opportunities to score but also we need to defend in the right way as well.
“We had some very promising situations but what we didn’t do is find enough quality to take advantage.
“For instance, we got into their box on a number of occasions late in the game and didn’t produce enough clear quality to create chances – we need to get better at it.”
A positive from the game can be taken from former Aston Villa winger Albrighton making his first league start for City, having not played since the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea in August.
Praising Albrighton, Pearson said: “It was difficult game but I’m pleased for him. He’s done exceptionally well in training and shown the right sorts of qualities in terms of technicality and character to earn his start today.
“I’m sure he’ll see that as a positive, as we do.”
And commenting on the absence of Riyad Mahrez from the squad, Pearson added: “Regardless of how he feels, it’s a decision which is made for the good of the squad.
“He wasn’t back in time for the preparations and of course on top of that, he played two full games.
“Jeff [Schlupp] had a similar situation but didn’t play [for Ghana]. You have to make these decisions based on the knowledge that we have of our own players.”