Matchday Live Talking Points: Tactics, Tielemans & The Perfect Game Plan
- Leicester City maintained a 100 per cent away record in the Premier League with a 4-1 win over Leeds United
- Harvey Barnes, Jamie Vardy and Youri Tielemans (2) were all on the scoresheet at Elland Road on Monday evening
- Matt Elliott, Gerry Taggart and Simon Grayson starred on LCFC TV's Matchday Live show
The trio of former Leicester City stars featured on LCFC TV's Matchday Live show, dissecting the Foxes' 4-1 away win against Leeds United.
Goals from Harvey Barnes and Jamie Vardy helped City on their way to picking up another three points on the road, as well as a double from Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans, who was praised for his performance by the Matchday Live guests.
Game plan executed to perfection
Gerry Taggart said: "An absolutely fantastic away performance yet again. Tactically, I thought Brendan Rodgers got it absolutely spot on. He played a more counter-attacking style of football tonight and it absolutely paid off, especially in that first half. And although Leeds gave themselves a lifeline, it was all about just weathering that storm and that's exactly what Leicester did. They made a couple of changes and once [James] Maddison was on the pitch, Leicester regained control of the game, got themselves up the pitch and consequently scored another two goals, so overall a really good, solid, professional performance."
The fast start was key
Matt Elliott said: "It was ultimately quite convincing in the end, but it's not always plain sailing. Once Leicester got the opener, from that moment on, I fancied Leicester, even at that early stage of the game. Leeds didn't look like they could cope when Leicester did get forward with any sort of quality. Going into half-time comfortable at 2-0, we talked about the danger of that scoreline and it's typical to say but a goal came out of nowhere, really, and you're thinking the game could be spun on its head. But Leicester calmed themselves, dug in, got through that dodgy period and then took advantage when Maddison was introduced, that was the second turning point in the game. I thought there was the capability for Leicester to go on and get three or four and that proved to be the case. Four goals away from home, three points in the bag, five out of seven, second in the league... a wonderful start."
Nullifying Leeds' threats
Simon Grayson said: "We said Brendan would get his team organised and play for space on the counter attack. The shape in the first half was really good and there was a lot of quality, it couldn't have gone any more to plan. Leeds only had a couple of half chances and then came out and got a goal. But Leicester dug deep, they didn't let Leeds have too much impetus and too much of a foothold in the game, Leeds had possession and plenty of passing, but didn't really create too many chances."
Terrific Tielemans
Gerry Taggart said: "He scored a double, his penalty was absolutely nonchalant and overall he's had a really good game. Defensively especially, I thought he was excellent, as well as getting on the ball and helping Leicester attack and get up the pitch."
The right changes at the right time
Simon Grayson said: "You've got to say well done to Brendan because they weren't keeping the ball and allowed Leeds to have more sustained pressure. He decided to bring Maddison on, who certainly can keep hold of the ball and still looked a threat. It was probably the right result, Leeds didn't deserve too much out of the game because of how Leicester played and what the manager did, he kept on making the right changes at the right time, just to see the game out. Even at the end there, putting Wes [Morgan] on and straight away he heads one clear. So a lot of credit has to go to Brendan and the players who carried out his plans tonight."
Tactical masterclass
Gerry Taggart said: "Sometimes you find yourself playing a certain way and it just seems to click, and I think that's definitely the situation here. They've gone slightly back to a style of football that we were accustomed to seeing Leicester playing when they won the league. And that's a counter-attacking style of football. That was definitely on show tonight in that first half and it worked to full effect. As much as Brendan likes to be on the front foot and closing down and the full press, he's clever enough to realise, especially when he goes away from home, that tactically he's got to change slightly. And at the minute, it's working an absolute treat for him. So you've got to give him full credit for that. You have to take your hat off to him for his tactical nous."