Extra-Time Talking Points: Ndidi's Redemption, Tough Starts & Game Management

LCFC Radio
21 Aug 2019
3 Minutes
Journalists Arlo White and Jonathan Northcroft joined former defender Matt Elliott and presenter Dan Bates on Monday's episode of Extra-Time, and discussed a number talking points following Leicester City's second match of the season.

Prior to this weekend's Premier League visit to Bramall Lane to face newly-promoted Sheffield United, the Foxes claimed a point from their clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Wilfred Ndidi's header cancelled out Mason Mount's opener to help the Foxes earn a valuable point on the road.

The Nigeria international's goal was highlighted on Monday's show, while Çağlar Söyüncü game management and expectation levels were all also on the agenda.

A brilliant second half 

Academy graduate Hamza Choudhury has been impressive so far this term.

Arlo White said: "That’s as good a 1-1 draw as I think you could ever wish to see. Leicester restored control over the game and the second half was a completely different kettle of fish. Hamza Choudhury out-Kantéd N’Golo Kanté, Jonny Evans was back-heeling on the right wing, [Çağlar] Söyüncü was tormenting Christian Pulisic… it was a brilliant second half performance."

Meeting expectations 

Manager Brendan Rodgers closely monitors his side's performance in west London.

Gerry Taggart said:" The expectations have grown over the last few seasons, so we now go to these grounds almost expecting Leicester to get a result. We saw in that second half exactly why the expectation levels are what they are. The players went in at half-time and maybe Brendan [Rodgers] had to knock a few nails into the wood to get his message across, but the players came out and played tremendously well."

Game management improvement 

The Foxes weathered a storm in the early stages to settle and eventually dominate.

Jonathan Northcoft said: "The mentality is spot on. You’ve got to consider the fact that it was Frank Lampard’s first game at Stamford Bridge. It was all set up for him to have a triumphant homecoming and it would have been very easy for a young Leicester team to be swept up by that. They had a tough start, but they didn’t implode, and it showed the level Leicester are rising to now. They can manage a game like that now."

Reacting to a tough start

Youri Tielemans contests a challenge with Mason Mount in midfield.

Gerry Taggart: "Rodgers will have given them Frank Lampard’s team talk. He’d have told the lads what Lampard was going to tell his players before the game – so you have to go out and match that. They did have a sluggish start, which led to the goal. It wasn’t just Wilfred, it was three or four players who maybe weren’t at the races, but after that, they got a grip of the game and played some lovely football."

Redemption for Ndidi

After his mistake earlier in the game, Wilfred Ndidi netted City's equaliser.

Jonathan Northcoft: "It was a mistake from Wilfred Ndidi, which was uncharacteristic of him, and you could see how gutted he was at the time. It would have been very easy for him to let that spoil his match, but instead it galvanised him and he was determined to make amends. His performance was typical of the whole team."

Imperious Söyüncü 

Turkey international Çağlar Söyüncü has made a big impact on Leicester's start to the season.

Arlo White said: "He was absolutely [imperious]. He’s a cult hero now, there’s no doubt about it. Leicester chose not to invest in a defender this summer and you know what? They thought Söyüncü could do the job. City fans may not have heard of him when he joined, but he seems to have it all. Jonny Evans is guiding him through the games, but he’s got all the skills. He’s talented with the ball at his feet, he’s a physical unit, so he’s not going to get bullied off the ball, and it also looks like he’s got a turn of pace as well."