- Ricardo Pereira analyses Leicester City’s 2-2 Premier League draw against West Ham United
- The City full-back put his side ahead with a header, but they went on to concede in injury time
- Ricardo also looks ahead to Thursday’s UEFA Europa Conference League fixture against Randers
The Foxes had to come from behind at King Power Stadium when Jarrod Bowen struck on 10 minutes. Youri Tielemans levelled matters from the penalty spot before the interval, before Ricardo nodded in his first goal of the season.
However, despite dominating in the second half, City conceded in injury time, when Craig Dawson converted Bowen’s corner to ensure the spoils were shared.
“After they scored first, we bounced back and scored before half-time,” Ricardo said. “We did a great second half, then we scored a second goal and had great moments in the game. It’s a really tough one to take, taking a goal at the end, set pieces… we’re really sad about the game and it feels like a loss for us.
“It’s a little bit of everything, taking a goal at the end, we were much better than them in the second half. I don’t remember Kasper [Schmeichel] making a save in the second half, so it’s a tough one to take and we’re sad about it.
“We had a lot of positives in the game. We have to look at that and keep going, do the same or better, and look to the negatives and the bad things we did – set pieces and be even more concentrated and try to do better.”
Ricardo’s well-timed header had City in front with just over 30 minutes to play. There was no person in the ground that enjoyed it more than the Portuguese.
“My guess, I think it’s my third [header] in my career! So, it’s not my first time, but it was very good to have this feeling again after everything, and help the team – that’s the most important [aspect].
“Mostly because of everything that I’ve been through. These past couple of years, it was the anger coming out and the frustration and the happiness too. After all, to be back and fit and helping the team by scoring, that’s what I worked for.
“I feel very good. I’m grateful for being able to do what I love and enjoy myself too. After everything, now I just want to keep going to keep helping the team and keep playing.”
A maiden UEFA Europa Conference League match up against Randers follows on Thursday, providing the Blue Army with an opportunity to watch more European football on Filbert Way.
“We have to go game by game,” added Ricardo. “We have a game here Thursday. We will be concentrated and we will focus on that. There’s some time to rest, then focus on European football.”