Leicester 2, Stoke 1, positives and negatives, player ratings and match report, Championship fixture – TCF – FILBERT WAY
Marti Cifuentes picked the team as close as you could get to a perfect set up. The only question was the use of Jordan James. He was again played out of position as the top man in his double pivot. Oliver Skipp and Harry Winks played in the defensive roles, but still a good line-up for such a game.
We have also suggested on the basics of Marti Cifuentes playing style and approach. Patson Daka must be the player to pick. He stretches the opponents’ defense with his runs.
Leicester started the game positively and was on the front foot from start. Abdul Fatawu, Stephy Mavididi and Patson Daka showcased excellent pace. Their balance was impressive, forcing Stoke to focus more on defensive matters than getting forward.
Leicester had a strong presence and in the 23rd minute it all exploded. Stephy Mavididi made a great shot from distance. It found the net and tested ex Leicester man Viktor Johansson in the Stoke goal. However, he never managed to get his hands on that splendidly placed firecracker. Leicester were 1-0 up.
Stoke had to push for an equaliser but instead Leicester utilised a major chance in the 44th minute. Abdul Fatawu delivered a splendid pass to Patson Daka. The Zambian international found the net for the first time in almost a year. Leicester were 2-0 up when the half time whistle blow.
Three points 🙌#LEISTK | @BCGame pic.twitter.com/xexh9XPesM
— Leicester City (@LCFC) November 22, 2025
Leicester never managed to build on their two goals in the first half. Second half started poorly with a Stoke goal scored after just 48 minutes of play. A Bae Jun-Ho header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner.
Stoke were powered on and fought for their second goal. Leicester had a few counter attacks, but it never really looked as if this would end with more Leicester goals. Stoke was close to getting their equalizer. The best Leicester player on the field, Asmir Begovic, showed class. He saved everything today.
Bouba Soumare came on for Oliver Skipp in the 72nd minute. Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Silko Thomas and Hamza Choudhury were also on the field today, helping Leicester to three new points.
Well fought and hard work this time, gave a good reward. Leicester picked up all three points from this difficult game against a Stoke team in form and full of confidence. It was nice to see that Leicester did what they needed to do to win this crucial game.
Leicester are 10th in the table, playing Southampton on Tuesday. But the gap to a play off position is just a point, and 6 up to a straight promotion place. We were happy with Marti’s set up this time. However, someone must address the error of use with Jordan James. The team suffers because they are not playing him in his best role.
- Positives
- Patson Daka on the scoresheet, great to see him score again, lovely
- Asmir Begovic shows his class, a great game and a very positive performance
- Stephy Mavididi showing he can turn on a coin and score goals from almost everywhere
- Steady defending, keeping focus until the end, great to watch
- Negatives
- Continuing playing Jordan James out of position, why not turn the pivot and play James a bit deeper
- Luke Thomas and Ricardo Pereira not enough involved and pushing enough forward
- Too many yellow cards
Line Up:
Begovic 8, Pereira 5, Thomas 4, Vestergaard 6, Faes 6, Winks 6, Skipp 5, Daka 7, Mavididi 7, Fatawu 5, James 6 Subs: De Cordova-Reid, Thomas, Soumare, Choudhury
- Leicester City, Man of the Match
Match Stats (H/A)
- Possession: 44 / 56
- Shots on Target: 2 / 5
- Corners: 0 / 10
- Fouls: 16 / 11
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