Leicester failed to capitalise against a poor Derby side as they stuttered to a disappointing goalless draw.
A lack of cutting-edge proved to be Leicester’s downfall as they had no answer to Derby’s overly defensive attitude.
Derby had lost their previous away game 6-1 at Cardiff and manager Nigel Clough set up his team to avoid another thrashing. They were without doubt the poorest team Leicester had played this season, but some of that was dictated by their lengthy injury list.
Pearson made two changes to the side that earned a 1-1 draw at Coventry last time out. Wellens was preferred to Gallagher, which pushed Oakley out to the right, and Howard was recalled in favour of Kermorgant.
Leicester dominated the game, particularly in the first half, but were unable to test the Derby goalkeeper. Derby almost grabbed an unlikely three points at the end when a Hobbs mistake allowed Commons a run on goal, but the former Liverpool player made a terrific recovery tackle.
Playing Oakley on the right ensured City were often too narrow and it was left to a centreback in Morrison to provide width on that side. Morrison performed gamely enough, though it played into the hands of the visitors looking to stifle the game.
The draw leaves City in eighth place, one point off the play-offs and six off the top two. A lack of goals must be a worrying issue for Pearson as the team have been too reliant on Fryatt’s goal scoring exploits so far.
Howard continues his goal drought and questions must be asked as to whether he should be considered a first choice striker. He started the game well enough but he doesn’t seem to be having the desired impact.
Whether this is down to form, confidence or the ability to play in this division is difficult to say. He showed in spells with Luton and Derby that’s he’s more than capable of scoring in this division. While he’s the wrong side of 30, the powerful striker has never relied on his pace, so if his legs can stand it then the promise of goals won’t be far away.
Let’s not forget that Howard struggled for goals for the first half of last season and he ended up with 14. This week he revealed he didn’t score for Derby in his first six games – he ended that season with 19 league goals.
Tuesday’s home clash with Crystal Palace may see the striker dropped in favour of Kermorgant again. The Frenchman has had his promising moments and seems a more mobile version of Howard. He’s been described as the best finisher at the club and Pearson admits he provides the team with a different option.
Crystal Palace will provide tough competition as the Eagles have been in good form of late. They’re unbeaten in five games after their embarrassing 4-0 mauling at home to Scunthorpe.
Leicester will need stretch the opposition and raise the tempo of their play against a side that are likely to go with five in midfield. Gallagher will also probably return to the side as Pearson attempts to manufacture the right attacking formula after a meagre return of just three goals from the last four games.
