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Foxes outclass The Rams again
Foxes outclass The Rams again
Sunday, 13th Feb 2011 15:54 by Josh Curtis

Eriksson’s men condemn Derby to a fourth East Midlands derby defeat of the season. Two goals in the first half from Yakubu and Andy King were more than enough to see of Nigel Clough’s side at Pride Park as once again, Derby looked very poor.

Derby fans protested against their owners before the game as cries of ‘sack the board’ were heard around the area. Many rams fans did not expect to win or even draw the game and this, coupled with the fact the game was on Sky, perhaps explains the relatively low attendance for Derby’s standards.

The two teams are at opposite ends of the form table and it was entirely evident throughout the first half. Leicester were very comfortable on the ball, playing patient, passing football and controlling the game. It was clear straight from kick-off that our wing-backs, Van Aanholt and Naughton were going to be pivotal in the outcome of this fixture. Both had a lot of the ball in Derby’s half and in particular, van Aanholt lived up to the hype of being labelled as Ashley Cole’s long-term replacement. Attacking wise and defensively he was a class apart.

Half way through the first half Darius Vassell had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside but this did not shock the rams into life at all as City continued to dominate.

A few minutes later Premier League quality was shown from ‘The Yak’ as he scored a superb goal from inside the Derby area. Neat build-up play gave Wellens the chance to whip in a cross which Derby failed to clear. Gallagher climbed highest to head into Yakubu’s reach. It was a moment of pure magic as he Controlled the ball initially with his right thigh and then with his left. The Nigerian international didn’t let the ball touch the ground and then struck and wonderful volley into the roof of the net past Bywater. Jubilation for the 3,000 strong Blue army who were very vocal all game. Cue The Poznan.

Debutant Ricardo, in goal for the Foxes, had a lot to live up to after replacing in-form Chris Weale in goal but he shown excellent distribution skills when needed.

As half time approached Leicester were totally on top and almost toying with Derby. The ‘ole’ chant rang out for every pass and before long, in a beautiful move down the left, Leicester had their deserved second goal.

Ben Mee started the move from the back, feeding Yakubu inside the Derby half, who combined with the terrific Van Aanholt to put Gallagher into space.

King, sensing a chance, was already at full-throttle and charging in behind the Rams defence  with a trademark midfield burst, and the weight of Gallagher's perfect threw ball allowed him to comfortably nudge past the outrushing Bywater. Comparisons to England midfielder Frank Lampard’s style of play are totally understandable and this goal moves King onto 13 league goals this term. Cue the Poznan again.

Almost immediately the ref blew his whistle for half-term as boo’s rang around the stadium from the home fans, dismayed by the first half performance. However in reality Leicester were simply supreme, effortlessly coasting the first 45 minutes. 

The second half saw the Rams galvanized as they looked a different side. Unlike last season, Derby build up play was pretty decent as Leicester came under pressure. However Derby could only manage to win a few corners without creating any chances.

Sven’s men looked solid throughout the second half, committed totally to the cause of defending a two goal lead. This was very evident on 66minutes as Sol bamba and Ben Mee clashed heads attempting to head clear a long ball meant for Derby striker Davies. Both sustained nasty bruises but played on in typical fashion.

Eriksson’s confidence in his own defence was clear as he brought Lloyd dyer on for The Yak to keep the 4-3-3 formation going.

The game then dragged on without any real chances for either side eveas Derby searched for goal back. It was clear Derby were lacking pace in attack and creativity in midfield.

As the final whistle went after around 99 minutes in total play boo’s once again were heard from Derby fans as Leicester fans celebrated the double over their rivals.

The result means Derby continue to slip down the table, desperately in search of 3 points. Rams fans agree they really don’t know when that will happen, some calling for Nigel Cloughs sacking.

On the other hand it was a short dance home for us Foxes fans as we continue our charge up the table, lying 7th in wait of any team above. Promotion is a very real possibility this season.

By Josh Curtis

Derby County (4-1-4-1): Bywater; Brayford, Barker, Addison (Ayla 87), Roberts; Savage (c); B. Davies, Green, Pearson, Pringle (Bueno 82); S. Davies.

Subs not used: Leacock, Porter, Deeney, Cywka, Doyle.

Booked: Barker

Leicester City (4-3-3): Ricardo; Naughton, Bamba (Bruma 85), Mee, Van Aanholt; Wellens, Oakley (c), King; Vassell (Waghorn 83), Yakubu (Dyer 76), Gallagher.

Subs not used: Weale, Berner, Abe, Moussa.

Goals: Yakubu 28, King 45+3

Attendance: 26,142 (2,724 Blue Army)

Referee: C H Webster

Photo: Action Images



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