Extra-Time Talking Points: Recovery & Rejuvenation
- Arlo White, Gerry Taggart and Iwan Roberts analyse Leicester City’s 2-1 Premier League defeat by Southampton
- The trio were speaking on Monday’s episode of Extra-Time
- Sunday’s encounter with Burnley at Turf Moor was also discussed
The Foxes suffered only their second home defeat of the season on Saturday, when Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men recorded a 2-1 victory at King Power Stadium after efforts from Stuart Armstrong and Danny Ings.
City, with a seven-day gap in between, next head to Burnley to face Sean Dyche’s men at Turf Moor on Sunday (2pm kick-off), with live coverage available on LCFC Radio from 11am on matchday.
Southampton’s style
Gerry Taggart said: “Sometimes, you have to take your hat off to the opposition. Southampton were excellent on the day and some of Leicester’s players just couldn’t hit top form. Southampton have almost changed their style of play. Ralph Hasenhüttl has reverted back to a simple style and it’s worked perfectly for them.”
Get back to winning ways
Iwan Roberts said: “Just look at the games Leicester have lost – two against Liverpool, one against Manchester United, one against Man City and one against Southampton. Form is going to dip at times, and you’ll have the odd blip, but it’s how you overcome that and get back to winning ways – that’s what Brendan [Rodgers] will be telling the players this week.”
Rejuvenated City
Arlo White said: “I fully expect City to go to Turf Moor rejuvenated and fresh. It’s hard to go through an entire season almost perfect. They’re in the top three, the fourth round of the FA Cup and the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. I look at the table and Leicester are 11 points clear of fifth place.”
Busy fixture schedule
Gerry Taggart said: “Leicester had their opportunities, there’s no doubt about it, but if you’re not on it, even if it’s by one or two per cent, you’ll get punished. It’s as simple as Southampton just having that little bit more energy. When you’re playing Wednesday and Saturday, it’s hard for everyone to recover.”
Eight days to recover
Arlo White said: “It’s just a case of getting back to business and forgetting about Southampton. They’ve had some right ding-dongs at Turf Moor over the years and they’ve come out on top a few times, and it’s time to do that all over again. I’m sure that the eight days in between games couldn’t have come at a better time.”
All times GMT.