Leicester Beat Tranmere To Advance In Carabao Cup
Summer signing Jordan Ayew introduced himself to the home crowed with a stunner in the first period, then Stephy Mavididi converted a penalty for 2-0. A third arrived later in the second half, as Wilfred Ndidi got a much-deserved goal before Harry Winks drilled home a lovely attempt of his own to complete the triumph.
For the first time, there was a spot on the bench for Academy youngster and Wales youth international Chris Popov, while Manager Steve Cooper made eight changes to the side that were defeated at Fulham three days prior. The Welshman handed first starts to Caleb Okoli, Oliver Skipp and Ayew, with only Wout Faes, Ndidi and Winks remaining from the weekend.
Ahead of kick-off, those in attendance at King Power Stadium observed a minute’s applause following Sven-Göran Eriksson’s passing, while both sets of players wore black armbands. Into the action and with Ndidi operating in an advanced midfield position, the Nigeria international had the first effort on target but it was easy for Joe Murphy - in goal for City's 2-1 2000 League Cup triumph at Wembley over Rovers - to collect.
The visiting side were happy to let Leicester have the ball, winning it on occasions and striding up the pitch. Omari Patrick had a strike blocked in the penalty box by Luke Thomas, whose team-mate Ayew drilled an effort at Murphy at the other end. The Tranmere stopper was equal to it as the first half approached the midway point.
With 24 minutes on the clock, Faes fired off target from range, then Ndidi dragged wide after combining well with Skipp. Cooper's men were building in the game, with Skipp next in on goal, only for his chip to thump the chest of the on-rushing Murphy. City continued to push and their persistence paid off on 38 minutes when Ayew cut onto his right foot and bent a beautiful strike into the top corner for 1-0. In first-half stoppage time, Ndidi prodded wide but Ayew's goal was enough to see the hosts lead at the break.
Intent on adding to their first-half advantage, Mavididi moved towards the Tranmere goal, only to see his attempt stopped by defender Cameron Norman. Mavididi was growing into the game and proved to be the man to double City's advantage. Ricardo was fouled in the Leicester box and up stepped the No.10, who cooly slotted home on 50 minutes.
Leicester were in control now, with Ayew causing further problems for the men in white. Cooper made his first change of the evening just after the hour mark, with Academy graduate Hamza Choudhury replacing full debutant Skipp in the heart of midfield. Three substitutions also came for Tranmere, who were hoping fresh legs would get them back into the match.
Ayew, after his superb opener, turned provider with under 70 minutes to go linking up well with Ndidi, who slipped his marker before converting to make it 3-0 and put the game beyond the visitors. A debut for Popov came as he joined fellow Academy star Will Alves and the experienced Conor Coady on the pitch. Ayew, Faes and Ndidi all made way. A huge chance for Popov came on 79 minutes but the ball into the box from Kasey McAteer didn't quite suit his positioning and it wasn't to be.
Another substitution for Leicester meant Abdul Fatawu would play the closing stages in place of McAteer, not before Norman dragged wide for Rovers after City conceded possession in their own half. Mavididi was still a danger, with Murphy only able to watch as the ball curled perilously wide from the No.10's right boot. Tranmere were still threatening too, with substitute Kristian Dennis slicing over Danny Ward's bar.
There was still time for a fourth and it rivalled Ayew's opener for goal of the evening, with Winks setting himself before smashing into the bottom corner from 20 yards out.
City's four goals were more than enough to secure Cooper's first success as Foxes Manager. The draw for the third round will take place on Wednesday evening following Nottingham Forest's home tie against Newcastle United at The City Ground.