Foxes Battle To Brighton Point With 10 Men
Claude Puel made three changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Burnley before the final international break of the year, as Vicente Iborra, Shinji Okazaki and Demarai Gray all returned to the starting XI.
The Foxes had a penalty appeal turned down inside three minutes when Okazaki – making his first Premier League start of the season – appeared to be fouled in the Brighton area, but there was nothing given.
On 12 minutes, Kasper Schmeichel made a crucial save to deny Beram Kayal from a one-on-one situation, before former Fox Anthony Knockaert had two efforts blocked just two minutes later.
Knockaert turned provider on 15 minutes, though, as he sent a corner into Glenn Murray, who headed in at the front post to open the scoring on the south coast.
City’s difficulties intensified on 28 minutes, as James Maddison, booked two minutes prior, received a second yellow card for simulation inside the Seagulls box.
Then, just after the half-hour mark, Iborra was forced off after picking up a knock, capping a tough first half in Brighton.
Puel’s men were much improved after the break, however, and the introduction of Jamie Vardy on 55 minutes provided City with a huge boost.
A minute later, Schmeichel had to be alert to a hooked effort from Brighton defender Shane Duffy, but from then on, Leicester dictated the play.
A scrappy period ensued, but when substitute Kelechi Iheanacho was brought down in the area by Kayal, Vardy had the opportunity to level matters.
The No.9 stepped up and slammed his spot kick into the top corner, sending Mat Ryan the wrong way before celebrating in front of the Blue Army.
Iheanacho, who was earlier denied by Ryan, had the chance to win it for City with two minutes to play, only for his low effort to fly just inches wide of the post.
Major moment
The introduction of Jamie Vardy early on in the second half completely changed the way Leicester City set up against Brighton.
His sharp runs and unwavering persistence stretched play, turning the game in favour of the visiting side, who prevailed despite being reduced to 10 men following James Maddison’s dismissal.
His impact was an immediate one, and he capped the 35-minute performance with a deserved goal.
Who impressed?
The attacking duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy, who both came on after the interval, were instrumental in City claiming a point on the south coast.
Iheanacho won the penalty and Vardy converted it, while Iheanacho also went close to winning it for the Foxes late on after firing off target from the edge of the area.
Where do we stand?
Leicester City sit 10th in the Premier League table having amassed 18 points from 13 2018/19 fixtures. There is a two-point gap to 11th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have a game in hand, while Watford sit two points above City in ninth position.
Coming up…
The Foxes’ rescheduled Carabao Cup Fourth Round tie with Southampton takes place at King Power Stadium on Tuesday 27 November (7:45pm GMT kick-off). The winners of the fixture will face Manchester City at home in the quarter-finals.