Extra-Time Talking Points: Barnes' Barnstormer & Experience Shines Through

LCFC Radio
27 Aug 2019
3 Minutes
Former Leicester City stars Matt Elliott and Iwan Roberts, alongside The Athletic's football writer, Rob Tanner, dissected the Foxes' 2-1 win at Sheffield United on Extra-Time this Monday.

Extra-Time, a one-hour show available on LCFC Radio, Facebook and Twitter, provides a detailed analysis of each of City's first team outings every Monday following a weekend fixture.

Speaking on this week's episode, Elliott, Roberts and Tanner picked out a host of talking points to discuss following the impressive success at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

Barnes gets it right

After being introduced by Brendan Rodgers in the second half, it took the Academy graduate just six minutes to get on the scoresheet.

Matt Elliott: “What a strike from Harvey [Barnes]! It came a little bit out the blue didn’t it? He chanced it and called it perfectly. He came on to make an impact when the game was really tight and he could have been forgiven for taking a touch and trying to give himself time, but he’s backed himself. Even with the abilities he’s got, chances like that sail over the bar nine times out of 10, but he got it right when it mattered.”

Fond memories for Roberts

 

Iwan's goal-scoring record endeared him to the Club's supporters.

Iwan Roberts: “As soon as it left his foot, you knew where it was going. Believe it not, I scored a similar goal for Leicester at Filbert Street against Derby, when I scored a hat-trick. It was my second and I just hit it on the half-volley. You just knew straight away it was going to fly into the top corner. Technically, what a great goal from Harvey. It was a brilliant strike.”

Front-three click into gear

Jamie Vardy's neat finish put the Foxes in front at the break in Sheffield.

Rob Tanner: “James Maddison applied the perfect weight onto the pass. [Jamie] Vardy didn’t even have to break his stride to get on the end of that and it was a great pass. That’s what Maddison can do. That’s why people are taking about him. We were talking about the front-three combining, but in that move we saw it all click. [Ayoze] Pérez won the ball, Maddison played the first-time pass and then Vardy’s finish. That’s what we all hope to see more regularly.”

A strong start to 2019/20 

Brendan Rodgers' attentions will now turn to Wednesday's Carabao Cup Second Round clash with Newcastle United.

Iwan Roberts said: “It is important (to get the first win). If Leicester drew, it would only be three points. You may be pleased because you’re still unbeaten, but you want those first three points. It takes the pressure off you and it’s not an easy place to go, Bramall Lane. They had a good start with four points from two games and Chris Wilder has got them organised. Four points from two away games, including Chelsea, is a really good tally.”

Fuchs' role at the Club 

The former Austria skipper delivered another consistent performance at left-back for the Foxes.

Rob Tanner: “It was great of Brendan Rodgers to persuade him to have another year here. He’s spoken in the past about one day going to join his family in Manhattan and pursue other ventures – and he’s got many of those. To keep him around as support – and also as somebody for Ben Chilwell to learn from – I think was a great move by the Club.”

Experience and youth blend together 

The skipper's introduction with 12 minutes to play was crucial as City saw out the triumph in Sheffield.

Matt Elliott: “Everyone talks about the youth in the squad, but you’ve got Jamie Vardy up top and then there’s Wes Morgan, Christian Fuchs and Kasper Schmeichel. There’s a good blend and they’ve got good experience in the dressing room. Fuchs is a great character as well. That experience will be really influential this season for Leicester City.”