There wasn’t much for Leicester City fans to cheers as they drew 0-0 in 90 minutes against League Two Walsall but they did at least win the penalty shootout to advance to the next round of the Carabao Cup.
Steve Cooper did little to endear himself to Leicester City supporters as his side put in a dismal display against fourth tier opposition.
Had it been a team of Leicester youth players, fans could perhaps have accepted watching their side muster just two shots on target but the fact it was an experienced side made it a painful watch.
Cooper will already be feeling the pressure with Leicester yet to win a Premier League game this season and his fringe players have now largely shown him that they cannot be depended on with their performance against Walsall.
The likes of Ricardo Pereira, Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Odsonne Edouard all failed to take their opportunity, but there was one player who stepped up.
Danny Ward spares Leicester City blushes against Walsall
Caleb Okoli was the only player from the 1-1 draw with Everton in the league on Saturday to keep his place and he showed why he is in favour under Cooper with a solid display.
However, it was back-up goalkeeper Danny Ward who came away from the cup clash with the most credit as he kept a clean sheet before saving all three penalties he faced in the shootout.
Ward’s heroics ensured Leicester progress to the round of 16 and the Welsh goalkeeper spoke to Leicester’s media team about the “special” shootout after the game.
Ward said: “Normally it’s only one that’s alright, you know gets us through, but to save three is special.
“We did our homework, myself and the rest of the goalkeeping department and thankfully that homework seemed to pay off tonight.”
The interviewer then asked: “You went the same way three times, was that intentional? Did you have a plan for each of the spot-kicks?”
To which Ward responded: “Yeah, after training we spent a good half hour to 45 minutes together, all the goalkeepers and Danny Alcock, the goalkeeper coach, the analysis boys and we sat there and watched them.
“We’ve got to be ready for all eventualities and we knew it could always go to penalties here, especially with it being 90 minutes then straight to penalties, so we sit there and do our homework thoroughly and we do that for every game so it’s nice to see that it’s paid off tonight.”
Cooper needs to get Leicester fans back on side after Walsall
It is not a stretch to say that Ward’s penalty saves were the only moment from the Walsall match that would have brought supporters any joy.
Fans are already grown increasingly frustrated with Cooper and many feel he is the wrong man to keep Leicester in the Premier League.
- READ MORE: What Leicester City fans were heard chanting towards Steve Cooper during Walsall cup clash
Frustration turned to anger as one supporter ran onto the pitch to confront Cooper during the game at the Poundland Bescott Stadium before being escorted away.
Whilst this was an extreme measure, the incident does highlight the strain on Cooper and a heavy defeat against Arsenal this weekend could see the Leicester hierarchy start to explore their options.