On Monday night, Leicester City missed the chance to establish a 10-point lead at the top of the Championship against Ipswich.
Leif Davis’ unfortunate own goal on the half-hour mark sent Leicester on course to put last weekend’s 3-1 defeat against Coventry City behind them.
But Ipswich rallied in the second half and some inspired substitutions from Kieran McKenna helped the visitors grab a late equaliser.
Mads Hermansen parried Massimo Luongo’s dipping strike and substitute Jeremy Sarmiento pounced to tuck home the invaluable leveller with 89 minutes on the clock.
For Enzo Maresca’s side, it was a carbon copy of the Boxing Day clash. Leicester dominated large spells of the match, failed to take their chances and allowed Ipswich to grab a late equaliser.
The Foxes were ultimately punished for sitting back late in the game while allowing the visitors to grow into the contest.
Leicester landed seven shots on target to the Tractor Boys’ three, emphasizing how one side squandered chances, and the other side was clinical.
There were, however, some stand-out performers in the match for the hosts.
Stephy Mavididi, as usual, wreaked havoc against the opposition, and it was his initial cross that ricocheted off Davis to give them the lead.
The Frenchman was a strong influence from an attacking and defensive sense, as his three successful dribbles and one key pass were complemented by eight ground duels won and four tackles, as per Sofascore.
Although Mavididi was a huge threat, Ricardo Pereira showed he was a class above on the pitch.
Ricardo Pereira’s performance was a ‘big factor’ vs Ipswich
Pereira has been enjoying his role as an inverted full-back this season, marauding into midfield and creating an overload in the central areas.
In the draw against Ipswich, however, the Portuguese star was given extra license to cause problems centrally.
Maresca was short on options in that area after Cesare Casadei was recalled from his loan early by Chelsea and Wilfred Ndidi is still sidelined with an injury.
Nonetheless, Pereira stepped up to the occasion by putting in a commanding performance that saw Leicestershire Live’s Jordan Blackwell wax lyrical in his post-match playing ratings.
He said: “He pinched the ball regularly, looking really sharp as he nibbled at the feet of Ipswich players. His link-up with Mavididi was excellent to watch too, and was a big factor in the goal. 8”
This high praise was reinforced by his near-faultless display defensively, winning eight of his 10 ground duels, three tackles and two aerial duels.
Pereira also oozed class in possession as he accurately placed two long balls, touched the ball 41 times and made two key passes, including the one that helped create the goal.
He was certainly a “big factor” in Leicester assuming control in the first half, it’s just a shame a lapse in concentration prevented them from securing all three points.
The Foxes remain seven clear at the top and host Birmingham City in the FA Cup this weekend.