One Leicester City defender put on a disappointing showing as they were defeated 2-1 to Fulham.
The Foxes struggled to repeat the successes of their first Premier League game of the season against Tottenham Hotspur, as their dogged performance was not enough for Steve Cooper’s side to return to Leicestershire with any points.
Wout Faes scored the one and only goal for the Foxes, with the Belgian levelling up the game, before Fulham went back ahead in the second half to win 2-1.
Leicester City were undone, particularly on the flanks, with make-shift wing-back Abdul Issahaku Fatawu struggling to get into the groove of the game, and as a result may give Cooper the decision of looking to bolster his wide defensive options.
Elsewhere, Leicester City players struggled, particularly defensively, with one notably being handed a disappointing verdict following a performance for the Foxes that has been described as ‘uncomfortable’ on an ‘extremely difficult afternoon’ for the defensive-minded player.
Leicester City wing-back Victor Kristiansen issued ‘uncomfortable’ label after Fulham performance
Leicester City were continuously targeted in wide areas, particularly as a result of Fatawu’s defensive struggles, which left James Justin culpable for the two Fulham goals as a result of the lack of support from the wing-back.
However, fellow wing-back Victor Kristiansen was also on the end of a poor showing against Fulham, after he ‘afforded Adama [Traore] too much space’ and as a result was ‘beaten all ends up by the Spaniard for a lot of Fulham’s attacks’, per LeicestershireLive.
The Danish defender admittedly did ‘lack support’ throughout the game, which is a recipe for disaster when left alone against Traore, however on the offensive front, Kristiansen was unable to provide anything of note as well.
Leicester City defensive shape offered very little support v Fulham
With both wing-backs in Cooper’s side ultimately putting in a disappointing performance against Fulham, there has to be questions asked as to whether a back-three is the best option in terms of defensive support.
The side appears in formation and on paper to be very attack-heavy, however there is a contradiction in play with the Foxes playing with a more dogged approach and the desire to sit back, which as a result leaves clear gaps dotted around the defence.
It is fairly difficult to get through the side through the middle, however time after time, Leicester City were dissected on the wide areas, and the lack of support given to those in defensive situations will undoubtedly become a constant issue for Cooper this season, unless necessary changes are made.
It is an area of the pitch that will continue to be targeted in the current formation, and to prevent the issue evolving, Cooper must look towards the issues within his formation choice.