After nearly amassing 100 points in the Championship last season, Leicester fans were optimistic of their chances in the Premier League this season. That was until Chelsea took their best player and home grown talent Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and up and coming manager Enzo Maresca. Any hope left around the foxes faithful was dampened further with the appointment of former Nottingham Forrest manager Steve Cooper.
The foxes have started ok this season. Three points in five games against some strong teams such as Tottenham, Aston Villa and Crystal Place on paper is a good start for the East Midlands side. But after their draw against Everton at home, do they really have enough to stay up this season?
Transfer Window
Leicester’s transfer window was received with mixed reception across the fan base. The signings of Bilal El Khannouss, Oliver Skipp and Odsonne Édouard on deadline day showed ambition by the board. Plus the additions of veterans Jordan Ayew and Bobby De Cordova Reid sealed off a decent window for Steve Coopers side.
The main issue they faced however was they didn’t address the Dewsbury-Hall sized hole which was left in the team. Last season, he alone provided 26 goal contributions for Leicester which is a lot of attacking threat lost for newly promoted side. Weather the additions brought in will be enough to make up for the goals they lost is still up for debate.
Their start to the season
As mentioned earlier, on paper Leicester’s start hasn’t been to bad. They have had hard games to start the season and have been able to show that they can score goals. Something which many fans worried about before the season started. As well as their ability to come back from behind is all positive signs for the foxes.
However their recent draw to Everton has raised a few question marks. Playing Everton at home, a team coming of the back of two big losses, are the exact games Leicester need to be winning if they want any chance in staying up. Only managing a draw and struggling in large parts of the game is a big concern and will have fans wondering where their first win is coming from.
Steve Cooper
Being the former manager of their rivals and replacing fan favourite Enzo Maresca was always going to be a hard task. But at current, he hasn’t done a good job at bridging the gap.
His team selections and substitutions have frustrated the blue army this season. Ricardo Pereira not starting a Premier League game this season and Mavadidi only starting two games this season have left fans frustrated. If Steve Cooper is to turn his fortunes around he needs to start winning and quick. Otherwise any good will that is left will quickly run out.
Leicester and Steve Cooper are lucky that teams surrounding them have struggled so far this season. But if they continue the way they are, the former Premier League winners will be facing another stint in the Championship.
