How we scored the Leicester City players as goals from Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi overcame Burton and sent Enzo Maresca’s men into the second round of the Carabao Cup
Leicester City breezed into the second round of the Carabao Cup as Enzo Maresca earned his first away win as manager at Burton Albion.
The Italian’s plans were on full display at the Pirelli Stadium as City controlled the 90 minutes against their League One opponents, with Kelechi Iheanacho’s inventive back-heel and Wilfred Ndidi’s composed finish to a quick-thinking move earning the win.
After needing a late comeback to beat Coventry, this was much more comfortable, with City passing the ball around with supreme confidence and fashioning more chances than they did at the weekend, while also keeping things tight at the back.
Despite six Championship sides falling to upsets against lower-league sides on the first night of Carabao Cup action, Maresca chose to make seven changes to his line-up, handing a first-team debut to 22-year-old goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk and a first City start to young winger Wanya Marcal-Madivadua.
With the likes of Harry Winks and Wout Faes remaining in the side, and with Marc Albrighton, Dennis Praet, and fit-again James Justin among those drafted in, it was still a strong City line-up, and any nerves over whether they would be victims of a giant-killing were eased after just six minutes.
City’s slick football out from the back created an opening, and while the first Albrighton cross was blocked, he and Praet pressed to win the ball back, allowing the title-winning winger to swing in another ball, this one finding Iheanacho for a clever volleyed back-heel into the bottom corner.
City’s dominance of the ball, as in the first half against Coventry, didn’t lead to many shots on target though, with Albrighton and Praet stumbling when played through, with Marcal-Madivadua seeing an effort blocked, and with Hamza Choudhury blazing over.
At the end of the first half, Burton had their best spell, Albrighton needing to make a back-post block and then Callum Doyle jumping in front of Ryan Sweeney’s header to save Stolarczyk from having to make his first stop of the night.
Doyle was again alert to play a quick free-kick down the left channel in added time, sending Iheanacho away. He carried the ball into the box under no pressure, drew out Brewers keeper Jamal Blackman, then cut it back for Ndidi to find the top corner with a first-time finish.
There were no further goals in the second period, but that was not for lack of trying on City’s part. Iheanacho stung the palms of Blackman straight after the restart, and then in a double chance, Marca-Madivadua nearly bundled in before Winks had a rapsing volley blocked on the line.
Maresca was able to make a few changes without upsetting the rhythm of City’s play too much, and certainly without upsetting the City supporters, who were in fine spirits as they get right behind the new manager and his plans for the club. Here’s how we scored the players.
Jakub Stolarczyk: He was comfortable playing out, not afraid to play the short passes into his team-mates’ feet even if they were under pressure, while also pumping it long if he felt Burton were getting too close. He had very little to do with his hands. 6
James Justin: While he was on the right of the back three when City were in possession, he still played like a traditional full-back in the first half, bombing forward when he could. Not everything went perfectly for him, but the natural width he provided meant he was a good out-ball. Defended well. 6
Wout Faes: In the middle of the back three this time, Faes stepped in well to intercept a few times, and was calm whenever he had the ball. A very solid display, albeit one of his easier evenings for a while. 7
Callum Doyle: He lumped it forward aimlessly a few times early on, but once he sharpened up, he was very good. He made two excellent contributions at the end of the first half, staying alert to block a goalbound header and then taking the quick free-kick to catch Burton sleeping and set up the second goal. 8
Hamza Choudhury: It felt like he was targeted by Burton, who were quick to close him down and try to pinch the ball from him. Most of the time, he was able to get a solid pass away without too much trouble. However, Burton’s best chances came from right-wing crosses, where he was positioned at left-back. 6
Harry Winks: It’s impressive just how at home Winks looks in this City team. You would think he’s been playing in blue under Maresca for two years, not two matches. He ran the game, breaking out of the press excellently and getting back to defend on the rare occasions his passes didn’t find their mark. 8
Dennis Praet: He linked really well with Albrighton in the early stages, and it was their combination that was City’s best route to goal. But he blew a good chance to get on the scoresheet himself and then seemed to tire quickly, not really making an impact in the second half. 7
Wilfred Ndidi: It was a slow start from the Nigerian, his forward runs not found and his passes through the lines overhit. But he quickly livened up, becoming more accurate with his passing and interplay, and then finishing superbly after busting a gut to support Iheanacho. He did his fair share of defensive work too. 7
Marc Albrighton: He was heavily involved, combining well with Praet, including for the first goal that he set up with a nice cross. He kept running and kept searching for more goals, and gave everybody in the ground a giggle with his slapstick fall as he bore down on goal in the first half. 7
Kelechi Iheanacho: The long-known Leicester City fact that stuff happens when Iheanacho is on the pitch looks like staying true under the new manager. He produced an improvised finish to score, teed up Ndidi perfectly, and dropped in constantly to provide an option in the passing game. He looks suited to this set-up. 8
Wanya Marcal-Madivadua: A confident one-two inside 20 seconds set the tone for the young Portuguese, who showed great speed, defensive work-rate, and tricky feet, as well as the right attacking idea. Went close to a first City goal a couple of times in a very promising display. 7
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: The game petered out with his and Ricardo’s arrival into the game, and he didn’t get involved that much, over-hitting one cross when positioned well. 5
Ricardo Pereira: Set up Iheanacho for a decent chance after stealing in, and was solid on the ball. 6
Kasey McAteer: Made good runs beyond the last man, but only found Blackman’s hands when he had a good chance to cross to Dewsbury-Hall. 5
