Leicester vs. Newcastle: Winners and Losers from FA Cup Game

Leicester vs. Newcastle: Winners and Losers from FA Cup Game
Edit
1Winner: Marc Albrighton, Who Seized His Chance
Edit
2Loser: Paul Konchesky, Who Struggled...again
Edit
3Winner: Liam Moore, Who Stood Tall in Defence
Edit
4Losers: Newcastle's 'Reserve' Attacking Options
Edit
5Winner: Tom Lawrence, Who Impressed on His Full Debut
Edit
6Loser: The Away Support, Who Were Brilliant, but Let Down
Edit

Leicester vs. Newcastle: Winners and Losers from FA Cup Game

Jan 3, 2015

Winner: Marc Albrighton, Who Seized His Chance

Marc Albrighton's had a really tough few years; breaking his foot at Aston Villa, never recovering fully, then landing at Leicester City on a free and enduring more fitness issues.

But today he grabbed his chance, coming on for Esteban Cambiasso early on and playing a vital part in the Foxes' strong performance. His work ethic shone through, he crossed well, won plenty of corners and served up some fantastic chances.

The Midlands-born midfielder can be very happy with himself.

Loser: Paul Konchesky, Who Struggled...again

Paul Konchesky has not convinced on his return to focus, and another poor performance for Leicester City in the FA Cup third round against Newcastle United has fans baying for a new left-back in January.

Nigel Pearson will have a good idea of which positions he needs to upgrade this winter, and after spending very little in the summer, he may have funds to spend. Centre-back looks good, right-back reasonable, but left-back is a problem area.

Konchesky was robbed in possession several times and invited pressure from Adam Armstrong throughout the match on Saturday. He remains a liability and a target area for opponents.

Winner: Liam Moore, Who Stood Tall in Defence

Liam Moore has impressed whenever he's been given the chance this season, and he was a pillar in defence in this 1-0 win over Newcastle United.

His covering for Paul Konchesky in the wide areas was brilliant, mopping up plenty of mess in space, and he was calm bringing the ball out of defence.

Marcin Wasilewski's reign in defence alongside Wes Morgan is under threat.

Losers: Newcastle's 'Reserve' Attacking Options

Rather than simplistically brand the entire Newcastle United XI a "loser"—which, in truth, it was—we've decided to focus on the attacking lineup.

Adam Armstrong did OK, ran hard and has youth on his side, but Remy Cabella and Emmanuel Riviere—two Frenchmen who cost a combined £16 million—did very little to justify their status. Again.

The Magpies looked toothless in attack and failed to move the ball forward with any fluency. The fans' displeasure was both understandable and audible.

Winner: Tom Lawrence, Who Impressed on His Full Debut

Twenty-year-old Tom Lawrence joined Leicester City on a permanent basis last summer from Manchester United, but has had to wait a long time for his full debut.

With a loan move to Rotherham United under his belt, Lawrence has returned to the King Power Stadium and was told to prove his progress against Newcastle United on Saturday.

He was all-action, back defending and covering his full-backs, then attacking with purpose at the other end. He even switched inside for a period to central midfield after Esteban Cambiasso went off injured.

Nigel Pearson will be very impressed.

Loser: The Away Support, Who Were Brilliant, but Let Down

Over 4,000 Newcastle United fans made the arduous trip south, as they always do, to the east Midlands on Saturday, only to be rewarded with a poor team selection, performance and effort.

4,500 Newcastle fans at Leicester today. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/JOQkdguEmZ

— Football Away Days (@AwayDays_) January 3, 2015

The Magpies' away support is one of the most dedicated in the country and clock up the miles willingly to support their team. Understandably, though, they're getting a little impatient.

Negative chants echoed from the away end late on as the fans took out their aggression, targeting the players and chairman Mike Ashley in particular. Some even suggested Alan Pardew ducked out after realising just how poor the team were.

Display ID
2318032
Primary Tag