Leicester 0-2 Crystal Palace: Foxes stuck in relegation zone after sixth straight defeat as Eagles leapfrog Manchester United into 14th after goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Marc Guehi


  • Jean-Phillipe Mateta's goal in the second half opened the scoring for the visitors
  • The defeat of the Foxes keeps Ruud van Nistelrooy's men in the relegation zone
  • Hear It's all starting! Why Manchester United might have to sell Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho

It takes more than a few top lawyers to keep a team as weak as Leicester in the Premier League.

The Foxes escaped a possible points deduction last summer even though authorities insisted they had violated spending rules. And they managed to go unpunished again, at least for now, when the League issued its verdict this week on the club's latest accounts.

However, none of that matters if you can't take risks or defend properly and manager Ruud van Nistelrooy admitted: “It's the lowest we've felt during my time here. We have to regain hope and reverse this negative cycle.”

Leicester missed their chances and second-half goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Marc Guehi left Crystal Palace unbeaten in six away games.

Leicester remain in the bottom three after six straight league defeats under Ruud van Nistelrooy. No wonder there were full-time boos.

“We can't continue talking about performances,” Van Nistelrooy added. 'Six games without winning are not enough. “We need a win soon.”

Second-half goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Marc Guehi secured Palace victory

Second-half goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Marc Guehi secured Palace victory

Leicester remain in the bottom three after six consecutive league defeats under Ruud van Nistelrooy

Leicester remain in the bottom three after six consecutive league defeats under Ruud van Nistelrooy

Jean-Phillipe Mateta broke the deadlock and set Palace on course for an away victory

Jean-Phillipe Mateta broke the deadlock and set Palace on course for an away victory

MATCH DATA AND PLAYER RATINGS

Leicester (4-2-3-1): Stolarczyk 6.5; Justin 6 (Ayew 80), Faes 6.5, Vestergaard 5.5, Kristiansen 5.5; Winks 6.5 (Skipp 66, 6), Soumare 7; Buonanotte 6.5 (McAteer 66, 6.5), El Khannouss 5 (Daka 66, 5.5), Mavididi 6.5; Vardi 6.

Scorers: None.

Reserved: None.

Coach: Ruud van Nistelrooy 6

Crystal Palace (3-4-3): Henderson 7; Richards 6.5, *LACROIX 7.5*, Guehi 7; Muñoz 6, Hughes 6.5 (Kamada 62, 6), Lerma 6 (Doucoure 20, 6), Mitchell 6 (Clyne 79, 6); Sarr 6.5, Mateta 6, Eze 6 (Devenny 79, 6).

Scorers: Mateta 52, Guehi 78

Reserved: None.

Manager: Oliver Glasner 6

Referee: Andy Madley 6

Attendance: 29,766

Jamie Vardy could have scored twice in the first three minutes, first when he failed to make proper contact with Facundo Buonanotte's low cross and then with a running volley that went wide.

Palace missed the best opportunity of the first half. Victor Kristiansen's ball hit Daniel Muñoz's face and bounced off Mateta, who couldn't even test Jakub Stolarczyk from an excellent position.

Stephy Mavididi got between Muñoz and Will Hughes and passed the ball towards the goal, where Vardy took advantage of a difficult opportunity. At the other end, Hughes fired over shortly after James Justin went close with a free-kick.

Palace looked vulnerable in the first half and Leicester didn't make them pay. Sure enough, Ismaila Sarr ignored Mavididi and passed the ball inside Jannik Vestergaard for Mateta to round Stolarczyk and score.

Mateta was a fraction away from converting a Muñoz cross and Stolarcyzk made a good save to deny Tyrick Mitchell a goal. Vardy narrowly missed a shot from Kristiansen's cross.

Moments later, Kasey McAteer replaced fellow substitute Patson Daka, but the shot was rushed and seconds later Boubakary Soumare hit the crossbar. Vardy then volleyed from the far post into the crowd.

Those mistakes were soon punished. Eberechi Eze took a free kick to the far post where Guehi, unmarked, guided it into the roof of the net.

Palace boss Oliver Glasner said: “We are not happy with the performance.”

“We need to do better if we want to beat West Ham on Saturday.”



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By Kevin Rogers

Kevin is a seasoned sports journalist with 15 years of experience covering major leagues, including the NFL, NBA, and MLB. His dynamic commentary and expert game analysis connect with fans across all sports, ensuring reliable and engaging coverage. Phone: +1 (212) 574-9823

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