Jamie Vardy found the back of the net for the first time since November, helping Championship frontrunners Leicester withstand a strong challenge from struggling Birmingham, who also play in the same division. This secured their spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-0 victory at the King Power Stadium.
Birmingham had a record of no losses in their last four games under the leadership of Tony Mowbray, who took over from Wayne Rooney. They had control of the first half, with Jay Stansfield hitting the post and Jakub Stolarczyk, the Leicester goalkeeper, making five saves in the first 45 minutes.
Following an underwhelmed reaction from Leicester manager Enzo Maresca, three substitutions were made at half-time, with James Justin, Ricardo Pereira, and Kasey McAteer coming on. However, it was the experienced duo of Marc Albrighton, 34, and Vardy, 37, who ultimately scored the first goal of the match just two minutes into the second half. Albrighton’s cross from the right wing found Vardy unmarked and he headed it in for his first FA Cup goal since 2018. Vardy was later prevented from scoring a second goal due to an offside call.
Birmingham’s momentum was not deterred as they relentlessly attacked the Leicester goal, but they ultimately gave up another goal in the 72nd minute. Yunus Akgun, on loan from Galatasaray, scored a powerful goal from outside the penalty area to increase the home team’s lead. With Birmingham’s previous energy fading, Dennis Praet sealed the win for Leicester with a skillful goal assisted by Tom Cannon in the 88th minute.
In a match between two Championship teams, Leeds controlled the game in the first half at Elland Road, but ultimately had to accept a 1-1 draw and a rematch. A header from Georginio Rutter in the beginning of the game prompted a great save from Argyle’s goalkeeper Conor Hazard. Later on, Rutter’s cross hit the crossbar. Hazard also made an impressive save in the first half from Wilfried Gnonto.
In the 31st minute of the game, Jaidon Anthony scored the first goal for Leeds by expertly maneuvering through Plymouth’s defense and firing a powerful right-footed shot. Anthony, who is currently on loan from Bournemouth, dedicated his goal to his late mother with a heartfelt celebration. However, the referee, Lewis Smith from Lancashire, gave Anthony a yellow card for lifting his shirt to reveal the tribute message to his mother.
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Leeds was unable to capitalize on their territorial advantage and secure a significant lead. In the second half, substitute Adam Randell finished off a counterattack to score past Ilan Meslier, following a pass from Matt Butcher who had sent another substitute, Mustapha Bundu, down the left. Plymouth scored their goal in the 73rd minute while manager Ian Foster, who was appointed in January, made strategic substitutions to shift the momentum away from Daniel Farke’s team.
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In a chaotic ending to the game, Patrick Bamford, who came on as a substitute, received a pass from Junior Firpo but was stopped by the impressive Hazard, who had been making some great saves. As a result of the tie, Leeds will have to travel to Devon twice in February. The two clubs are already set to face each other in the Championship on February 17th at noon. This additional match will be a burden for Leeds as they strive for automatic promotion.
Source: theguardian.com
