Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers slams his side’s ‘AWFUL’ start to the game against Arsenal
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers described his side’s start to the defeat against Arsenal as ‘awful’ following the Foxes’ disappointing defeat.
The Gunners scored two goals in the opening 18 minutes at the King Power Stadium, with Gabriel and Emile Smith Rowe on the scoresheet.
And despite having numerous chances, Leicester could not find a way past Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who was the man of the match after a brilliant performance – yet Rodgers insists his side should have been much better early on.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers described his side’s start to the game as ‘awful’ on Saturday
The Foxes conceded twice in the first 18 minutes and never recovered from that deficit
He told BT Sport: ‘Awful start to the game. I talked about it beforehand, especially an early kick-off. Get the crowd going but we were so passive, lacked energy with our pressing and made it far too easy.
‘Saying that, we can defend both goals better. First one disappointed with the referee. First it was a foul, game gets played on which takes the game through to get them a corner. Which with that man down to defend the corner which leads to the next corner and you need to defend that better.
‘But if Michael (Oliver) stops the game like he did in the second half for their player then we don’t concede the corner but we should be better.
‘Second goal gave away possession, we’ve got to match run of Lacazette into the box and do better when Smith Rowe comes into the box.
The result leaves Leicester on 14 points after 10 games while the Gunners leapfrogged them
Emile Smith Rowe (left) scored Arsenal’s second after a lightning fast start from the visitors
‘We had chances, keeper made a great save, recovered well for the second one. 2-0 down had to do something and we changed the system.
‘Two guys come in and did really well and were the much better team in the second half. Keeper’s made some great saves but then you rue the start and that’s what costs you.
‘At times we have to defend better, two goals today were soft. They get through the pitch too easily for second goal and first from a corner and apart from that Kasper didn’t have too much to do.’
The result leaves Leicester on 14 points after 10 games with the Gunners leapfrogging them and moving up to sixth.
