Appleton makes case for an extended run
IF CLAUDE PUEL takes over in the Leicester dugout from here, the Frenchman will have to go some to match Michael Appleton. The caretaker boss made it two wins from two and, as he prepares to step aside, it will be in the knowledge his contribution has changed the complexion of Leicester’s season. In four days the club have moved out of the Premier League relegation zone and into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. Puel has had two positive interviews with Leicester and is discussing prospective assistants. On this evidence, he would do well to retain Appleton, 41. Leeds began strongly and took the lead in the 26th minute when Pablo Hernandez took aim to stunning effect. Fed by Kemar Roofe outside the area, Hernandez twisted free of Marc Albrighton and Andy King, then bent a shot behind Harry Maguire and in off the bar. Buoyant Leeds celebrated but their advantage was short-lived. Goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald failed to deal with Albrighton’s long pass and Kelechi Iheanacho was given a clear sight of goal. The Nigerian striker worked the ball on to his left foot before firing a pinpoint strike into the corner from 20 yards. It was a fitting way to open his Leicester account. Leicester’s Demarai Gray then smacked the bar with a thunderous effort from 30 yards. Leeds were lucky that King failed to get his shot on target when set up by Islam Slimani at the start of the second half, but Slimani was guilty of a worse miss on the hour, not even getting close when found unmarked four yards out by Albrighton. With 20 minutes to go Slimani made amends, sliding home after Iheanacho had broken the offside trap and crossed. Two minutes from time, Riyad Mahrez made victory certain in wonderful style. The substitute dribbled in from the right and shot low into the corner.