Steve Cooper’s ‘worst’ fears realized as Leicester City poised for survival or financial boost

When asked about Mikel Arteta’s challenging week after Arsenal’s 4-2 win over Leicester City, Steve Cooper chuckled.

 

 

“It’s probably not as tough as our week, as tough as my week, if I’m being honest,” he remarked, referring to the criticism and chants directed at him over the past seven days as he struggles to gain the support of City’s fans.

 

From an outside perspective, the week seemed to be ending on a positive note.

 

Leicester City’s performance against Arsenal appeared commendable.

 

A narrow loss to a title contender, having clawed back from a two-goal deficit, was a more encouraging result than anticipated.

 

After disappointing outings against Everton and Walsall, this could have provided a morale boost.

 

However, a closer examination reveals a different picture.

 

Had City managed to snatch a point, it would have been an unjust outcome.

 

When a team concedes four goals and their goalkeeper is the clear standout player, it’s hard to call it a strong showing.

 

Mads Hermansen’s outstanding saves and James Justin’s spectacular volley kept City in the game, rather than any tactical brilliance or well-executed plan.

 

As Hermansen himself acknowledged, allowing 36 shots is “simply too much.”

 

Arsenal’s 17 shots on target were just two shy of City’s total shots across all six games this season.

 

Surrendering that much territory and possession in dangerous areas is not a formula for winning matches.

 

Credit should still be given to City’s defenders. Victor Kristiansen had one of his best games, doing well to contain Bukayo Saka.

 

Wout Faes stayed sharp throughout, avoiding his typical lapses in concentration.

 

Caleb Okoli continued to impress with his physicality and ability to control the penalty area.

 

Even City’s defending from set-pieces was solid, despite Arsenal’s strength in that area.

 

However, the failure to mark Leandro Trossard at the back post for Arsenal’s third goal—despite a similar warning earlier—was a major letdown.

 

Yet despite these efforts, City was comprehensively outplayed.

 

Based on the chances created, Arsenal should have secured victory well before stoppage time.

 

Cooper had said before the match that he couldn’t bear the thought of treating the game as a “free hit.” In his view, this was an opportunity for three points, just like any other fixture.

 

But if that’s the case, significant improvements are necessary.

 

While the plan likely wasn’t to concede so many chances, City looked largely ineffective.

 

Except for a five-minute spell in the second half that led to Justin’s equalizer, they struggled to pose any real threat on the counterattack.

 

Their inability to keep the ball allowed Arsenal to continually apply pressure and create scoring opportunities.

 

Leicester may only face three more games of this difficulty this season—the reverse fixture against Arsenal and two matches against Manchester City.

 

No other teams can replicate their level of play.

 

Perhaps it’s not worth over-analyzing this defeat, as such challenges will be rare.

 

However, given how the match unfolded, it’s hard not to view these upcoming fixtures as free hits, precisely what Cooper hopes to avoid.

 

Relying on brilliant goalkeeping and extraordinary goals is not a sustainable strategy.