With time running out, Leicester will need a dramatic turnaround to avoid dropping back to the second tier. Their next fixture could prove crucial in determining their fate.
Leicester, UK – Leicester City’s relegation fears deepened as they suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat to Brentford at the King Power Stadium on Friday night. The result marked a historic low for the struggling Foxes, who became the first team in English top-flight history to lose six consecutive home matches without scoring.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side had the opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone with a victory, but instead, they remain two points from safety after yet another disappointing performance. Brentford dominated the first half, with goals from Yoane Wissa, Bryan Mbeumo, and Christian Norgaard putting the visitors in complete control before the break. Fabio Carvalho added a fourth late on, sealing a miserable night for Leicester, who have now lost 10 of their last 11 Premier League games.
Van Nistelrooy Under Pressure
Leicester fans voiced their frustration at full-time, with boos ringing around the stadium as pressure continues to mount on Van Nistelrooy. The former Manchester United striker, who replaced Steve Cooper earlier in the season, has struggled to turn things around, managing just two wins in 15 matches.
Speaking after the match, Van Nistelrooy acknowledged the severity of the situation.
“After the bright start, we were never in the game again, and at half-time, the game was done,” he admitted. “Everyone is going home gutted with the loss and disappointed with the levels we showed.”
With only 12 matches remaining, Leicester are at serious risk of an immediate return to the Championship. The club has struggled to recover from the departure of Enzo Maresca, who led them to promotion last season before leaving to take charge of Chelsea.
Brentford’s Ruthless Display
Brentford, currently sitting in 10th place, showcased their attacking quality throughout the match. Wissa opened the scoring in the 17th minute, finishing off a clever move involving Kevin Schade and Mikkel Damsgaard.
Mbeumo doubled the lead 10 minutes later with a curling effort after cutting inside from the right, before Norgaard’s header from a set-piece made it 3-0 in the 32nd minute. By then, hundreds of Leicester fans had already left the stadium in frustration.
The visitors continued to press in the second half, and Kristoffer Ajer was unlucky to see his shot hit the post. Brentford eventually got their fourth goal in the 89th minute, with Carvalho finishing from an Mbeumo assist to cap off a dominant performance.
Relegation Fight Intensifies
Leicester’s failure to pick up points has given their relegation rivals a chance to build momentum, something Van Nistelrooy is acutely aware of.
“We know we gave the other teams above us and below us a chance to gain points and momentum,” he said. “It can become really difficult really quickly if we don’t start picking up points.”
With time running out, Leicester will need a dramatic turnaround to avoid dropping back to the second tier. Their next fixture could prove crucial in determining their fate.
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