Brighton 2-2 Leicester: Three Foxes Talking Points | OneFootball

Changes at last

Despite suffering defeats in the last four games, and despite not scoring in any of them, Ruud van Nistelrooy has been reluctant to change the team personnel or formation. The switch to a back five against Chelsea did lead to a decent performance and only a narrow defeat. In the three subsequent games, however, the formation simply did not work.

Yet again, Foxes’ fans were calling out for changes on Saturday. As the Leicester Mercury reported, van Nistelrooy, in his pre-match press conference, seemed to suggest that the fans’ wishes would be answered. In the event, they were, the Leicester boss making three changes from the side beaten by Newcastle.

One of these (the replacement of Wout Faes by Calub Okoli) was necessitated by injury to the Belgium international. The others, though - Kasey McAteer and Stephy Mavidid in and Victor Kristensen and Patson Daka out - showed a great deal more adventure and positivity than the Dutchman had previously shown. There was still – despite seemingly promoting a number of them to training with the senior squad - few signs of the youngster although Jake Evans got a well-deserved taste of first team action from the bench. Hot property Jeremy Monga was injured.

We scored a goal

The Foxes’ faithful have been engaged in much gallows humour in recent weeks (and months) as their team has repeatedly failed to trouble the scorers. At last, this barren spell was broken against Brighton. In the first half, Mavididi slotted the ball past the home 'keeper to equalise a VAR-driven penalty awarded to the Seagulls. Just like London buses this opener for the Foxes was quickly followed by another, a Okoli header again equalising after a second penalty was the product of a VAR review. This second spot keep was contentious and the referee's decision not to give it on the pitch was never a clear and obvious error.

If truth be told, Brighton missed a hatful of chances in the first half. But in the second period, particularly after the equaliser, the Foxes at last put in a spirited and committed performance. The team could well have come away with a victory had Bilal El Khannouss not rattled a shot against the post in the final moments. All too little too late though.

After trips to the urban spawl of London and Manchester in the last three away games, it was a pleasant change to visit a coastal city, particularly in such warm weather. It isn’t just on the pitch that Brighton and Hove Albion show how things should be done. Their organisation of match days is pretty special too.

Getting to Brighton is a nightmare requiring the navigation of the biggest car park in Europe - the M25. But, the club is worth visiting. Set in the semi-rural location of Falmer, parking is in short supply. But never fear. All public transport in the area is free on production of a match ticket. We parked up at the Brighton Marina, about five miles from the Amex stadium, and took a (free) park and ride bus (after a good lunch taking in stunning sea views) straight to the ground. It almost makes you want to switch allegiance. Only almost.