Leicester City edge Derby as first half response proves enough | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: Leicester City beat Derby County 2-1. In the sixth minute, Bobby Decordova-Reid converted Abdul Fatawu's cross to put the Foxes ahead. Rhian Brewster equalised (9.), but Jordan James restored the lead before the break with a composed finish (41.). Derby had 55.5% possession, yet the Foxes made 40 clearances to soak up pressure after the restart. The Foxes rise from 14th to 12th while the Rams drop from 11th to 14th, with the Foxes visiting Sheffield United next and Derby hosting Middlesbrough.

Player of the Match: Luke Thomas set up the decisive goal and defended superbly, registering seven clearances and winning six aerial duels.

Stat of the Match: The Foxes made 40 clearances, a clear sign of their second half rearguard.

Three Things We Learned: An end-to-end start shaped the contest, with the sides level inside nine minutes after an early exchange of goals. Injuries forced the Foxes into two changes after the interval, with Hamza Choudhury and Aaron Ramsey both withdrawn, yet their structure held firm. Derby's 55.5% possession yielded only two shots on target, the same as the Foxes, underlining how well the hosts managed the game without the ball.