Gary Rowett's tough decision brings Leicester City's first away Championship clean sheet in seven months | OneFootball

Gary Rowett’s decision to start Jamaal Lascelles instead of Ben Nelson at Watford delivered Leicester City’s first away Championship clean sheet in seven months, last achieved in a 1-0 win at Charlton in August.

According to LeicesterMercury.co.uk, Rowett made four changes at Vicarage Road and, for the first time since taking charge, split his centre-back pairing to bring in Lascelles.

Introducing Lascelles after the 3-1 loss to QPR was expected, though replacing academy graduate Nelson was a surprise given his role in Oxford’s survival under Rowett while on loan last season.

Following two costly errors last weekend, Nelson was left out and Caleb Okoli kept his place. The new combination limited Watford to few clear chances.

Rowett said he needed experience, know-how and a reliable seven-out-of-10 display, along with leadership and a voice, so he chose Lascelles and partnered him with Okoli.

He praised Nelson’s cameo and said the defender has the potential to become a top player.

Lascelles excelled for roughly 75 minutes and had been unlikely to finish the match. Rowett felt City defended their box far better against Watford’s direct play and a string of powerful forwards.

City still have the third leakiest defence in the Championship this season, but the numbers have improved under Rowett. They have conceded nine in seven matches with him, a better return than 11 sides over the same period.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk