Leicester City secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over East Midlands rivals Derby County at the King Power Stadium, completing a league double this December. However, the win on the pitch did little to lift the sour mood surrounding the club, as fan resentment towards the board continues to grow.
Goals Amidst the Discontent
The match itself was a tale of two halves for the home supporters. Bobby De Cordova-Reid opened the scoring in the sixth minute, finishing a cross from the lively Abdul Fatawu. The early lead was short-lived, as Derby's Rhian Brewster equalised with his first goal since August, converting a cross from Callum Elder.
The pivotal moment came just before half-time. Wales international Jordan James notched his seventh Championship goal of the campaign, demonstrating his growing importance to the side. The midfielder latched onto a pass from Luke Thomas, shrugged off a challenge from Liam Thompson, and calmly slotted the ball past Derby goalkeeper Jacob Zetterström.
A Club Divided Off the Pitch
Despite the crucial three points, which move Leicester to within four points of the playoff places, the atmosphere within the stadium was fractured. Disenchanted fans began chanting against the board and technical director Jon Rudkin within the first quarter of an hour.
The ill-will stems from a recent controversy where non-playing staff were informed via email that their December wages would be deferred until New Year's Eve. This decision, coupled with the prolonged absence of chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha from matches, has created a deep rift. Reports suggest the club's Christmas party was marred by the "foul" atmosphere.
Manager Martí Cifuentes, who succeeded Ruud van Nistelrooy in the summer, acknowledged the ongoing challenges. He pointed to legacy issues from before his appointment and the looming threat of a points deduction for historical spending breaches.
Match Analysis and League Context
Derby, managed by John Eustace, showed resilience despite the defeat. They had been on a four-game unbeaten run prior to this match and look a far more robust side than the one battling relegation last season, though they are missing the injured 10-goal striker Carlton Morris.
Leicester, meanwhile, displayed flashes of their Premier League pedigree but also revealed vulnerabilities. The team lost both Hamza Choudhury and substitute Aaron Ramsey to injuries during the game, adding to an already lengthy absentee list that includes Boubakary Soumaré.
The Foxes held on for the win, with Zetterström making a spectacular late save to deny his own captain, Ebou Adams. Attention now turns to a potentially volatile televised clash with West Brom next Monday, where further fan protests are planned.
For now, Jordan James' goalscoring form offers a rare bright spot in a season overshadowed by boardroom strife and uncertainty at the King Power Stadium.
