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Leicester City Fan View: Shinji Okazaki delivers much-needed smiles

Shinji Okazaki gave Leicester fans something to smile about in the 2-1 victory at Swansea City
Shinji Okazaki gave Leicester fans something to smile about in the 2-1 victory at Swansea City
Changes were needed for Leicester, namely one key one

It was a much-improved performance from Leicester City to earn three points at Swansea. Michael Appleton probably won’t have the reins for much longer, but did manage to re-organise the Foxes and get a much-needed victory on the board.

Appleton didn’t ring too many changes, just the one proving to be all the difference Leicester needed. Shinji Okazaki, arguably football’s happiest player, came in and did what he so often does; make us work. Whereas 4-4-2 has so often failed us this often, this time worked. The Japan international deserves the credit for much of why it did. So often he makes the difference for us and so rarely he receives the right plaudits for it.

READ MORE: Swansea v Leicester – how the match unfolded

READ MORE: Mahrez shines as Appleton enjoys winning start at Leicester

READ MORE: The underrated Shinji Okazaki

Having vowed to score more this season, the striker kept his word again. It was a fairly classic Shinji Okazaki goal but one deserved after his contributions throughout. Unlike previous away games where service to Vardy was non-existent, the Japan striker’s efforts meant he was involved. Our midfield look better too when he’s around. It’s no coincidence that we are a better side with him in it.

Mahrez magic at Swansea as history continues to repeat

Like many clubs who shed their manager, the Foxes followed it up with a win and with renewed confidence. Vitally for Leicester, Riyad Mahrez was in the mood. His record against Swansea is getting ridiculous now. He was helped a little by the opposition, but had a superb game nonetheless.

A player of his class should never be given free space to roam but the home side repeatedly let him. While our opener will go down as an own goal, it was made by the Algerian. Having kept the ball in play with a great first touch, he was unmarked and allowed time to cross in.

When Riyad Mahrez’s in the mood, there’s few who can stop him
When Riyad Mahrez’s in the mood, there’s few who can stop him

Similarly for our second, even if the home side thought he was offside, it’s criminal to allow Mahrez so much space in the box. They were deservedly punished as he was able to dink the ball to a waiting Okazaki. The winger helped make the difference, after an honest week where he admitted he’s trying to recapture his best. He came close today, his skill and control on display for all. All three of the Foxes’ forwards purred today, and we could have increased our lead. Fabianski was the difference for Swansea, keeping his side in it. Luckily, we weren’t punished for missing earlier chances.

The calming influence for the Foxes was Vicente Iborra. The epitome of composure, he was absolutely key for the Foxes. Many have been too quick to write the former Sevilla captain off but he silenced his critics against Swansea. Injuries and our poor start didn’t give him the best chance but he was an absolute maestro in midfield. Calm, in control and directing play, he looked every part the class player we hoped to see. Most importantly, this is exactly the influence we need in central midfield right now.

Vicente Iborra showed his best was worth waiting for at Leicester City
Vicente Iborra showed his best was worth waiting for at Leicester City

We’ve lacked somebody to really take control and direct us from the middle of the park. We have that at the back and we have that with Vardy up front. Now we have it with Iborra too. It was superb to see him step up when Swansea pulled their goal back and steady the ship again. It’s nice to have a bigger presence in the middle too, some of the work he did to help our defence won’t have gone unnoticed either.

Three points ease pressure for now as Leicester search for the right man

I don’t want to get carried off but we can also celebrate more than just three points today. We played a great first half! On the attack early on, stringing passes together and looking like a team again, there’s little to bemoan. The defence couldn’t maintain a clean sheet but it was a sturdier display. Harry Maguire and Wes Morgan are a good partnership and while at different ends of the spectrum career wise, both chipped in today.

It was an important win after a turbulent week at Leicester City. Manager-less and in the bottom three prior to kick-off, it’s lifted us back into safety by a point. A win on the road means a lot too. It’s been a long time since we had much to celebrate away from the King Power stadium.

READ MORE: What now for Leicester City after Craig Shakespeare departs?

Concentration now turns to who’ll take the helm on a permanent basis. Any hopeful candidates who did watch this game should have a better idea of our strengths again after a much improved showing.