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Russell Martin’s brave Leicester City call pays off as gloom lifts slightly

Leicester City talking points after Saturday’s 2-1 win against Doncaster Rovers eased the pressure on Russell Martin

Russell Martin

Russell Martin earned a big win against Doncaster Rovers(Image: Getty Images)

Leicester City secured just their third League One win of the season on Saturday after just finding a way past Doncaster Rovers.

John Lundstram gave Russell Martin’s men a deserved lead with a brilliant volley before half time. Fellow midfielder Kamari Doyle doubled City’s advantage with a stunning effort of his own.

Leicester were made to sweat late on as Warren O’Hora got the final touch on Alfie May’s attempt but the home side did just about enough to get over the line.

Here are our talking points after a potentially transformative victory for Martin and co.

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Martin tweaks his system

There was a slight surprise when the team news dropped ahead of the clash with Doncaster, with Martin opting to field a slightly unfamiliar formation. Caleb Okoli, Harry Souttar and Warren O’Hora were named in a back-three, with Luke Thomas and Will Alves deployed as wing-backs.

It was the first time in the league this season that Martin had chosen to stray from his regular formation. But for an uneasy opening 20 minutes as they got to grips with the system, City looked far more solid with three at the back.

Whether Martin’s decision to change his formation was borne out of looking at Doncaster’s threat - or indeed out of necessity given City’s woeful form - it proved to be the right decision.

While City looked more solid, they were still unable to keep a clean sheet, with O’Hora putting through his own net for the second home game in succession.

He had gotten himself in a tangle with Alfie May to turn in Brandon Hanlan’s low cross. There’s no doubt that he needs to do better there but it was slightly unfortunate.

Away from the own goal, O’Hora was far better in the three-at-the-back system so will be hopeful of more improvement over the coming weeks - and hopefully he will stop putting the ball into his own goal as a result.

Russell Martin

Martin celebrates Kamari Doyle's goal(Image: Getty Images)

Midfield shines but Braybrooke’s wait continues

The change in system also helped Leicester’s midfield really come to life. John Lundstram turned in a man-of-the-match showing as he used his experience and physicality to really run the show, topping that display with what was a goal of the season contender.

Away from Lundstram, Louis Page and Kamari Doyle dovetailed really nicely in the heart of midfield, the pair of them never afraid to take the ball and drive up the pitch.

Both Page and Doyle are also goal threats. The Brighton loanee curled home a brilliant effort for his first goal for the club after going close in recent weeks, while Page had a presentable if difficult chance in the first half.

Braybrooke was also improved, albeit was slightly guilty of giving the ball away on a few occasions. The academy graduate also might feel that he should have scored.

The ball fell to Braybrooke on a few occasions in the box but he opted to either play the ball off or did not get the contact that he desired. He has now had 14 shots in the league this season without scoring so will be hoping that his wait for his debut Leicester goal comes to an end sooner rather than later.

Kamari Doyle

Kamari Doyle scored his first Leicester goal in style(Image: Getty Images)

Riiis leads the way

It’s an old cliche but Emil Riis did everything against Doncaster but score. The former Bristol City man turned in a brilliant number nine’s performance.

He ran the channels expertly, using his strength and guile to shrug off defenders - and hold the ball off to bring teammates into play.

Riis is also by far and away City’s biggest threat in front of goal - evidenced by his four shots throughout the game which was more than any of his teammates. He will however be wracking his brains on how he managed to miss a golden chance right at the start of the first half as he latched onto a low cross in front of an open goal but lifted his effort over.

City boss Martin was full of praise for his performance after the full-time whistle. He said: “He’s fantastic. I’m just disappointed for him he didn’t score today because he’s been huge for us since he’s come in.

“He’s a man. He takes a lot of physicality. He takes a lot of hits for the team. He brings other players into the game.

“And to be honest, he’s always in the right position in the box. So if we feed him a lot, he’ll score a lot. But today, he was immense. Just lacking a goal.”

Martin added: “He chose to be here. He could have played at a higher level. He could have been abroad.

“He could have been in the Championship but he understood what we’re trying to build. I’m really delighted for that. He’ll be big for us.”

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