Leicester City’s defensive frailties were once again exposed as they suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Brentford, leaving them precariously close to the relegation zone.
Facundo Buonanotte gave the Foxes a glimmer of hope with a first-half opener, but it was short-lived.
Yoane Wissa equalised just minutes later before completing a stunning hat-trick in front of Leicester’s new manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy. Brentford’s dominance highlighted the visitors’ glaring defensive shortcomings.
The loss leaves Leicester sitting in 16th place, just one point above the relegation zone, with results elsewhere offering little solace. For a team desperate for points, this latest setback heaps further pressure on van Nistelrooy as he takes charge of a side in disarray.
Defensive woes laid bare
Leicester’s backline, particularly Wout Faes and James Justin, came under heavy scrutiny. Brentford consistently exploited the right side of Leicester’s defence, with Justin failing to prevent any of the Bees’ goals.
Faes, meanwhile, endured a torrid afternoon. According to Sofascore, the Belgian earned a dismal 6.0 rating, one of the lowest on the pitch.
His performance was riddled with errors: he failed to make a single tackle, lost all five of his duels, and was dribbled past twice.
In addition, he lost possession seven times and committed two fouls. For a central defender, such statistics are nothing short of damning.
Defensive record a growing concern
This isn’t an isolated incident. Leicester’s defensive record has been a recurring issue this season, with the Foxes conceding heavily against several opponents.
Even van Nistelrooy, while managing Manchester United earlier in the campaign, witnessed his former side ship eight goals in two matches against the Red Devils.
Fans were quick to voice their frustrations, calling on van Nistelrooy to bolster the defence when the January transfer window opens.
However, with no reinforcements available for another month, the 48-year-old must make do with his current squad in the short term.
If Leicester are to avoid relegation, the solution is clear: they must tighten up defensively and stop conceding cheap goals. With a tough run of fixtures ahead, van Nistelrooy faces a baptism of fire as he looks to stabilise a side teetering on the brink of the drop.
