Abdul Fattaw scored in the final moments of second-half stoppage time to give Leicester a much-needed 2-1 victory over West Brom in front of thousands of empty seats at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester fans had called for a boycott of the first home game of the year in anger at the club’s management, and there were many empty areas at the home end.
The hosts took the lead with Jordan Ayew’s fifth goal of the season, but Karlan Grant equalized with his third goal of the season and they were unable to extend their lead until halftime.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Abdul Fatawu breaks West Brom’s heart with a stoppage-time volley
Leicester survived a barrage of Baggies fire in the second period thanks to a string of second-half saves from Jakub Stralczyk and an upright shot from Isaac Price.
West Brom have a history of conceding late goals and were punished again when Fatau volleyed home with minutes remaining to take all three points.
10 consecutive road defeats at West Brom
The latest loss extended the Baggies’ away losing streak to 10 games, while Leicester moved into the top half of the Championship with back-to-back home wins.
The lack of fans in the stadium didn’t seem to hinder the hosts, who got off to a strong start with an opening goal in the 19th minute.
A brilliant build-up play ended with Bobby de Córdoba-Reid unlocking the final line with a through ball to Jordan James, who Ayew smashed the through ball into the empty goal.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Jordan Ayew aims for the back of Leicester’s goal
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Karlan Grant equalizes for West Brom
Albion’s best moment came just after the half-hour mark. When Strarchik misjudged a cross and punched the ball straight to Mikey Johnston, his goal-bound header was deflected over the goal line by Ricardo Pereira.
But they were not immediately denied. Alex Mowat put the ball into Grant’s path and the Albion forward took his time and was able to get past the onrushing Stolarczyk and finish expertly into the bottom right corner.
This goal completely changed the course of the match, but West Brom were unlucky not to take the lead.
Mowat pulled the strings in the middle of the pitch and sent a cross to the back post, and George Campbell’s shot from an angle narrowly missed the target.
Eight minutes into the second half, Price hit the post, but Stolarczyk dropped low to block Aune Hegebo’s shot from close range.
Leicester were unable to stop Albion’s attack after attack. Johnston then set the offside trap, but his meek shot was again stopped by Stolarczyk.
Stolarczyk was in great form and further frustrated the visitors, converting Campbell’s header with 10 minutes remaining.
Leicester then punished West Brom for a missed chance when Fatau volleyed into the top corner after meeting Steffy Mavididi’s cross.
Cifuentes praises winner against Leicester
Leicester’s Marti Sifuentes:
“He showed great character because he was very tired before the goal and had a little cramp in his calf. But he showed faith and strength going into it. It was a great goal.”
“I also respect Stolarczyk because we were looking for this kind of performance. I’m happy that he was able to produce this kind of performance for the team.”
“Even in the difficult moments in the second half, we stuck together and tried our best. Everyone showed solidarity and we were rewarded.
“After scoring the first goal, we have to keep the mindset that we want to get the second goal. After we scored the goal, things started to change. It’s the consistency that we need to improve.”
Mason can’t believe it…but accepts that losing on the road is unacceptable.
West Brom’s Ryan Mason:
“We got punished in the last minute. Our discipline was lacking. We weren’t killers when we had our chances. I think that sums up our season.”
“We’ve had a disastrous record, but in terms of performances and chances created, we’ve been at the top of the table in every game for the last seven or eight games. We haven’t been able to translate that into results and that happened again tonight.”
“I take great pride in watching the team perform, but the reality is that winning games and getting results is what’s important and that’s not the case right now. We need to take responsibility and we need to change that.”
“The players run for me and fight for me. You know I’ve always felt that way, there was no question in my mind, but the reality is we’re not achieving that.
“But the reality is that we didn’t take our chances. It’s disappointing and frustrating. It cost me, it cost us lives, and it’s hard to accept.”
“If we’re in the situation we’re in in terms of chances and goals conceded, I think if we play another 500 or 1,000 games in our career we won’t have to suffer like this again.
“We have to keep believing. But losing 10 games in a row on the road is unacceptable. I think that’s very clear.”
