Ruud van Nistelrooy very honest after Leicester City outclassed by Newcastle United | OneFootball

Ruud van Nistelrooy was appointed by Leicester City on 29 November 2024.

Kicking off with a couple of home games, the new manager oversaw a 3-1 win over West Ham and then a dramatic 2-2 draw with Brighton, the Seagulls having led 2-0 going into the 86th minute of that match.

A reality check at St James’ Park though.

Ruud van Nistelrooy very honest after seeing his Leicester side totally outclassed by Newcastle United.

It ended up 4-0 but it could and should have been double that, as United created chance after chance.

“It was a big challenge to come here and if you give away the goals from set-pieces, we are not doing ourselves a favour.

“We could improve the structure in which we want to play with the ball.

“We are in a process of two weeks together.

“We had two positive results but this one wasn’t the best of afternoons for us.

“Against top teams in the league and we help them in their way with a couple of set-pieces in their favour and it was going to be a hard afternoon.

“I think it is development of the team as well.

“We need to learn form these games and how Newcastle outplayed us in counter-attacks.

“They were clever in the block and set-pieces.

“It is a long season.

“We move on, reflect and get better form this.”

Ruud van Nistelrooy on Leicester’s massive next match at home to fellow strugglers Wolves:

“Every game for us is huge.

“Everything has to be right to get results in the Premier League and so will be the next one as well.”

Newcastle 4 Leicester 0 – Saturday 14 December 3pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Leicester:

Possession was Newcastle 60% Leicester 40%

Total shots were Newcastle 27 Leicester 4

Shots on target were Newcastle 11 Leicester 1

Corners were Newcastle 5 Leicester 2

Touches in the box Newcastle 53 Leicester 9

Newcastle team v Leicester:

Dubravka, Livramento (Trippier 65), Schar, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Bruno (Longstaff 65), Joelinton, Murphy (Barnes 65), Isak (Osula 73), Gordon (Willock 81)

Unused Subs:

Vlachodimos, Targett, Almiron, Kelly

(BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ – Very interesting on Newcastle United after win v Leicester – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 4 Leicester 0 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 4 Leicester 0 – If his next outing proves just as easy, United should be playing in the League Cup semi-finals again – Read HERE)

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Wednesday 18 December – Newcastle v Brentford (7.45pm) Sky Sports+ (Carabao Cup)

Saturday 21 December – Ipswich v Newcastle (3pm)

Thursday 26 December – Newcastle v Villa (3pm) Amazon

Monday 30 December – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)