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Match Analysis: Leicester City 0-1 Stoke City

Sports Mole takes a look at today's Premier League clash between Leicester City and Stoke City, which was won in the second half by a goal from Bojan.

A second-half strike from Bojan was enough for Stoke City to take all three points at the King Power Stadium against Leicester City this afternoon.

After an evenly contested first period, the visitors improved after the break and took the lead through the forward's low effort on 64 minutes.

Although Leicester went in search for a leveller, they were unable to find a way through, allowing Mark Hughes's men to travel home with the victory.

Below, Sports Mole discusses whether an away win was a fair result.

Match statistics

LEICESTER CITY
Shots: 7
On target: 3
Possession: 43%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 9

STOKE CITY
Shots: 13
On target: 3
Possession: 57%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 6

Was the result fair?

Stoke winning by a solitary goal was probably the fair result today, with them doing just enough to be the better side. They created more chances, though they only had three shots on target, but they scored a nice goal through Bojan midway through the half. They were rarely tested at the back, even after taking the lead, and Hughes will be content with how his side bounced back from defeat last weekend.

Leicester's performance

Having recorded four games unbeaten prior to this afternoon, the hosts came into this game in high spirits. With Stoke struggling to create chances before the break, they were looking to edge the game. However, they didn't have the required firepower to trouble their opponents, with even the introduction of new signing Andrej Kramaric failing to inspire them in front of goal. This is the kind of game in which they need to win if they are to stay up, but on today's evidence that does not look likely.

Stoke's performance

Not that Stoke looked like world beaters. However, they did not have to be, with Leicester providing nice opposition for them after defeat last time out. While the contest was even during the opening exchanges, Stoke stepped it up after the interval, with Victor Moses, Bojan and Marko Arnautovic all looking threatening at times. Overall, they did enough to be the better team and take the points, and Hughes will be pleased with a solid win.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Victor Moses: Returning to the starting lineup after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Moses looked a constant menace. Although he wasn't involved in the winning goal, plenty of Stoke's other good moments came courtesy of him, with one run at the beginning of the second half in particular impressing. Having started the campaign well before his injury, everybody at the club will be pleased to see him continue where he left off with a decent performance here today.

Biggest gaffe

Perhaps a little harsh, but Pearson's decision to leave both Leonardo Ulloa and Kramaric on the bench today might have been the biggest mistake. Both David Nugent and Jamie Vardy worked hard up front, but neither offered the threat that Ulloa showed earlier in the season. Though recent performances have not been great, he has shown capability in front of goal that the two who started have not.

Referee performance

Though he did not have many important decisions to make, Andre Marriner made a mistake in not sending off Marcin Wasilewski during the first half. Lucky to escape a booking for an early foul, the defender was rightly cautioned for a late challenge on Walters. Then, knowing he was on a yellow card, he inexplicably clattered into Asmir Begovic from an attacking free kick. It was both stupid and dangerous, though Marriner decided not to react.

What next?

Leicester City: The Foxes travel to Tottenham Hotspur for their FA Cup fourth-round clash next Saturday. The sides met on Leicester's turf last month, with Spurs coming out 2-1 winners.

Stoke City: The Potters have a nine-day rest now, with their cup game being televised on Monday, January 26. They travel to League One hopefuls Rochdale in a potential banana-skin tie.

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Bojan Krkic of Stoke City celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Stoke City at The King Power Stadium on January 17, 2015
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