Leicester City moves away from rock bottom, as Brendan Rodgers’ position has been under heavy scrutiny throughout the early part of the campaign, given his team’s horrible form.
They had won only once in the league before this game and supporters were beginning to turn, with one group unfurling a banner calling for Rodgers to go during last Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.
Leed also extended their winless run, which is why Jesse Marsch felt the full force of Leeds fans’ fury after they slipped to a defeat at Leicester that left a big question. Their last glory was against Chelsea.
Neither side managed to grab the game early on and it was perhaps no surprise that a mistake should lead to the opener.
Timothy Castagne robbed Marc Roca and though the recalled Jamie Vardy was fouled later in the move, referee Peter Bankes played advantage.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall found Dennis Praet and in trying to stop the Belgian’s cross reaching Barnes, Koch diverted it past the helpless Illan Meslier.
Before Barnes doubled the lead, Leeds twice came close to an equaliser.
After Youri Tielemans shot had rebounded luckily into his path, Luis Sinisterra carried the ball forward, took advantage of some uncertain defending and curled against the bar from the edge of the box.
Then a clever pass from Brenden Aaronson released Crysencio Summerville, only for the winger to fire wide from an excellent position
Leeds were quickly made to pay when Barnes finished a fine move to make it two. The home side swept the length of the field, with Castagne’s long pass finding Praet on the right.
His ball inside allowed Vardy to back-heel into the path of Dewsbury-Hall. He helped it on to Barnes, who finished confidently from close range, as the visitors were booed off at half-time.
Leeds supporters were no happier about Marsch’s changes as this win was enough to lift Leicester off the foot of the table and for the first time this season they will fancy their chances of collecting back-to-back wins.
On Sunday they head to Wolves, who are also in the bottom three and still without a permanent manager after being turned down by Julen Lopetegui and Michael Beale.
