Leicester City edged out Derby County for the second time in three weeks, easing pressure on manager Marti Cifuentes and securing a vital 2-1 victory at the King Power Stadium. Just as December began with Leicester claiming a 3-1 win at Pride Park, the Foxes ensured the month ended with another important triumph over their Midlands rivals.

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Early Goals Set the Tone

The match began with familiar patterns as Bobby De Cordova-Reid put Leicester ahead with a clinical first-time finish, echoing his opener in the earlier fixture against Derby. However, the Rams responded quickly through Rhian Brewster, who met a low cross from Callum Elder to equalize, restoring parity within minutes.

The deadlock persisted until just before halftime, when Jordan James showcased strength and composure to restore Leicester’s lead. Receiving a searching pass from Luke Thomas, James outmuscled Liam Thompson on the edge of the box before delivering a precise side-footed finish past Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.

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Leicester Hold Firm Under Derby Pressure

After the break, Derby pressed relentlessly in search of another equalizer, taking advantage of injuries to key Foxes players including Hamza Choudhury, who limped off, and Aaron Ramsey, who lasted only three minutes after being substituted on.

Despite prolonged periods under pressure, Leicester’s defense remained resilient. Derby’s keeper Zetterstrom was called into action late on to tip a misdirected header from Ebou Adams over the bar, preventing a potential own goal and securing the Foxes’ narrow advantage.

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Significance of the Result

The win lifts Leicester to 12th in the Championship table, just four points off the play-off places and among a cluster of promotion hopefuls. With 2026 marking the 10-year anniversary of their historic Premier League title win, the club and supporters are looking for stability and resurgence in English football’s second tier.

Despite the victory, sections of the fanbase remain vocal about concerns over Cifuentes’ management, particularly after recent back-to-back defeats earlier in December. Meanwhile, Derby County also remain competitive, sitting just two points and two places behind Leicester, maintaining their play-off ambitions at the midway point of the season.

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Player Performances and Key Moments

• Bobby De Cordova-Reid: Scored Leicester’s opener, his second goal against Derby in 23 days, showcasing his knack for rising in key matches.
• Jordan James: Player of the Match, 7.39 average rating, decisive in scoring Leicester’s winning goal.
• Rhian Brewster: Equalizer for Derby, keeping his side competitive in the early stages.

Leicester had to contend with multiple injuries and a challenging Derby side pressing hard, but the Foxes’ resilience and effective finishing proved decisive in maintaining control and securing the win.

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Manager Reactions

Marti Cifuentes, Leicester City manager, praised his players’ grit:

“In this league, you need to grind it out. I’m especially happy for the fans—they were outstanding today. The players did a good job in a very difficult game, showing the mentality we expect, especially after conceding early in the first half.”

John Eustace, Derby County manager, acknowledged his side’s effort but lamented defensive lapses:

“I’m disappointed to lose. The lads gave 100% effort, but we lacked quality in the final third. Both goals came from moments where concentration was lost, and Leicester punished us.”

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Player Ratings

• Jordan James (Leicester) – 7.39 – Player of the Match
• Bobby De Cordova-Reid (Leicester) – 7.01
• B. Nelson (Leicester) – 6.88
• S. Thomas (Leicester) – 6.80
• Luke Thomas (Leicester) – 6.68
• O. Skipp (Leicester) – 6.68
• Ricardo Pereira (Leicester) – 6.55

Standout contributions also came from De Cordova-Reid, Luke Thomas, and Jordan James, who proved crucial in Leicester’s attacking and defensive efforts.

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Key Takeaways

• Leicester City claim a 2-1 victory over Derby County, their second in three weeks.
• Bobby De Cordova-Reid scores early; Jordan James provides the winning goal.
• Leicester move up to 12th in the Championship table, four points off the play-off spots.
• Injuries challenge Leicester but the squad shows resilience under Marti Cifuentes.
• Derby County remain competitive but are unable to convert possession into goals.