Leicester City Edges Walsall in Penalty Shootout

Leicester City narrowly advanced to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup edging out League Two side Walsall in a dramatic penalty shootout after a goalless 90 minutes. Despite Walsall creating the better chances throughout regular time, Leicester’s goalkeeper Danny Ward became the hero saving all three of Walsall’s penalties to secure the win.

Walsall unbeaten at home and third in League Two put up a strong fight with Charlie Lakin and veteran Albert Adomah both missing key opportunities to score. Ward had already made a crucial save in the first half, denying Lakin from close range, keeping the Foxes in the game. Meanwhile, Leicester struggled to break down Walsall’s defense with Abdul Fatawu being their main attacking threat.

Fatawu created several chances but failed to convert and it wasn’t until Facundo Buonanotte forced a save from Walsall goalkeeper Tommy Simkin that Leicester truly tested the opposition. Leicester manager Steve Cooper made 10 changes to his squad for the match leaving out key players like Jamie Vardy, Harry Winks and Wilfred Ndidi. The new lineup failed to gel and the team looked disjointed for much of the match.

However, the penalty shootout saw Ricardo Pereira, Conor Coady and Oliver Skipp step up, each converting their spot-kicks to send the Foxes through. Walsall, who had won two penalty shootouts already this season were unable to replicate that success as Ward’s heroics denied Taylor Allen, David Okagbue and Liam Gordon.

The game also featured a touching moment of remembrance for Craig Shakespeare, a former player and coach for both clubs with fans paying tribute with a minute’s applause in the 60th minute. Shakespeare, who passed away in August was a key figure in Leicester’s 2016 Premier League triumph and had deep ties to both teams.