Van Nistelrooy is using the Nottingham Forest trick at Leicester

The fact that the new manager has secured four points in his first two home matches is a positive sign for the struggling Foxes.

KING POWER STADIUM — Sometimes, luck can matter more than skill, and fans of Leicester City will be wishing that Ruud van Nistelrooy proves to be both fortunate and talented.

After an unexpected equalizer against Brighton, the crowd kept repeating his first name. Unfortunately, about a quarter of Leicester’s home fans had already departed, viewing the match as a lost cause. Those who refer to this venue as a church ought to understand that nothing is truly impossible.

Once again, Jamie Vardy proved to be the game-changer, expertly pinpointing weaknesses and taking advantage of even the slightest openings for his benefit. Throughout the match, luck seemed to smile on Vardy twice. He scored with his initial opportunity and later set up Bobby De Cordova-Reid for the equalizer. What could have been a disappointing home loss turned into a positive progress.

It's hard to predict what this will mean in the long run. Van Nistelrooy hasn't had much time to work with the team due to the recent league match. However, he must realize that trying to build from the back could be dangerous until they see some improvements in training or bring in new players in January. The financial constraints surrounding Leicester's budget are a hot topic of debate among fans.

While the victory against West Ham brought some cheer, it also masked underlying issues that resurfaced on Sunday. By the end of the first half at the King Power Stadium, Leicester had given up 41 shots, with 15 hitting the target, and their expected goals (xG) over the last three halves was nearly 4.0. Their midfield is alarmingly exposed, and the central defense duo of Jannik Vestergaard and Conor Coady does not have the speed to cover the spaces effectively.

The issues begin with the strategy for playing during a match to advance the ball downfield. We're accustomed to watching Premier League teams move the ball up from the back, but there are varying degrees of effectiveness. While Fabian Hurzeler's Brighton team skillfully broke through defensive presses and launched quick counterattacks, Leicester's passing in the attacking third tends to be sluggish and lacks a clear direction.

The situation creates tension that usually resolves in one of two outcomes: Mads Hermansen, Coady, or Vestergaard boot the ball long to relieve the pressure, which can either succeed or fail, or Brighton seizes the opportunity to regain possession high up the field. If Leicester got fortunate, they would at least earn a throw-in.

The atmosphere at the King Power Stadium tends to be quite negative. It's clear why the project led by Steve Cooper didn't succeed, considering his background, previous clubs he managed, and the style of play. Leicester fans felt that the former Nottingham Forest manager was holding the team back with his cautious approach. It's possible he was simply wary of the defensive players, many of whom were part of the squad that faced relegation two years prior.

Another reason behind Cooper’s difficulties is that the players at Leicester didn’t really connect with him. While there are tactical issues to address, particularly regarding the team allowing too many shots, it seems there may also be a change in the players’ mindset. Van Nistelrooy will have the advantage of being a fresh presence that the team is excited about.

Above all, what truly matters is the outcome when it comes to remaining in the Premier League. Leicester has faced a staggering 56 shots against them in their last two home games. With tough opponents like Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Aston Villa lined up in their next six matches, they might need to rely on some good fortune once more.

They’ve managed to secure four points from a possible six, which is crucial for staying afloat at this stage. Performing well at home can be vital for survival in your first season back in the league. Just ask their previous manager and the team from down the road about this.