Eriksson starts new era at Leicester, Cardiff close gap on QPR
The career of a football manager can work in strange ways.
In 2001 Sven Goran Eriksson reached the pinnacle of all football management, starting his managerial stint with England with a 3-1 win over Spain at Villa Park, the first goalscorer of the Swede’s reign was Nicky Barmby. Well, the two met again on Saturday, in Eriksson’s first game in charge of Leicester City against Barmby’s current team Hull City in the Championship. How the mighty can fall.
And the veteran winger came close to haunting his former international boss as well, as he squirmed a late shot wide, a miss which saw the game finish all square at 1-1. Goal scoring midfielders are like gold dust at this level, and Leicester possess one in young Welsh international Andy King who opened the scoring within one of minute of Eriksson’s tenure. Hull, who are the lowest scorers in the division, grew into the game during the second period to grab a deserved equaliser through Robert Koren.
"Don't judge me until Christmas," said Eriksson, who was less than impressed with his team’s second half performance.
"We have 35 games left, so promotion is possible. But we will have to do better than today."
Promotion is mathematically possible, of course, but it will take a monumental effort to raise the Foxes from 22nd in the league into a challenging position. Cardiff, however have more realistic claims and their promotion hopes took a big step forward with a 3-2 win over bottom club Bristol City. Peter Wittingham, who was the Bluebirds top scorer last season, finally got his first goals of this campaign with two long range efforts that had manager David Jones singing his praises at the final whistle.
"Peter was outstanding and his work rate was superb,” said Jones.
“Both free-kicks were superbly taken, especially his second which was pure quality."
The Welsh club closed the gap at the top to just four points, as leaders QPR were held to a 0-0 draw with Norwich, who continue to occupy third place. The Canaries were more than a match for the early season pace setters and missed a golden opportunity to take the lead in the first half, as Wes Hoolahan missed a penalty after Grant Holt was hauled down by Rangers full-back Clint Hill.
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