Leicester progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday by overcoming Brentford 1-0, but the nine changes they made led to a somewhat lacklustre display.
The away side took the lead within five minutes thanks in part to a wonderful pass from Dennis Praet, but aside from that they lacked a cutting edge in attack, managing just three shots on target.
That was partly due to their underperformance in possession, with forward players such as Ayoze Perez and Demarai Gray achieving 68% and 73% pass accuracy respectively.
Gray, in particular, has been the focal point of criticism from fans, many of whom believe he still hasn’t lived up to expectations since joining, and therefore some want him to leave.
Gray has hardly improved since joining and is poor in almost every game he plays, he needs to go
— Sam G (@SamLCFC98) January 25, 2020
I am not trying to insult the guy but this is Demarai Gray’s level – championship standard fixture. I have every confidence that Rodgers will try to offload him in the summer. #lcfc
— Jonathan (@JonathanLCFC) January 25, 2020
How poor was Gray yesterday by the way I’m sorry but he is not good enough been given enough chances now but just fails to deliver I would look at moving him on in the summer. #lcfc
— Ashley Parker (@Ashleypp1986) January 26, 2020
Good win. Excellent first 25, Nacho, Perez decent. Superb pass from Praet. After that Brentford the better side imo. 2nd half we just did enough really. Gray isn’t good enough. Old news though. NOT GOOD ENOUGH. Need a quality wide man and a CB in summer. Big game Tuesday #lcfc
— jay allėn (@jayjay_allen) January 25, 2020
The fact the 23-year-old has failed to hold down a regular starting position in the team despite joining in 2016 is evidence to suggest the fans above are correct, with even youngster Harvey Barnes being trusted by Brendan Rodgers to play ahead of him this season.
Added to that, he has made only two goal contributions in 14 league games this term, and when he is failing to make the most of a rare start against Brentford it is a worrying sign.
However, some fans have come to the winger’s defence, and claim that he would show his worth if he was given more of an opportunity to do so, adding that he is talented enough to merit a place in the Foxes’ squad.
I like him. Jus needs brendans expertise to coach him more. Trust he’s a talent
— Scratch (@Whoopx2) January 25, 2020
Get off his back and cut the lad some slack.Only young.Needs gametime.
— Ray Steggles (@Leicester_Fan) January 25, 2020
Gray didn’t do much today, but he has made key contributions this season, it’s so frustrating to see him written off at every opportunity. No mention of Albrighton, who did nothing yet again, all he’s done in the last two years has been to give away last minute pens. #LCFC
— Chris (@Chris89Bennett) January 25, 2020
Elsewhere, the recent performance of another youngster should offer fans more encouragement, and give them a reason to be positive despite Gray’s perceived underperformance.