Alan Shearer praises Ruud van Nistelrooy for taking charge at Leicester City

In a Premier League match held at St James' Park in England, Newcastle United defeated Leicester City 4-0 on December 14, 2024. This match marked Ruud van Nistelrooy's first defeat as Leicester’s manager, after a brief stint that started the previous month. Jacob Murphy was the standout player, scoring both the opening and closing goals of the game. Leicester struggled significantly without their key midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who was sidelined due to injury, and their defense was unable to cope with Newcastle's attacking strategies. Newcastle, under the management of Eddie Howe, had been looking to improve their recent form, having gone four games without a win before this match. The victory not only provided crucial points but also served as a confidence boost for the team. Despite facing criticism, Howe's side rose to the occasion, demonstrating their capabilities against a Leicester team that recently appointed Van Nistelrooy, iconic for his previous playing career with Manchester United. As the match progressed, it became evident that Leicester's players were unable to hold possession or mount effective counterattacks, leaving their goalkeeper Danny Ward vulnerable to Newcastle's relentless offensive. As Newcastle celebrated, Alan Shearer, a former player and now commentator, acknowledged Van Nistelrooy's challenges in managing Leicester. Shearer praised van Nistelrooy for accepting the responsibility of preventing Leicester from falling into relegation but hoped Newcastle would maintain their upward momentum. The match illustrated the difficulties Leicester faces while adapting to their new managerial style under van Nistelrooy's leadership, highlighting the importance of established players and team coordination, both of which were evidently lacking in this encounter. The loud voices from the Newcastle fans echoed the enthusiasm of a team rediscovering its attacking prowess. Newcastle's strategic plays, particularly set pieces leading to goals, proved too much for the struggling Leicester unit. This match results reverberated through both squads, and while Newcastle celebrated their revival, the Leicester team was left to ponder their next steps in the Premier League as they aimed to stay clear of massive pressure and potential relegation.