Mignolet Laments Lack Of Defensive Aggression

Leicester City easily could have been ahead and cruising within five minutes when Okazaki lost Sahko in the box and sent a free header toward goal. Unlike his recent performances, Simon Mignolet was up to the challenge, and denied the close-range effort. Still, it was a bad omen for the rest of the evening, as Liverpool's defense would continue forcing Mignolet into uncomfortable saves.

Four first half saves was enough from the Belgian to keep things all square at King Power Stadium, but the fifth shot on target--an incredible first time half-volley from Vardy in the 60th minute--would ultimately sink the Reds. After the match, Mignolet was disappointed in the overall defensive efforts.

"Obviously, it's difficult when you concede [the first goal]," he told the club's official website. "I think we didn't start the game well, we let Leicester come into the game and didn't defend aggressively enough. You have to be there [as a goalkeeper] to help the team out and so I was happy at 0-0 at half-time but second half he scored a great goal."

Vardy's first strike, in isolation, would not be a cause for concern. However, if the defense allows enough shots on target, eventually the opposing team will come up with an un-savable shot. Mignolet has been the center of a great deal of controversy over his lack of saves recently, but on a night when he turned up in a big way, he deserved better from his back line and midfield.