Leicester got the better of Newcastle in a penalty shootout to progress through to the third round of the EFL Cup.
Leicester got the better of Newcastle in a penalty shootout to progress through to the third round of the EFL Cup.
Home boss Steve Bruce rang the changes in a bid to rest some of those who battled so hard in Sunday’s 1-0 shock win at Tottenham. Brendan Rodgers limited his alterations, with club captain Wes Morgan coming in, while all eyes were on former Magpie Ayoze Perez upon his maiden return to Tyneside.
Both sides traded blows in the early stages but the Foxes were quick to gain control and took a deserved lead after 34 minutes.
There was undoubtedly a touch of luck about the goal, with James Maddison’s free-kick taking a wicked deflection off the wall to outfox Karl Darlow.
Things got worse for the hosts late on in the half when Matt Ritchie hobbled off following a poor foul by Hamza Choudhury.
Into the second half and Jamie Vardy almost doubled the advantage but was foiled by a last ditch challenge from Jetro Willems and Newcastle got back on terms on 53 minutes.
After his intervention at the other end, Willems provided the assist as Yoshinori Muto fired in from close range.
Both sides fancied their chances of progressing and substitute Jonny Evans, who came on after Morgan required treatment, headed over, while Jonjo Shelvey forced a good save from Kasper Schmeichel.
However, the pair could not be split and penalties were required. Both Christian Fuchs and James Maddison converted for the Foxes but Shelvey saw his effort saved by Schmeichel.
Harvey Barnes was the next to miss but again the Danish goalkeeper proved his worth, preventing Isaac Hayden from drawing level and it was left up to Vardy to fire the visitors through to the third round.
