Jeremy Monga’s record-breaking goal couldn’t rescue Leicester City, as Milutin Osmajic’s late strike led to Marti Cifuentes’ defeat in his first away league match in charge at Preston.
Monga became the youngest scorer in Championship history when he equalized midway through the second half, the 16-year-old appearing set to secure a point from a subpar City performance.
However, with City committing players forward, they were exposed on a counter-attack with five minutes remaining, and Osmajic finished decisively to earn three points for Preston.
The City supporters, frustrated throughout with chants criticizing their own team, jeered the players off the field as they prepared to return to Leicester without points.
Making one adjustment from the win over Sheffield Wednesday, Cifuentes chose to start with the lineup that began the second half last weekend, bringing in Harry Winks for Oliver Skipp. James Justin, despite rumors of a potential move to Leeds, remained in the team as captain, alongside Bilal El Khannouss, Abdul Fatawu, and City’s other prominent stars.
Despite the talent in their squad, City struggled in the first half and deservedly trailed, even though Preston’s goal stemmed from an individual mistake.
Seven minutes in, Jakub Stolarczyk rushed out of his box to clear a long ball but found himself stranded in no man’s land.
Alfie Devine maneuvered around him, and despite the empty goal, there was still work to do, with the Tottenham loanee finishing expertly from a tight angle outside the box.
City, as they were against Wednesday, appeared vulnerable to long balls, and Preston capitalized on this approach, creating opportunities for Osmajic and Michael Smith, the first shot mishit, the second headed just wide.
Cifuentes’ team offered little in response, with Caleb Okoli’s blocked header from a corner being their best effort.
The lack of quality on display led City’s traveling fans to grow agitated, voicing critical chants about their team’s performance, with the expletives ringing out clearly at Deepdale.
Patson Daka replaced El Khannouss at halftime, but City still struggled to find their rhythm and nearly fell further behind when Osmajic failed to convert Thierry Small’s low cross from close range.
Dissatisfied, Cifuentes introduced two more substitutes, Monga and Wout Faes. Then City came alive.
Just past the hour mark, Monga released Justin down the left, and his low cross found Abdul Fatawu. The Ghanaian slid in and directed the ball toward goal, but former City keeper Daniel Iversen miraculously extended an arm to block the shot on the line.
Preston’s relief lasted only 30 seconds. City played the ball back to Monga, who cut inside onto his right foot and struck a low, powerful shot to beat Iversen at his near post, becoming the youngest goalscorer in Championship history.
Suddenly, City gained the upper hand, and their fans rallied behind them. They applied pressure, and Ayew struck a shot that hit the outside of the post.
But by pushing players forward, they left themselves open, and it proved costly. On a counter-attack, Small delivered a precise cross from the left, and this time Osmajic made no mistake, breaking away from Jannik Vestergaard and finishing past Stolarczyk with his first touch.
City had about 10 minutes to mount a comeback but failed to create any clear chances, looking more likely to concede again on the counter.
Cifuentes’ first away league match ended in defeat, with numerous issues to resolve. Here’s the lowest rated players from the game:
Luke Thomas: He was repeatedly caught out by long balls down his flank and struggled in one-on-one defending. However, he did well to pressure Osmajic and prevent a tap-in in the second half. 4
Abdul Fatawu: An off-day. He had little success against Small, who matched his speed, and his crosses were frequently overhit. His shot selection was poor, though he nearly scored when sliding in. 4
Jordan Ayew: He frustrated fans by repeatedly losing possession while attempting to dribble past defenders and irritated teammates with his selfish play. He improved in a deeper role with Daka ahead of him, though. 4