Premier League: Leicester boss Nigel Pearson plays down clash with James McArthur
Sunday 8 February 2015 15:31, UK
Leicester boss Nigel Pearson played down an extraordinary clash with James McArthur during his side's 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.
As his side were heading for another disappointing result, Pearson was involved in a fracas with McArthur after the Palace midfielder had accidentally felled the Foxes’ boss.
Pearson had initially appeared to playfully grabbed McArthur around the throat, before helping him to his feet, only to then prevent him from returning to the pitch by grabbing hold of his shirt.
"I didn’t see that one coming if I am honest,” Pearson, who tried and failed to sign McArthur in the summer, told Sky Sports.
“But there you are. I was pushed to the floor and held my own.”
Pressed in his news conference on why he held back McArthur, Pearson said: "Becasue he said something to me.
"I don't have to reveal anything do I? I'm more than capable of looking after myself.
"Listen, I've a lot of respect for the lad, he's a good player. You know what happened in the summer in terms of him coming here.
"I'm as disappointed as he was with how things panned out, but it was nothing to do with either myself or the player.
"But there's no problem with the player. He's a good player and a likeable lad."
Bottom of the table Leicester had plenty of chances at the King Power Stadium, but they could not find a way past a resolute Palace.
Pearson’s side have netted just three goals in their last eight home Premier League games, and their profligacy in front of goal worries their manager.
“We need to take our chances,” Pearson added.
"I don’t think they had too much in terms of creativity. And to concede from a set play, when you don’t react to the first header is disappointing.
"We made plenty of good situations today, but we are talking about the same things again, which is us not turning positive performances into results.
"That’s why we are where we are in the table at the moment."
