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THE LATEST LEICESTER CITY FC NEWS
LEICESTER CITY 4-1 SOUTHAMPTON
Maddison marvels against unholy Saints
Leicester City registered their first back-to-back H2H home victories over Southampton since April 2016, defeating the 'Saints' 4-1 at the King Power Stadium.
Hoping to continue their promising end to an overall disappointing domestic campaign, the hosts should have been ahead after seven minutes when the marauding-forward Timothy Castagne somehow failed to hit the target with the goal at his mercy.
Looking to improve on the fourth-worst away record in the Premier League this season, after only three victories this season, Southampton failed to produce a significant attacking intent on Kasper Schmeichel’s goal. Leicester were then left bemused in the 23rd minute when referee Jonathan Moss nonchalantly waived the ‘Foxes’ appeal for a penalty away. Despite an unparalleled level of attacking dominance over their underwhelming visitors, Leicester were forced to begrudgingly trudge down the tunnel for the HT interval without an arguably deserved lead.
However, the hosts' superiority paid dividends within the opening four minutes of the second half, when recently-crowned Leicester Player of the Season James Maddison fortuitously swept home the rebound after Alex McCarthy had failed to hold on to Jamie Vardy’s one-on-one effort. Southampton should have been level approaching the final 20 minutes, but substitute Che Adams could only direct his header over the crossbar. Vardy doubled Leicester’s lead shortly before the 75th mark, mercilessly leaving Lyanco on the King Power turf, before clinically slotting home.
Southampton set up an intriguing final 10 minutes when top scorer James Ward-Prowse fired home from the penalty spot. However, less than two minutes later, Leicester ruthlessly restored their two-goal advantage when substitute Ayoze Pérez ghosted into the penalty area to fire home at the back-post.
Pérez’s second goal in the final minute of added time capped off a convincing Leicester win that extends their deep-rooted unbeaten bragging rights against Southampton to five matches across all competitions. Ultimately the ‘Foxes’ will consider their Premier League season a disappointing one, after finishing outside the European qualification positions for the first time in three years. Meanwhile, the 'Saints' have not been so graceful this season, as Ralph Hasenhüttl's side finish the campaign without a victory in their final six matches.
Flashscore Man of the Match: James Maddison (Leicester City)
flashscore.co.uk
Maddison marvels against unholy Saints
Leicester City registered their first back-to-back H2H home victories over Southampton since April 2016, defeating the 'Saints' 4-1 at the King Power Stadium.
Hoping to continue their promising end to an overall disappointing domestic campaign, the hosts should have been ahead after seven minutes when the marauding-forward Timothy Castagne somehow failed to hit the target with the goal at his mercy.
Looking to improve on the fourth-worst away record in the Premier League this season, after only three victories this season, Southampton failed to produce a significant attacking intent on Kasper Schmeichel’s goal. Leicester were then left bemused in the 23rd minute when referee Jonathan Moss nonchalantly waived the ‘Foxes’ appeal for a penalty away. Despite an unparalleled level of attacking dominance over their underwhelming visitors, Leicester were forced to begrudgingly trudge down the tunnel for the HT interval without an arguably deserved lead.
However, the hosts' superiority paid dividends within the opening four minutes of the second half, when recently-crowned Leicester Player of the Season James Maddison fortuitously swept home the rebound after Alex McCarthy had failed to hold on to Jamie Vardy’s one-on-one effort. Southampton should have been level approaching the final 20 minutes, but substitute Che Adams could only direct his header over the crossbar. Vardy doubled Leicester’s lead shortly before the 75th mark, mercilessly leaving Lyanco on the King Power turf, before clinically slotting home.
Southampton set up an intriguing final 10 minutes when top scorer James Ward-Prowse fired home from the penalty spot. However, less than two minutes later, Leicester ruthlessly restored their two-goal advantage when substitute Ayoze Pérez ghosted into the penalty area to fire home at the back-post.
Pérez’s second goal in the final minute of added time capped off a convincing Leicester win that extends their deep-rooted unbeaten bragging rights against Southampton to five matches across all competitions. Ultimately the ‘Foxes’ will consider their Premier League season a disappointing one, after finishing outside the European qualification positions for the first time in three years. Meanwhile, the 'Saints' have not been so graceful this season, as Ralph Hasenhüttl's side finish the campaign without a victory in their final six matches.
Flashscore Man of the Match: James Maddison (Leicester City)
flashscore.co.uk
CHELSEA 1-1 LEICESTER CITY
Wasteful Blues held in Stamford stalemate
Chelsea and Leicester City shared the spoils in an entertaining 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, as the ‘Foxes’ missed out on the chance to record three successive Premier League (PL) wins for the first time since January 2021.
Coming into the contest on the back of a gut-wrenching defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup final, Chelsea looked to dominante the early exchanges with plenty of possession inside the Leicester half. However, it was the ‘Foxes’ who took the lead in the sixth minute, as James Maddison collected a rebound from Timothy Castagne, before curling an accurate strike into the bottom corner beyond Édouard Mendy.
Undeterred by the setback, Chelsea went in search for an immediate response, and came within inches of finding one as Trevoh Chalobah saw a long-range effort superbly tipped over the bar by Kasper Schmeichel. The hosts continued to apply pressure on the Leicester goal before HT, and found a deserved leveller when Reece James picked out fellow wing-back Marcos Alonso at the back post for the Spaniard to confidently volley home.
Having failed to pick up a single point from all four of their visits to teams in the PL top-five this season, Leicester were happy to edge a lacklustre start to the second half, with both sides looking short of ideas in the final third. The ‘Blues’ improved on the hour mark, as Romelu Lukaku directed a good headed chance wide and Christian Pulisic fluffed his lines when unmarked eight yards out.
With time ticking into the final 15 minutes, Chelsea continued to create good chances in their pursuit of a late winner, but Schmeichel held firm in the Leicester goal to deny James and Chalobah. The Stamford Bridge faithful roared their team on in the closing stages as the pressure mounted on the visitors, however the Leicester rearguard dealt with everything to secure an impressive, hard-earned share of the spoils.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City)
flashscore.co.uk
Wasteful Blues held in Stamford stalemate
Chelsea and Leicester City shared the spoils in an entertaining 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, as the ‘Foxes’ missed out on the chance to record three successive Premier League (PL) wins for the first time since January 2021.
Coming into the contest on the back of a gut-wrenching defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup final, Chelsea looked to dominante the early exchanges with plenty of possession inside the Leicester half. However, it was the ‘Foxes’ who took the lead in the sixth minute, as James Maddison collected a rebound from Timothy Castagne, before curling an accurate strike into the bottom corner beyond Édouard Mendy.
Undeterred by the setback, Chelsea went in search for an immediate response, and came within inches of finding one as Trevoh Chalobah saw a long-range effort superbly tipped over the bar by Kasper Schmeichel. The hosts continued to apply pressure on the Leicester goal before HT, and found a deserved leveller when Reece James picked out fellow wing-back Marcos Alonso at the back post for the Spaniard to confidently volley home.
Having failed to pick up a single point from all four of their visits to teams in the PL top-five this season, Leicester were happy to edge a lacklustre start to the second half, with both sides looking short of ideas in the final third. The ‘Blues’ improved on the hour mark, as Romelu Lukaku directed a good headed chance wide and Christian Pulisic fluffed his lines when unmarked eight yards out.
With time ticking into the final 15 minutes, Chelsea continued to create good chances in their pursuit of a late winner, but Schmeichel held firm in the Leicester goal to deny James and Chalobah. The Stamford Bridge faithful roared their team on in the closing stages as the pressure mounted on the visitors, however the Leicester rearguard dealt with everything to secure an impressive, hard-earned share of the spoils.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City)
flashscore.co.uk
WATFORD 1-5 LEICESTER CITY
Fabulous Foxes turn on the style to sting Hornets
Leicester City came from behind to secure a dominant 5-1 victory over Watford at Vicarage Road. Remarkably, the ‘Foxes’ now have three H2H victories over their opponents this season, scoring at least four in each.
Roy Hodgson’s men failed to register a single shot on target in their goalless draw with Everton in midweek, but needed just six minutes to open the scoring on this occasion. A corner from the right wreaked havoc inside the Leicester area, allowing João Pedro to flash a shot that would inadvertently be turned into his own goal by Timothy Castagne. Astoundingly, the ‘Foxes’ have now conceded 20 goals from set-pieces in the Premier League this season, more than a third of their total for the season.
Adam Masina was next to profit from Leicester’s amateur defending, but his close-range effort was denied by the bar. That miss would prove very costly, as the visitors equalised against the run of play. In their efforts to defend the same ball, Masina and Craig Cathcart collided and cleared a path for Youri TIelemans to give James Maddison a tap-in. Moments later, the quick-fire turnaround was completed thanks to another calamitous defensive error from the ‘Hornets’. Maddison’s floated cross into the box enticed Ben Foster to rush out and meet it, but he failed spectacularly, diving past the ball and allowing Jamie Vardy to head home into an empty net.
Brendan Rodgers’ men doubled their lead within 23 seconds of the restart, when Marc Albrighton, who replaced Nampalys Mendy at the interval, provided a glorious cross which found Harvey Barnes in acres of space to drive past Foster. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall threatened to make it four, but his curling effort drifted narrowly wide. More disastrous defending allowed Leicester to add to their lead though, with Vardy seizing on Barnes’ lofted pass to slide the ball beyond Foster. Eight goals in his last seven meetings with Watford for the former England man, and a fourth of the league season against the ‘Hornets’.
Barnes added a fifth in the 86th minute, beautifully finding the far corner after being slotted through by Maddison. A comfortable victory ensured Leicester remained in the top half of the table, although anything worse than a ninth-placed finish would be their worst return since their unsuccessful title defence in 2016/17. Meanwhile, a 12th defeat from the last 13 on home soil meant there was little to shout about for incoming manager Rob Edwards watching on from the stands.
flashscore.co.uk
Fabulous Foxes turn on the style to sting Hornets
Leicester City came from behind to secure a dominant 5-1 victory over Watford at Vicarage Road. Remarkably, the ‘Foxes’ now have three H2H victories over their opponents this season, scoring at least four in each.
Roy Hodgson’s men failed to register a single shot on target in their goalless draw with Everton in midweek, but needed just six minutes to open the scoring on this occasion. A corner from the right wreaked havoc inside the Leicester area, allowing João Pedro to flash a shot that would inadvertently be turned into his own goal by Timothy Castagne. Astoundingly, the ‘Foxes’ have now conceded 20 goals from set-pieces in the Premier League this season, more than a third of their total for the season.
Adam Masina was next to profit from Leicester’s amateur defending, but his close-range effort was denied by the bar. That miss would prove very costly, as the visitors equalised against the run of play. In their efforts to defend the same ball, Masina and Craig Cathcart collided and cleared a path for Youri TIelemans to give James Maddison a tap-in. Moments later, the quick-fire turnaround was completed thanks to another calamitous defensive error from the ‘Hornets’. Maddison’s floated cross into the box enticed Ben Foster to rush out and meet it, but he failed spectacularly, diving past the ball and allowing Jamie Vardy to head home into an empty net.
Brendan Rodgers’ men doubled their lead within 23 seconds of the restart, when Marc Albrighton, who replaced Nampalys Mendy at the interval, provided a glorious cross which found Harvey Barnes in acres of space to drive past Foster. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall threatened to make it four, but his curling effort drifted narrowly wide. More disastrous defending allowed Leicester to add to their lead though, with Vardy seizing on Barnes’ lofted pass to slide the ball beyond Foster. Eight goals in his last seven meetings with Watford for the former England man, and a fourth of the league season against the ‘Hornets’.
Barnes added a fifth in the 86th minute, beautifully finding the far corner after being slotted through by Maddison. A comfortable victory ensured Leicester remained in the top half of the table, although anything worse than a ninth-placed finish would be their worst return since their unsuccessful title defence in 2016/17. Meanwhile, a 12th defeat from the last 13 on home soil meant there was little to shout about for incoming manager Rob Edwards watching on from the stands.
flashscore.co.uk
LEICESTER CITY 3-0 NORWICH CITY
Vardy double sparks a Madd Leicester party
A classic Jamie Vardy display spared Bredan Rodgers blushes, as Leicester secured an emphatic 3-0 victory over Norwich City and ensured Rodgers avoided the feat of becoming the first ‘Foxes’ manager to lose three-successive Premier League games since Claude Puel in 2019.
This game was almost a dead-rubber for both these sides, with a top-half finish about as good as it’s going to get for Leicester, whilst Norwich’s relegation fate is already sealed.
It was unsurprisingly the ‘Foxes’ who settled quicker and Rodgers' side spurned two great chances to take the lead. Angus Gunn denied James Maddison from distance, before also denying Vardy from the rebound. Leicester pressure was incessant at times and this time it was Ademola Lookman who forced Gunn into yet another smart stop to ensure the scores remained level at the break.
The second half started in much similar fashion, with Leicester in the ascendancy, and this time the ‘Foxes’ made Norwich pay.
Vardy announced his return from injury with a ferocious strike which deflected off Grant Hanley and looped over a desperate Gunn in the Norwich goal.
Like London buses, a second soon came around for Vardy as he latched onto Harvey Barnes’ deft through-ball to slam home his second of the evening and his 150th league goal. You couldn’t help but feel a little for Norwich, who had defended so valiantly throughout the evening, but their endeavours had been undone by a moment of pure fortune.
Leicester weren’t finished at two though, and added a third through Maddison, who slammed home from the edge of the box after Gunn flapped at Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s cross.
Victory for Leicester lifts them into the top-half of the table at the expense of Crystal Palace and with a trip to another relegated side in Watford at the weekend, Leicester may fancy their chances of stretching that gap.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
flashscore.co.uk
Vardy double sparks a Madd Leicester party
A classic Jamie Vardy display spared Bredan Rodgers blushes, as Leicester secured an emphatic 3-0 victory over Norwich City and ensured Rodgers avoided the feat of becoming the first ‘Foxes’ manager to lose three-successive Premier League games since Claude Puel in 2019.
This game was almost a dead-rubber for both these sides, with a top-half finish about as good as it’s going to get for Leicester, whilst Norwich’s relegation fate is already sealed.
It was unsurprisingly the ‘Foxes’ who settled quicker and Rodgers' side spurned two great chances to take the lead. Angus Gunn denied James Maddison from distance, before also denying Vardy from the rebound. Leicester pressure was incessant at times and this time it was Ademola Lookman who forced Gunn into yet another smart stop to ensure the scores remained level at the break.
The second half started in much similar fashion, with Leicester in the ascendancy, and this time the ‘Foxes’ made Norwich pay.
Vardy announced his return from injury with a ferocious strike which deflected off Grant Hanley and looped over a desperate Gunn in the Norwich goal.
Like London buses, a second soon came around for Vardy as he latched onto Harvey Barnes’ deft through-ball to slam home his second of the evening and his 150th league goal. You couldn’t help but feel a little for Norwich, who had defended so valiantly throughout the evening, but their endeavours had been undone by a moment of pure fortune.
Leicester weren’t finished at two though, and added a third through Maddison, who slammed home from the edge of the box after Gunn flapped at Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s cross.
Victory for Leicester lifts them into the top-half of the table at the expense of Crystal Palace and with a trip to another relegated side in Watford at the weekend, Leicester may fancy their chances of stretching that gap.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
flashscore.co.uk
LEICESTER CITY 1-2 EVERTON
Embarrassing Foxes performance against a team that had only won once away from home all season
Jordan Pickford’s heroics helped Everton earn a vital three points in their Premier League (PL) relegation battle as they beat Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
The England international made a string of stunning second-half saves as Frank Lampard’s men moved out of the relegation zone following first-half goals from Vitaliy Mykolenko and Mason Holgate.
A frantic start saw a terrific Yerry Mina block prevent Patson Daka from opening the scoring for the ‘Foxes’, before the visitors netted with their first attack. Wing-back Mykolenko fired a stunning volley into the far bottom corner from 20 yards, scoring his first goal of the season. Abdoulaye Doucouré then came close to doubling the lead minutes later, forcing Kasper Schmeichel into a desperate save.
Everton were left ruing that missed opportunity, as Leicester went straight down the other end and levelled as Daka profited from a calamitous mix-up in the ‘Blues’ defence and coolly slotted home. Not dismayed, the visitors were back in front before the break through Holgate, who nodded home a rebound from close range after Richarlison, left unmarked from a corner, had his header saved by Schmeichel.
The second half continued at a similar thunderous pace, although the end-to-end football produced fewer chances. Ex-Leicester man Demarai Gray had one, lashing wildly over the bar, while Pickford dived full stretch to claw Nampalys Mendy’s brilliant curling effort around the post at the other end.
The England international became ever more important as the final whistle approached, making a pair of terrific saves down to his left to deny Harvey Barnes.
Barnes wasted a third glorious chance late on, heading wide from close range, as Leicester made it five PL games without a win, whereas Everton ended a run of eight successive away defeats and moved out of the relegation zone after Leeds’ loss at Arsenal.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Jordan Pickford (Everton)
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Embarrassing Foxes performance against a team that had only won once away from home all season
Jordan Pickford’s heroics helped Everton earn a vital three points in their Premier League (PL) relegation battle as they beat Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
The England international made a string of stunning second-half saves as Frank Lampard’s men moved out of the relegation zone following first-half goals from Vitaliy Mykolenko and Mason Holgate.
A frantic start saw a terrific Yerry Mina block prevent Patson Daka from opening the scoring for the ‘Foxes’, before the visitors netted with their first attack. Wing-back Mykolenko fired a stunning volley into the far bottom corner from 20 yards, scoring his first goal of the season. Abdoulaye Doucouré then came close to doubling the lead minutes later, forcing Kasper Schmeichel into a desperate save.
Everton were left ruing that missed opportunity, as Leicester went straight down the other end and levelled as Daka profited from a calamitous mix-up in the ‘Blues’ defence and coolly slotted home. Not dismayed, the visitors were back in front before the break through Holgate, who nodded home a rebound from close range after Richarlison, left unmarked from a corner, had his header saved by Schmeichel.
The second half continued at a similar thunderous pace, although the end-to-end football produced fewer chances. Ex-Leicester man Demarai Gray had one, lashing wildly over the bar, while Pickford dived full stretch to claw Nampalys Mendy’s brilliant curling effort around the post at the other end.
The England international became ever more important as the final whistle approached, making a pair of terrific saves down to his left to deny Harvey Barnes.
Barnes wasted a third glorious chance late on, heading wide from close range, as Leicester made it five PL games without a win, whereas Everton ended a run of eight successive away defeats and moved out of the relegation zone after Leeds’ loss at Arsenal.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Jordan Pickford (Everton)
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Leicester City missed out on a place in the Europa Conference League final after losing 1-0 at Roma.
Tammy Abraham's powerful header for the home side was the difference as Leicester struggled to make an impact at the Stadio Olimpico.
The England striker's goal was enough to prevent the Foxes reaching a first European final after the first leg finished 1-1 at the King Power Stadium.
It will be the Italian side's first European final since 1991, where they will face Feyenoord.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers said after Sunday's Premier League 3-1 defeat to Tottenham that his side needed to work on their defending of corners - so the last thing he would want to see his side do was concede four of them in the opening 10 minutes.
One of those corners gave Abraham opportunity to leap higher than anyone else and put a bullet header past Kasper Schmeichel from a sublime Lorenzo Pellegrini delivery, whose set-pieces were a threat throughout.
Leicester were passive in the first half and did not manage a shot on target as Jamie Vardy looked isolated up front, with Rodgers seeing fit to introduce a strike partner, Kelechi Iheanacho, at half-time.
The Foxes looked brighter in the second period but still failed to create any clear-cut opportunities as Roma were happy to run down the clock.
The only shots of note came towards the final moments of the game as the Leicester players became desperate, shooting from all distances and angles.
James Maddison's weak effort from 20 yards out was straight at Rui Patricio, and Iheanacho's attempt from distance was also picked up with ease by the Portuguese goalkeeper.
Roma boss Jose Mourinho will now aim to put a fifth European title to his name when his side come up against Dutch side Feyenoord, who beat Marseille 3-2 over two legs in their semi-final, in the final on 25 May in Albania.
Despite Rodgers' admission that he did not know what the Europa Conference League was earlier in the season, Leicester's run in the competition has provided a welcome distraction in an otherwise underwhelming season, where they sit 11th in the Premier League and are without a win in their last four games.
But as their chance of reaching a first European final is over, and the likelihood of securing any form of European football next season seems slim, this campaign feels a far cry from last season when they won the FA Cup and finished fifth in the league.
Roma would have been happy to come away from Leicester with the scores level and the second leg was a better tactical showing from Mourinho against his former coaching protege Rodgers.
Mourinho is now the first manager to reach the final of a major European competition with four different clubs.
Leicester's next three league games come against the Premier League's bottom three in Everton, Watford and Norwich so Rodgers will hope his side can salvage a bright finish from a flat season.
BBC
Tammy Abraham's powerful header for the home side was the difference as Leicester struggled to make an impact at the Stadio Olimpico.
The England striker's goal was enough to prevent the Foxes reaching a first European final after the first leg finished 1-1 at the King Power Stadium.
It will be the Italian side's first European final since 1991, where they will face Feyenoord.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers said after Sunday's Premier League 3-1 defeat to Tottenham that his side needed to work on their defending of corners - so the last thing he would want to see his side do was concede four of them in the opening 10 minutes.
One of those corners gave Abraham opportunity to leap higher than anyone else and put a bullet header past Kasper Schmeichel from a sublime Lorenzo Pellegrini delivery, whose set-pieces were a threat throughout.
Leicester were passive in the first half and did not manage a shot on target as Jamie Vardy looked isolated up front, with Rodgers seeing fit to introduce a strike partner, Kelechi Iheanacho, at half-time.
The Foxes looked brighter in the second period but still failed to create any clear-cut opportunities as Roma were happy to run down the clock.
The only shots of note came towards the final moments of the game as the Leicester players became desperate, shooting from all distances and angles.
James Maddison's weak effort from 20 yards out was straight at Rui Patricio, and Iheanacho's attempt from distance was also picked up with ease by the Portuguese goalkeeper.
Roma boss Jose Mourinho will now aim to put a fifth European title to his name when his side come up against Dutch side Feyenoord, who beat Marseille 3-2 over two legs in their semi-final, in the final on 25 May in Albania.
Despite Rodgers' admission that he did not know what the Europa Conference League was earlier in the season, Leicester's run in the competition has provided a welcome distraction in an otherwise underwhelming season, where they sit 11th in the Premier League and are without a win in their last four games.
But as their chance of reaching a first European final is over, and the likelihood of securing any form of European football next season seems slim, this campaign feels a far cry from last season when they won the FA Cup and finished fifth in the league.
Roma would have been happy to come away from Leicester with the scores level and the second leg was a better tactical showing from Mourinho against his former coaching protege Rodgers.
Mourinho is now the first manager to reach the final of a major European competition with four different clubs.
Leicester's next three league games come against the Premier League's bottom three in Everton, Watford and Norwich so Rodgers will hope his side can salvage a bright finish from a flat season.
BBC
Tottenham 3-1 Leicester City
Spurs back in Euro hunt after sniffing out Foxes
Harry Kane made it 17 goals in 14 Premier League games against Leicester City as Tottenham Hotspur revived their UEFA Champions League ambitions with a comfortable 3-1 victory, taking them back into fourth place.
With Leicester having one eye on their return Europa Conference League semi-final leg against Roma next Thursday it was the perfect opportunity for Tottenham to get their top four hunt back on track after failing to win their last two Premier League games. After making eight changes Brendan Rogers side took a while to get to grips with the game, allowing Tottenham to get off to a fast paced start. However, it was Patson Daka who had the first big chance of the game, getting on the end of Boubakary Soumaré’s cross and striking the post after 14 minutes.
After surviving a nervy five minutes where Leicester spurned some good chances, the hosts turned to their ever reliable duo to take the lead. Harry Kane did brilliantly to get on the end of Son Heung-min’s corner and head the ball into the bottom corner for 1-0. The remainder of the first half could have been won by either side with Kane and Kelechi Iheanacho missing great chances, but somehow the scoreline was left 1-0 at HT.
After a lacklustre start to the second half Antonio Conte decided to introduce Dejan Kulusevski into the fray and within minutes he repaid his managers faith by setting up Son, who showed brilliant composure to slot the ball home for 2-0 just after the hour mark. Son then confirmed the victory for Tottenham with a beauty ten minutes from time. The South Korean picked up the ball on the edge of the area before sumptuously curled the ball into the top corner giving Kasper Schmeichel absolutely no chance.
Leicester got a consolation goal in stoppage time thanks to Iheanacho who fired a powerful strike in off the post from outside the area to see the game finish 3-1. The much needed victory means ‘Spurs’ now sit one point ahead of Arsenal in fourth having played one game more, meanwhile the ‘Foxes’ remain in 11th, now firmly focused on their UEFA Europa Conference League campaign.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)
Flashscore.co.uk
Spurs back in Euro hunt after sniffing out Foxes
Harry Kane made it 17 goals in 14 Premier League games against Leicester City as Tottenham Hotspur revived their UEFA Champions League ambitions with a comfortable 3-1 victory, taking them back into fourth place.
With Leicester having one eye on their return Europa Conference League semi-final leg against Roma next Thursday it was the perfect opportunity for Tottenham to get their top four hunt back on track after failing to win their last two Premier League games. After making eight changes Brendan Rogers side took a while to get to grips with the game, allowing Tottenham to get off to a fast paced start. However, it was Patson Daka who had the first big chance of the game, getting on the end of Boubakary Soumaré’s cross and striking the post after 14 minutes.
After surviving a nervy five minutes where Leicester spurned some good chances, the hosts turned to their ever reliable duo to take the lead. Harry Kane did brilliantly to get on the end of Son Heung-min’s corner and head the ball into the bottom corner for 1-0. The remainder of the first half could have been won by either side with Kane and Kelechi Iheanacho missing great chances, but somehow the scoreline was left 1-0 at HT.
After a lacklustre start to the second half Antonio Conte decided to introduce Dejan Kulusevski into the fray and within minutes he repaid his managers faith by setting up Son, who showed brilliant composure to slot the ball home for 2-0 just after the hour mark. Son then confirmed the victory for Tottenham with a beauty ten minutes from time. The South Korean picked up the ball on the edge of the area before sumptuously curled the ball into the top corner giving Kasper Schmeichel absolutely no chance.
Leicester got a consolation goal in stoppage time thanks to Iheanacho who fired a powerful strike in off the post from outside the area to see the game finish 3-1. The much needed victory means ‘Spurs’ now sit one point ahead of Arsenal in fourth having played one game more, meanwhile the ‘Foxes’ remain in 11th, now firmly focused on their UEFA Europa Conference League campaign.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)
Flashscore.co.uk
Leicester City 1-1 AS Roma
The King Power Stadium was treated to a thrilling first-ever European semi-final as Leicester City earned a hard-fought draw in the first leg, knowing very well that they have all the chances in the world to upset Jose Mourinho’s Roma from winning their first-ever UEFA title in history. With the 1-1 draw, the ‘Giallorossi’ have now not tasted victory in England since 2001 – a streak of 14 winless matches.
An onslaught of relentless attacks got things rolling for the hosts, as they went painfully close to opening the scoring within five minutes from Timothy Castagne’s diving header that skimmed past the right post. However, a quickfire counterattack on the other end poised Nicola Zalewski to sublimely feed Lorenzo Pellegrini’s powerful finish from the left flank and put Roma in the driving seat just ten minutes later.
Despite having scored a 12th away goal in the Europa Conference League, the Italians couldn’t help but face a skulk of hungry ‘Foxes’, who held the ball with authority, denying the visitors a single chance to force keeper Kasper Schmeichel into a save. Seeking a seventh straight unbeaten European game at home this season, the Leicester faithful continued rallying their team in the hopes of an equaliser that never arrived as the HT whistle approached.
A host of substitutions by Brendan Rodgers after the hour mark changed the face of the game as Leicester finally equalised from their 11th attempt on goal, thanks to Ademola Lookman forcing Gianluca Mancini into tapping home an own-goal after some impressive team play by the home outfit.
The Special One was then forced to change his tactical outlook, but that made little difference as Leicester substitute Kelechi Iheanacho almost handed the hosts their second from a terrific edge-of-the-box shot that went wide of the left post. Minutes later, Schmeichel was called into action for the first time in the match from Sérgio Oliveira’s effort that was headed into the top corner, before the Danish shotstopper stood strong to keep scores level.
The ‘Giallorossi’s suppressed attacking display saw them fail to avoid a third straight winless match, a result they will hope does no harm going into the second leg next week. Leicester on the other hand, will muster inspiration from their performance and count their chances of going all the way to the finals.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Roger Ibañez (AS Roma)
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The King Power Stadium was treated to a thrilling first-ever European semi-final as Leicester City earned a hard-fought draw in the first leg, knowing very well that they have all the chances in the world to upset Jose Mourinho’s Roma from winning their first-ever UEFA title in history. With the 1-1 draw, the ‘Giallorossi’ have now not tasted victory in England since 2001 – a streak of 14 winless matches.
An onslaught of relentless attacks got things rolling for the hosts, as they went painfully close to opening the scoring within five minutes from Timothy Castagne’s diving header that skimmed past the right post. However, a quickfire counterattack on the other end poised Nicola Zalewski to sublimely feed Lorenzo Pellegrini’s powerful finish from the left flank and put Roma in the driving seat just ten minutes later.
Despite having scored a 12th away goal in the Europa Conference League, the Italians couldn’t help but face a skulk of hungry ‘Foxes’, who held the ball with authority, denying the visitors a single chance to force keeper Kasper Schmeichel into a save. Seeking a seventh straight unbeaten European game at home this season, the Leicester faithful continued rallying their team in the hopes of an equaliser that never arrived as the HT whistle approached.
A host of substitutions by Brendan Rodgers after the hour mark changed the face of the game as Leicester finally equalised from their 11th attempt on goal, thanks to Ademola Lookman forcing Gianluca Mancini into tapping home an own-goal after some impressive team play by the home outfit.
The Special One was then forced to change his tactical outlook, but that made little difference as Leicester substitute Kelechi Iheanacho almost handed the hosts their second from a terrific edge-of-the-box shot that went wide of the left post. Minutes later, Schmeichel was called into action for the first time in the match from Sérgio Oliveira’s effort that was headed into the top corner, before the Danish shotstopper stood strong to keep scores level.
The ‘Giallorossi’s suppressed attacking display saw them fail to avoid a third straight winless match, a result they will hope does no harm going into the second leg next week. Leicester on the other hand, will muster inspiration from their performance and count their chances of going all the way to the finals.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Roger Ibañez (AS Roma)
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Leicester City 0-0 Aston Villa
Chances were few and far between in a 0-0 Midlands derby stalemate between Leicester and Aston Villa, as the visitors picked up just their first away draw of the season.
Despite having the opportunity to condemn the ‘Foxes’ to back-to-back home league losses in this fixture for the first time since April 1981, following last season’s win at the King Power, Villa had a mountainous task on their hands considering their stuttering form.
That form showed in their performance early on through loose passes and nervous approach play. But apart from a teasing free-kick whipped by James Maddison on the cusp of HT, Leicester also underwhelmed and failed to create any clear-cut opportunities, giving Villa plenty to hang onto heading into the second half.
Performances were improved after the break from the ‘Villans’, who upped the ante and pinned Leicester back in their own half. Ollie Watkins had success when driving at defenders with the ball at his feet, while Tyrone Mings felt his side deserved a penalty after 55 minutes when his low shot was seemingly blocked by Wesley Fofana’s arm after a corner.
Leicester came back into the game approaching the hour mark, but still lacked any thrust or pace when transitioning, while Villa had now found a better defensive structure. Maddison struggled to assert himself, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was unable to run beyond defenders and Patson Daka couldn’t find the gaps required to receive a killer pass.
Villa became more content with a stalemate as the game grew on, stifling Jamie Vardy’s return from injury off the bench to ensure the game finished goalless. Though perhaps Villa are relieved, as the draw snaps a run of four defeats on the bounce, while Leicester must go again with a mammoth clash against Roma awaiting them next week.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa)
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Chances were few and far between in a 0-0 Midlands derby stalemate between Leicester and Aston Villa, as the visitors picked up just their first away draw of the season.
Despite having the opportunity to condemn the ‘Foxes’ to back-to-back home league losses in this fixture for the first time since April 1981, following last season’s win at the King Power, Villa had a mountainous task on their hands considering their stuttering form.
That form showed in their performance early on through loose passes and nervous approach play. But apart from a teasing free-kick whipped by James Maddison on the cusp of HT, Leicester also underwhelmed and failed to create any clear-cut opportunities, giving Villa plenty to hang onto heading into the second half.
Performances were improved after the break from the ‘Villans’, who upped the ante and pinned Leicester back in their own half. Ollie Watkins had success when driving at defenders with the ball at his feet, while Tyrone Mings felt his side deserved a penalty after 55 minutes when his low shot was seemingly blocked by Wesley Fofana’s arm after a corner.
Leicester came back into the game approaching the hour mark, but still lacked any thrust or pace when transitioning, while Villa had now found a better defensive structure. Maddison struggled to assert himself, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was unable to run beyond defenders and Patson Daka couldn’t find the gaps required to receive a killer pass.
Villa became more content with a stalemate as the game grew on, stifling Jamie Vardy’s return from injury off the bench to ensure the game finished goalless. Though perhaps Villa are relieved, as the draw snaps a run of four defeats on the bounce, while Leicester must go again with a mammoth clash against Roma awaiting them next week.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa)
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Everton 1-1 Leicester
Richarlison’s 93rd-minute equaliser saw Everton rescue a point against Leicester City to go four points clear of the relegation zone, and extend Leicester City’s winless Premier League away run to four games.
Looking to go six points clear of the dropzone, and secure consecutive PL wins for the first time since September, Everton got off to a nightmare start against Leicester City, when Harvey Barnes was left with the simple task of tapping home with five minutes on the clock, having picked up the loose ball from Kelechi Iheanacho’s deflected effort. The ‘Foxes’ continued to pile on the pressure after finding the opening goal, and soon carved open another chance, only for James Maddison to find Jordan Pickford with his side footed effort from just inside the area.
After riding the wave of Leicester pressure, however, Everton should have hit back through Richarlison, who somehow missed the target with his effort inside the six-yard box, having received Anthony Gordan’s pinpoint cross. As HT approached, too, it was the ‘Toffees’ who were applying the pressure, with Richarlison’s header over the crossbar adding to the chances wasted by the hosts.
Everton picked up where they left off in the second period knowing completing their search for parity was vital. Considering Leicester’s PL away form of six losses in their last eight coming into the trip to Goodison, Everton would have had every belief of grabbing a point and this was epitomised by Frank Lampard’s changes, which included the introduction of striker Salomón Rondón. As the half progressed, Kasper Schmeichel remained relatively untested and an equaliser looked less and less likely. In fact, out of both of the goalkeepers, it was Jordan Pickford who was the busier, with his save to deny Maddison’s goalbound effort the pick of the half.
The game should have been put to bed by Maddison with just over ten minutes remaining. The midfielder could not convert substitute Patson Daka’s cutback, however, with his effort dragging wide. The midfielder was soon punished too, with Richarlison grabbing a potentially season-defining goal late on, sending the Everton faithful into joyous, yet possibly relieved celebrations.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Richarlison (Everton)
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Richarlison’s 93rd-minute equaliser saw Everton rescue a point against Leicester City to go four points clear of the relegation zone, and extend Leicester City’s winless Premier League away run to four games.
Looking to go six points clear of the dropzone, and secure consecutive PL wins for the first time since September, Everton got off to a nightmare start against Leicester City, when Harvey Barnes was left with the simple task of tapping home with five minutes on the clock, having picked up the loose ball from Kelechi Iheanacho’s deflected effort. The ‘Foxes’ continued to pile on the pressure after finding the opening goal, and soon carved open another chance, only for James Maddison to find Jordan Pickford with his side footed effort from just inside the area.
After riding the wave of Leicester pressure, however, Everton should have hit back through Richarlison, who somehow missed the target with his effort inside the six-yard box, having received Anthony Gordan’s pinpoint cross. As HT approached, too, it was the ‘Toffees’ who were applying the pressure, with Richarlison’s header over the crossbar adding to the chances wasted by the hosts.
Everton picked up where they left off in the second period knowing completing their search for parity was vital. Considering Leicester’s PL away form of six losses in their last eight coming into the trip to Goodison, Everton would have had every belief of grabbing a point and this was epitomised by Frank Lampard’s changes, which included the introduction of striker Salomón Rondón. As the half progressed, Kasper Schmeichel remained relatively untested and an equaliser looked less and less likely. In fact, out of both of the goalkeepers, it was Jordan Pickford who was the busier, with his save to deny Maddison’s goalbound effort the pick of the half.
The game should have been put to bed by Maddison with just over ten minutes remaining. The midfielder could not convert substitute Patson Daka’s cutback, however, with his effort dragging wide. The midfielder was soon punished too, with Richarlison grabbing a potentially season-defining goal late on, sending the Everton faithful into joyous, yet possibly relieved celebrations.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Richarlison (Everton)
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Newcastle United 2-1 Leicester
Bruno Guimaraes' last-gasp header all but secures Premier League survival
Bruno Guimaraes' 95th-minute header seals a 2-1 win for Newcastle over Leicester; Guimaraes had earlier cancelled out Ademola Lookman's opener; watch free highlights on the Sky Sports app and website shortly after full-time.
Bruno Guimaraes' last-gasp header clinched a 2-1 win for Newcastle over Leicester to all but secure the Magpies' Premier League survival in dramatic circumstances at St James' Park.
Guimaraes had cancelled out Ademola Lookman's opener when he bundled home from a corner in the first half, and the Brazilian then grabbed the winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time when he headed home substitute Joe Willock's deflected cross to spark wild celebrations inside the stadium.
The late goal was a bitter blow to the Foxes, who fielded a heavily-rotated side following their Europa Conference League exertions on Thursday and looked more likely to get the breakthrough in the second period, but it was a huge moment for the hosts.
Newcastle, already 10 points clear of the drop zone ahead of kick-off, stretched the gap to 12 points thanks to Guimaraes' header as 18th-placed Burnley drew 1-1 with West Ham in Sunday's other Premier League game.
They are not yet mathematically safe yet, but thanks to the two-goal heroics of their £40m January signing from Lyon, Eddie Howe and his players are able to look ahead to another season of top-flight football and perhaps a brighter future too.
Sky Sports
Bruno Guimaraes' last-gasp header all but secures Premier League survival
Bruno Guimaraes' 95th-minute header seals a 2-1 win for Newcastle over Leicester; Guimaraes had earlier cancelled out Ademola Lookman's opener; watch free highlights on the Sky Sports app and website shortly after full-time.
Bruno Guimaraes' last-gasp header clinched a 2-1 win for Newcastle over Leicester to all but secure the Magpies' Premier League survival in dramatic circumstances at St James' Park.
Guimaraes had cancelled out Ademola Lookman's opener when he bundled home from a corner in the first half, and the Brazilian then grabbed the winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time when he headed home substitute Joe Willock's deflected cross to spark wild celebrations inside the stadium.
The late goal was a bitter blow to the Foxes, who fielded a heavily-rotated side following their Europa Conference League exertions on Thursday and looked more likely to get the breakthrough in the second period, but it was a huge moment for the hosts.
Newcastle, already 10 points clear of the drop zone ahead of kick-off, stretched the gap to 12 points thanks to Guimaraes' header as 18th-placed Burnley drew 1-1 with West Ham in Sunday's other Premier League game.
They are not yet mathematically safe yet, but thanks to the two-goal heroics of their £40m January signing from Lyon, Eddie Howe and his players are able to look ahead to another season of top-flight football and perhaps a brighter future too.
Sky Sports
PSV Eindhoven 1-2 Leicester City
The Philips Stadion witnessed home side PSV Eindhoven meltdown in remarkable fashion after conceding two quickfire Leicester City goals at the death. The result ends the ‘Rood-witten’s’ 15-match unbeaten streak and sends the ‘Foxes’ jumping into their first-ever European semi-final.
With the away goal rule abolished, Leicester put in an energised second leg showing in the initial minutes, knowing they could not rely on a score draw. However, it was the home side who threatened the visitor’s goal first by virtue of Mario Götze’s stupendous first-time volley directed towards the top corner, before Mauro Júnior blasted a shot that was headed into the bottom right – both of which were excellently thwarted away by Kasper Schmeichel.
Although the ‘Foxes’ reacted well, they couldn’t keep ‘Rood-witten’ from scoring in the 27th minute. The move saw Götze tee up Eran Zahavi on the right flank, who in turn struck a wonderful low drive to score the tie’s first goal in over 100 minutes of play. Then, a wicked deflection off James Maddison’s shot in the PSV box saw the ball heading into an empty net, but Jordan Teze was on hand to heroically scissor-kick it away from the goal line to keep his side in the lead going into the second period.
Brendan Rodgers’ outfit encountered a rather stern home defence after the break, but it was the Dutch side’s attack that proved relentless time and again, looking to turn the slim lead into a comfortable one. Joey Veerman saw his deflected long-range effort skim the left post on its way out, before goalscorer Zahavi sent a header flying over Schmeichel’s crossbar as the clock struck the hour mark. Leicester forward Patson Daka then produced an amazing solo run, only to see his end product zoom past Swiss goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo’s left post.
The final quarter-hour saw Roger Schmidt’s ‘Rood-witten’ spurn yet another chance to double their lead via Ibrahim Sangaré’s missed effort high over the crossbar. The Dutch side were punished for their missed chances in the 77th minute, thanks to Leicetser’s most threatening forward of the evening, Maddison, who thumped the ball from close-range past a helpless Mvogo to level scores. With PSV visibly shaken, Leicester took full advantage of their opponent’s shortcomings and thumped in the winner two minutes from FT, as Ricardo Pereira struck a rebound from close range to win it for the ‘Foxes’.
The hosts succumbed to a fifth loss in their last 18 home encounters against English opposition, as they failed to extend their unbeaten streak at the Philips Stadion to eight games by virtue of a dilapidated second half display. In stark contrast, Leicester’s second-half comeback steers them towards their first-ever European semi-final in the club’s history.
Man of the Match: James Maddison (Leicester City)
The Philips Stadion witnessed home side PSV Eindhoven meltdown in remarkable fashion after conceding two quickfire Leicester City goals at the death. The result ends the ‘Rood-witten’s’ 15-match unbeaten streak and sends the ‘Foxes’ jumping into their first-ever European semi-final.
With the away goal rule abolished, Leicester put in an energised second leg showing in the initial minutes, knowing they could not rely on a score draw. However, it was the home side who threatened the visitor’s goal first by virtue of Mario Götze’s stupendous first-time volley directed towards the top corner, before Mauro Júnior blasted a shot that was headed into the bottom right – both of which were excellently thwarted away by Kasper Schmeichel.
Although the ‘Foxes’ reacted well, they couldn’t keep ‘Rood-witten’ from scoring in the 27th minute. The move saw Götze tee up Eran Zahavi on the right flank, who in turn struck a wonderful low drive to score the tie’s first goal in over 100 minutes of play. Then, a wicked deflection off James Maddison’s shot in the PSV box saw the ball heading into an empty net, but Jordan Teze was on hand to heroically scissor-kick it away from the goal line to keep his side in the lead going into the second period.
Brendan Rodgers’ outfit encountered a rather stern home defence after the break, but it was the Dutch side’s attack that proved relentless time and again, looking to turn the slim lead into a comfortable one. Joey Veerman saw his deflected long-range effort skim the left post on its way out, before goalscorer Zahavi sent a header flying over Schmeichel’s crossbar as the clock struck the hour mark. Leicester forward Patson Daka then produced an amazing solo run, only to see his end product zoom past Swiss goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo’s left post.
The final quarter-hour saw Roger Schmidt’s ‘Rood-witten’ spurn yet another chance to double their lead via Ibrahim Sangaré’s missed effort high over the crossbar. The Dutch side were punished for their missed chances in the 77th minute, thanks to Leicetser’s most threatening forward of the evening, Maddison, who thumped the ball from close-range past a helpless Mvogo to level scores. With PSV visibly shaken, Leicester took full advantage of their opponent’s shortcomings and thumped in the winner two minutes from FT, as Ricardo Pereira struck a rebound from close range to win it for the ‘Foxes’.
The hosts succumbed to a fifth loss in their last 18 home encounters against English opposition, as they failed to extend their unbeaten streak at the Philips Stadion to eight games by virtue of a dilapidated second half display. In stark contrast, Leicester’s second-half comeback steers them towards their first-ever European semi-final in the club’s history.
Man of the Match: James Maddison (Leicester City)
Leicester City 2-1 Crystal Palace
Leicester's Dewsbury Hall shines as The Foxes leapfrog Palace as they swap positions in the league
Leicester continued their fine run of recent form as homegrown talent Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall played a starring role in a hard-earned win over Crystal Palace.
The Foxes started slowly at the King Power Stadium but Dewsbury-Hall carved Palace open with a superb ball for Ademola Lookman to fire home, before whipping his own finish high into the net six minutes later.
The 23-year-old's moments of quality proved telling in a fixture both sides could have been forgiven for looking past given their mid-table status and with key cup fixtures in the coming week.
Palace - who missed early chances through Wilfried Zaha, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Joachim Andersen - refused to give in after the break and Youri Tielemans' foul on Jordan Ayew in the penalty area offered them a route back into the match.
Zaha saw his penalty saved and when VAR pointed to encroachment in the area by home defender Caglar Soyuncu, his retaken penalty was also palmed away by Kasper Schmeichel, only for the Ivory Coast international to head in the rebound.
It prompted a spirited 10 minutes from Palace - who went close through a Jeffrey Schlupp flick - but their seven-game unbeaten run ends. Leicester now have four wins and a draw from their past six league games - form that lifts them to ninth in the table, one place above the beaten visitors.
A closely matched game - possession was 50-50, while Leicester managed just one more shot than their visitors - was arguably to be expected given two sides enjoying very similar fortunes.
Leicester did not pick up a league win for all of January and February but have found late-season form. Palace won just once over the same period and have themselves found momentum deep in the campaign.
Throw in the fact that Leicester face a key Europa Conference League second leg against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday while Palace have one eye on next Sunday's FA Cup semi-final at Chelsea and it would be easy to see why either side might have opted to preserve energy.
And Leicester's seven changes from their 0-0 first-leg draw with PSV appeared to cause a lack of cohesion that Palace might have exploited.
But the visitors were unable to take half-chances and Dewsbury-Hall made them pay by reversing a defence-splitting pass into Lookman's path for the opener before patiently creating shooting space of his own for a rifled second.
The 23-year-old was certainly not coasting. He ran further than anyone else on the pitch - clocking 11.3km - and hit a higher top speed than anyone in his sprints.
"It means so much," he said of his goal. "It's a dream come true to score in the Premier League. I have dreamt it since I was a little boy. I have come close but I am so happy today."
Palace, who have not ended a top-flight campaign higher than 10th since finishing third 1990-91, will rue a period late in the first half when they slackened off and let the Foxes in. Dewsbury-Hall's assist saw them opened too easily, while his goal owed much to a missed clearance by Marc Guehi in the build-up.
When they did rally, Zaha was integral to the improvement and his form will offer confidence for next week's semi-final.
After scoring, he fought admirably to conjure an equaliser, notably when teeing up Schlupp who saw his flick blocked by a sea of Leicester bodies.
BBC Sport
Leicester's Dewsbury Hall shines as The Foxes leapfrog Palace as they swap positions in the league
Leicester continued their fine run of recent form as homegrown talent Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall played a starring role in a hard-earned win over Crystal Palace.
The Foxes started slowly at the King Power Stadium but Dewsbury-Hall carved Palace open with a superb ball for Ademola Lookman to fire home, before whipping his own finish high into the net six minutes later.
The 23-year-old's moments of quality proved telling in a fixture both sides could have been forgiven for looking past given their mid-table status and with key cup fixtures in the coming week.
Palace - who missed early chances through Wilfried Zaha, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Joachim Andersen - refused to give in after the break and Youri Tielemans' foul on Jordan Ayew in the penalty area offered them a route back into the match.
Zaha saw his penalty saved and when VAR pointed to encroachment in the area by home defender Caglar Soyuncu, his retaken penalty was also palmed away by Kasper Schmeichel, only for the Ivory Coast international to head in the rebound.
It prompted a spirited 10 minutes from Palace - who went close through a Jeffrey Schlupp flick - but their seven-game unbeaten run ends. Leicester now have four wins and a draw from their past six league games - form that lifts them to ninth in the table, one place above the beaten visitors.
A closely matched game - possession was 50-50, while Leicester managed just one more shot than their visitors - was arguably to be expected given two sides enjoying very similar fortunes.
Leicester did not pick up a league win for all of January and February but have found late-season form. Palace won just once over the same period and have themselves found momentum deep in the campaign.
Throw in the fact that Leicester face a key Europa Conference League second leg against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday while Palace have one eye on next Sunday's FA Cup semi-final at Chelsea and it would be easy to see why either side might have opted to preserve energy.
And Leicester's seven changes from their 0-0 first-leg draw with PSV appeared to cause a lack of cohesion that Palace might have exploited.
But the visitors were unable to take half-chances and Dewsbury-Hall made them pay by reversing a defence-splitting pass into Lookman's path for the opener before patiently creating shooting space of his own for a rifled second.
The 23-year-old was certainly not coasting. He ran further than anyone else on the pitch - clocking 11.3km - and hit a higher top speed than anyone in his sprints.
"It means so much," he said of his goal. "It's a dream come true to score in the Premier League. I have dreamt it since I was a little boy. I have come close but I am so happy today."
Palace, who have not ended a top-flight campaign higher than 10th since finishing third 1990-91, will rue a period late in the first half when they slackened off and let the Foxes in. Dewsbury-Hall's assist saw them opened too easily, while his goal owed much to a missed clearance by Marc Guehi in the build-up.
When they did rally, Zaha was integral to the improvement and his form will offer confidence for next week's semi-final.
After scoring, he fought admirably to conjure an equaliser, notably when teeing up Schlupp who saw his flick blocked by a sea of Leicester bodies.
BBC Sport
Leicester 0-0 PSV Eindhoven
Conference League 1/4 Final
A cut-throat finisher was all Leicester City were lacking in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) quarter-final. Kelechi Iheanacho spurned a number of chances on the night, leaving the tie wide open prior to the return leg in Eindhoven.
The King Power Stadium played host to a European quarter-final for the first time since 2017, and while PSV don’t hold quite the same pedigree as Atlético Madrid, the 1988 European champions have qualified for continental competition in 48 straight seasons. Forgotten 2014 World Cup final winner Mario Götze gave the ‘Foxes’ an early scare as he latched onto a Joey Veerman flighted through ball in behind the backline, forcing Kasper Schmeichel into action.
Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho, who has only four goals in all competitions in Jamie Vardy’s absence then went agonisingly close, chipping fractionally wide of Yvon Mvogo’s left-hand post. The best chance of the half for the home side fell two minutes before the break, when Iheanacho slipped Harvey Barnes in down the left and he struck the ball wonderfully, only for it to ricochet off the crossbar.
VAR will only be used in the final of the UECL, perhaps to the ‘Boeran’s’ dismay as Cody Gakpo was felled inside the box after cutting inside Ricardo Pereira right after the interval. Despite protestations from Gakpo and the travelling away fans, referee Ivan Kružliak remained unmoved. Iheanacho again found himself with the ball at his feet after a well-timed Wesley Fofana interception, but shot wide once more as his effort skidded past the post.
Leicester now head to the Philips Stadion with the tie on a knife edge, made even harder given the fact PSV are unbeaten at home in the last six in all competitions. The ‘Boeran’ will be hoping next week's reverse fixture will not be the last in a crazy 18-game European journey across three competitions so far.
flashscore.co.uk
Conference League 1/4 Final
A cut-throat finisher was all Leicester City were lacking in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) quarter-final. Kelechi Iheanacho spurned a number of chances on the night, leaving the tie wide open prior to the return leg in Eindhoven.
The King Power Stadium played host to a European quarter-final for the first time since 2017, and while PSV don’t hold quite the same pedigree as Atlético Madrid, the 1988 European champions have qualified for continental competition in 48 straight seasons. Forgotten 2014 World Cup final winner Mario Götze gave the ‘Foxes’ an early scare as he latched onto a Joey Veerman flighted through ball in behind the backline, forcing Kasper Schmeichel into action.
Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho, who has only four goals in all competitions in Jamie Vardy’s absence then went agonisingly close, chipping fractionally wide of Yvon Mvogo’s left-hand post. The best chance of the half for the home side fell two minutes before the break, when Iheanacho slipped Harvey Barnes in down the left and he struck the ball wonderfully, only for it to ricochet off the crossbar.
VAR will only be used in the final of the UECL, perhaps to the ‘Boeran’s’ dismay as Cody Gakpo was felled inside the box after cutting inside Ricardo Pereira right after the interval. Despite protestations from Gakpo and the travelling away fans, referee Ivan Kružliak remained unmoved. Iheanacho again found himself with the ball at his feet after a well-timed Wesley Fofana interception, but shot wide once more as his effort skidded past the post.
Leicester now head to the Philips Stadion with the tie on a knife edge, made even harder given the fact PSV are unbeaten at home in the last six in all competitions. The ‘Boeran’ will be hoping next week's reverse fixture will not be the last in a crazy 18-game European journey across three competitions so far.
flashscore.co.uk
Khun Vichai Statue Unveiled In Emotional Filbert Way Occasion
Leicester City’s football family came together on Monday for the inauguration of the Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha statue at King Power Stadium – an eternal tribute to the most influential figure in the Football Club’s 138-year history.
On what would have been Khun Vichai’s 64th birthday, current Leicester City Chairman Khun Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha and his family were joined by distinguished guests to celebrate Khun Vichai’s Leicester legacy.
Dignitaries including Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur; Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Colonel Murray Colville; Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand, Mr Pisanu Suvanajata; Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Deepak Bajaj; City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby; and High Sheriff, Mehmooda Duke were among those in attendance, along with local faith leaders including Bishop of Leicester, The Right Revd Martyn Snow; and Dean of Leicester, The Very Revd David Monteith.
Appropriately connecting the city of Leicester with Khun Vichai’s homeland for the occasion, a group of his close friends were also present, at the invitation of the Srivaddhanaprabha family, along with friends from the worlds of polo, horse racing and Belgian club Oud-Heverlee Leuven.
The current Leicester City first team squad, led to a maiden FA Cup success in 2021 by Brendan Rodgers, were joined by members of the 2016 Premier League title-winning team and former managers Nigel Pearson, Claudio Ranieri and Craig Shakespeare. Leicester City representation was completed by Directors, senior and long-serving Club staff, former Chairmen and iconic former players.
Khun Vichai passed away alongside staff members Kaveporn Punpare and Nusara Suknamai, and pilots Eric Swaffer and Izabela Lechowicz, in a tragic helicopter accident at the home of Leicester City in October 2018.
Representatives of Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire Fire & Rescue and East Midlands Ambulance Service, who played such pivotal roles in the community response to the accident, were also present on an emotional occasion.
Chief Executive Susan Whelan – a close friend and colleague of Khun Vichai – opened proceedings, before Khun Top unveiled the statue of his father in front of a crowd of family and friends.
Susan said: "Khun Vichai loved this city. He greatly appreciated the affection shown by the people of Leicester and recognised how this community believed in his vision.
"Today, his contribution to the Club and to the city is made eternal. For generations to come, people will stand in this place and tell stories of The Possible Man. They will speak of his leadership and ambition, but also of his generosity and kindness. However this site changes, in all the moments we will experience together, his presence will be permanent."
Commissioned by the Srivaddhanaprabha family, the Khun Vichai statue is a permanent embodiment of his magnificent legacy in a place which brought him so much personal joy.
The statue inauguration ceremony was led by Buddhist monks, who travelled to Leicester from Thailand at the request of the Srivaddhanaprabha family. Such ceremonies have become customary at King Power Stadium during the family’s ownership of the Club, particularly at the start of a new season and for the inauguration of landmark developments, including LCFC Training Ground in Seagrave and the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Memorial Garden.
The ceremony commenced with the lighting of candles and incense, before the reading of Sanskrit prayers by the Buddhist monks. A string stretching the length of the ceremony room, representing the Buddha, was then blessed from a golden bowl with candle wax to create holy water.
Afterwards, the monks bestowed five precepts – constituting a basic code of ethics in Buddhism – upon the head of the ceremony. Buddhist chanting then began, marking the start of the Matrix funeral chant.
Guests were later invited to offer yellow robes to the monks, in accordance with Bangsukul ceremony traditions, and to transfer love and goodwill to Khun Vichai. Bangsukul chanting continued, before the ceremony concluded with the pouring of water to dedicate merit to all.
With his unwavering dedication and ceaseless passion for the Club, the story Khun Vichai inspired at King Power Stadium delighted millions around the world.
Establishing Leicester City among the game’s elite was only part of Khun Vichai’s gift to Leicester, whose communities came to love and admire his frequent displays of generosity.
He invested in their football club, delivering experiences that brought the people of the city together in pride and celebration. Through his countless acts of compassion and philanthropy, he sought to make their city a better place.
Such values will remain at the heart of the Club’s work for generations to come, forming a key part of Khun Vichai’s legacy, under the guidance of his son and current Chairman Khun Top.
In future, as the people of this city continue to come together at the Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha statue at King Power Stadium, they will be greeted by a tribute to a truly great man – an everlasting reminder of what he gave to the Club and to Leicester.
Following the inauguration ceremony on Monday, the Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha statue at King Power Stadium will be accessible to supporters from Tuesday 5 April.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City’s football family came together on Monday for the inauguration of the Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha statue at King Power Stadium – an eternal tribute to the most influential figure in the Football Club’s 138-year history.
On what would have been Khun Vichai’s 64th birthday, current Leicester City Chairman Khun Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha and his family were joined by distinguished guests to celebrate Khun Vichai’s Leicester legacy.
Dignitaries including Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur; Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Colonel Murray Colville; Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand, Mr Pisanu Suvanajata; Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Deepak Bajaj; City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby; and High Sheriff, Mehmooda Duke were among those in attendance, along with local faith leaders including Bishop of Leicester, The Right Revd Martyn Snow; and Dean of Leicester, The Very Revd David Monteith.
Appropriately connecting the city of Leicester with Khun Vichai’s homeland for the occasion, a group of his close friends were also present, at the invitation of the Srivaddhanaprabha family, along with friends from the worlds of polo, horse racing and Belgian club Oud-Heverlee Leuven.
The current Leicester City first team squad, led to a maiden FA Cup success in 2021 by Brendan Rodgers, were joined by members of the 2016 Premier League title-winning team and former managers Nigel Pearson, Claudio Ranieri and Craig Shakespeare. Leicester City representation was completed by Directors, senior and long-serving Club staff, former Chairmen and iconic former players.
Khun Vichai passed away alongside staff members Kaveporn Punpare and Nusara Suknamai, and pilots Eric Swaffer and Izabela Lechowicz, in a tragic helicopter accident at the home of Leicester City in October 2018.
Representatives of Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire Fire & Rescue and East Midlands Ambulance Service, who played such pivotal roles in the community response to the accident, were also present on an emotional occasion.
Chief Executive Susan Whelan – a close friend and colleague of Khun Vichai – opened proceedings, before Khun Top unveiled the statue of his father in front of a crowd of family and friends.
Susan said: "Khun Vichai loved this city. He greatly appreciated the affection shown by the people of Leicester and recognised how this community believed in his vision.
"Today, his contribution to the Club and to the city is made eternal. For generations to come, people will stand in this place and tell stories of The Possible Man. They will speak of his leadership and ambition, but also of his generosity and kindness. However this site changes, in all the moments we will experience together, his presence will be permanent."
Commissioned by the Srivaddhanaprabha family, the Khun Vichai statue is a permanent embodiment of his magnificent legacy in a place which brought him so much personal joy.
The statue inauguration ceremony was led by Buddhist monks, who travelled to Leicester from Thailand at the request of the Srivaddhanaprabha family. Such ceremonies have become customary at King Power Stadium during the family’s ownership of the Club, particularly at the start of a new season and for the inauguration of landmark developments, including LCFC Training Ground in Seagrave and the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Memorial Garden.
The ceremony commenced with the lighting of candles and incense, before the reading of Sanskrit prayers by the Buddhist monks. A string stretching the length of the ceremony room, representing the Buddha, was then blessed from a golden bowl with candle wax to create holy water.
Afterwards, the monks bestowed five precepts – constituting a basic code of ethics in Buddhism – upon the head of the ceremony. Buddhist chanting then began, marking the start of the Matrix funeral chant.
Guests were later invited to offer yellow robes to the monks, in accordance with Bangsukul ceremony traditions, and to transfer love and goodwill to Khun Vichai. Bangsukul chanting continued, before the ceremony concluded with the pouring of water to dedicate merit to all.
With his unwavering dedication and ceaseless passion for the Club, the story Khun Vichai inspired at King Power Stadium delighted millions around the world.
Establishing Leicester City among the game’s elite was only part of Khun Vichai’s gift to Leicester, whose communities came to love and admire his frequent displays of generosity.
He invested in their football club, delivering experiences that brought the people of the city together in pride and celebration. Through his countless acts of compassion and philanthropy, he sought to make their city a better place.
Such values will remain at the heart of the Club’s work for generations to come, forming a key part of Khun Vichai’s legacy, under the guidance of his son and current Chairman Khun Top.
In future, as the people of this city continue to come together at the Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha statue at King Power Stadium, they will be greeted by a tribute to a truly great man – an everlasting reminder of what he gave to the Club and to Leicester.
Following the inauguration ceremony on Monday, the Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha statue at King Power Stadium will be accessible to supporters from Tuesday 5 April.
LCFC.COM
Manchester United 1-1 Leicester City
Manchester United lost more ground in the battle for a Champions League spot as they were held by Leicester at Old Trafford as Maddison sees winner ruled out by VAR.
The damage could have been even worse for Ralf Rangnick's men as Leicester were denied a potential winner 10 minutes from time when referee Andre Marriner was sent to the screen by the video assistant referee, with Marriner overturning James Maddison's effort for a foul on Raphael Varane in the build-up.
United could count themselves fortunate to get a point.
After a drab opening period, Kelechi Iheanacho scored a superb 63rd-minute opener when he met superb Maddison's left-wing cross with a fine diving header, which sent the ball back into the far corner.
The Foxes' advantage lasted just three minutes, with Brazilian midfielder Fred on hand to convert the rebound after Bruno Fernandes' shot had been pushed into his path by Kasper Schmeichel.
It was a disappointing outcome for the hosts, who are now three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, having played two games more and with a trip to the Gunners, plus encounters with Liverpool and Chelsea, still to come.
It says everything about the kind of season Marcus Rashford has had that even with the ill Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood missing this game completely, the England man was only given a seat on the bench.
Rashford's future has been debated long and hard over the last few weeks.
With a contract that is due to expire next year, although there is an option to extend to 2024, a decision over Rashford will be one of the new manager's first tasks when he takes over.
The theory is a proper break, followed by an intense pre-season and a chance to play regularly in his best position, on the left, would correct many of Rashford's problems.
At the moment though, he just needs to deliver. And, asked to occupy the number nine position when he was introduced for the final 35 minutes, Rashford continued to look ill at ease.
Rangnick provided detailed instructions as Rashford waited to come on and then, together with technical director Darren Fletcher, offered more as the game entered its final 20 minutes.
Fleetingly, it looked like Rashford's world would turn. Deep into stoppage time, he picked the ball up just outside the box and drove at the Leicester defence. But just as space opened up to shoot, an offside Anthony Elanga got in his way and the chance was gone.
BBC Sport
Manchester United lost more ground in the battle for a Champions League spot as they were held by Leicester at Old Trafford as Maddison sees winner ruled out by VAR.
The damage could have been even worse for Ralf Rangnick's men as Leicester were denied a potential winner 10 minutes from time when referee Andre Marriner was sent to the screen by the video assistant referee, with Marriner overturning James Maddison's effort for a foul on Raphael Varane in the build-up.
United could count themselves fortunate to get a point.
After a drab opening period, Kelechi Iheanacho scored a superb 63rd-minute opener when he met superb Maddison's left-wing cross with a fine diving header, which sent the ball back into the far corner.
The Foxes' advantage lasted just three minutes, with Brazilian midfielder Fred on hand to convert the rebound after Bruno Fernandes' shot had been pushed into his path by Kasper Schmeichel.
It was a disappointing outcome for the hosts, who are now three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, having played two games more and with a trip to the Gunners, plus encounters with Liverpool and Chelsea, still to come.
It says everything about the kind of season Marcus Rashford has had that even with the ill Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood missing this game completely, the England man was only given a seat on the bench.
Rashford's future has been debated long and hard over the last few weeks.
With a contract that is due to expire next year, although there is an option to extend to 2024, a decision over Rashford will be one of the new manager's first tasks when he takes over.
The theory is a proper break, followed by an intense pre-season and a chance to play regularly in his best position, on the left, would correct many of Rashford's problems.
At the moment though, he just needs to deliver. And, asked to occupy the number nine position when he was introduced for the final 35 minutes, Rashford continued to look ill at ease.
Rangnick provided detailed instructions as Rashford waited to come on and then, together with technical director Darren Fletcher, offered more as the game entered its final 20 minutes.
Fleetingly, it looked like Rashford's world would turn. Deep into stoppage time, he picked the ball up just outside the box and drove at the Leicester defence. But just as space opened up to shoot, an offside Anthony Elanga got in his way and the chance was gone.
BBC Sport
Leicester City 2-1 Brentford
Timothy Castagne and James Maddison both scored brilliant goals as Leicester beat Brentford to move into the top half of the Premier League.
Castagne, on his first appearance of 2022 following injury, hit a swerving effort into the top corner from outside the box from Harvey Barnes' cutback.
And Maddison curled a fantastic 25-yard free-kick into the other corner after he was fouled. It capped a good week for Leicester, who clinched a Europa Conference League quarter-final spot on Thursday in Rennes.
Brentford pulled one back late on as Bryan Mbeumo found Yoane Wissa, who drove a shot in from 20 yards. The Bees pushed for an unlikely equaliser and Kasper Schmeichel had to save a deflected shot from Premier League debutant Tariqe Fosu.
Leicester have struggled this season with injuries to most of their first-choice defenders - but suddenly they are all returning.
Wesley Fofana made his first appearance of the season on Thursday but was left out here as the Foxes manage his return.
Castagne had been out since 28 December and he was replaced in the second half by Jonny Evans for his first game since 12 December.
It is too late to mount a challenge for the top seven in the Premier League but they have a realistic chance of winning the new Europa Conference League - in which they face PSV in the last eight.
They were deserved winners against Brentford thanks to those Castagne and Maddison goals from outside the box - although they were hanging on a bit at the end.
Ex-Foxes striker Paul Dickov told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Timothy Castagne's goal has to be up there for goal of the season. He looked a little bit rusty for the first 10 minutes but was excellent after that."
Maddison has scored 13 Premier League goals outside the box since his Leicester debut in 2018-19, more than anybody else.
Brendan Rodgers' side had other chances too - with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Maddison forcing saves from David Raya and Kelechi Iheanacho chipping wide after a good run from the halfway line.
Brentford - who were without Christian Eriksen through Covid - were hoping to win three consecutive top-flight matches for the first time in more than 75 years - but they left it too late to fight back.
Ivan Toney, who scored five goals in their two wins over Norwich and Burnley, was starved of service.
Pontus Jansson and Bryan Mbeumo both had headers saved by Schmeichel before Wissa's late breakthrough - but they could not find a leveller.
Thomas Frank's side are not yet safe from relegation, but sitting eight points above the drop zone a few points here and there should be enough.
BBC Sport
Timothy Castagne and James Maddison both scored brilliant goals as Leicester beat Brentford to move into the top half of the Premier League.
Castagne, on his first appearance of 2022 following injury, hit a swerving effort into the top corner from outside the box from Harvey Barnes' cutback.
And Maddison curled a fantastic 25-yard free-kick into the other corner after he was fouled. It capped a good week for Leicester, who clinched a Europa Conference League quarter-final spot on Thursday in Rennes.
Brentford pulled one back late on as Bryan Mbeumo found Yoane Wissa, who drove a shot in from 20 yards. The Bees pushed for an unlikely equaliser and Kasper Schmeichel had to save a deflected shot from Premier League debutant Tariqe Fosu.
Leicester have struggled this season with injuries to most of their first-choice defenders - but suddenly they are all returning.
Wesley Fofana made his first appearance of the season on Thursday but was left out here as the Foxes manage his return.
Castagne had been out since 28 December and he was replaced in the second half by Jonny Evans for his first game since 12 December.
It is too late to mount a challenge for the top seven in the Premier League but they have a realistic chance of winning the new Europa Conference League - in which they face PSV in the last eight.
They were deserved winners against Brentford thanks to those Castagne and Maddison goals from outside the box - although they were hanging on a bit at the end.
Ex-Foxes striker Paul Dickov told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Timothy Castagne's goal has to be up there for goal of the season. He looked a little bit rusty for the first 10 minutes but was excellent after that."
Maddison has scored 13 Premier League goals outside the box since his Leicester debut in 2018-19, more than anybody else.
Brendan Rodgers' side had other chances too - with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Maddison forcing saves from David Raya and Kelechi Iheanacho chipping wide after a good run from the halfway line.
Brentford - who were without Christian Eriksen through Covid - were hoping to win three consecutive top-flight matches for the first time in more than 75 years - but they left it too late to fight back.
Ivan Toney, who scored five goals in their two wins over Norwich and Burnley, was starved of service.
Pontus Jansson and Bryan Mbeumo both had headers saved by Schmeichel before Wissa's late breakthrough - but they could not find a leveller.
Thomas Frank's side are not yet safe from relegation, but sitting eight points above the drop zone a few points here and there should be enough.
BBC Sport
Rennes 2-1 Leicester City (2-3 agg)
Wesley Fofana made a dream return after seven months out injured as his goal helped Leicester City edge past Rennes and move into the Europa Conference League quarter-finals.
Leicester won the first leg 2-0 at the King Power Stadium but their advantage was halved inside eight minutes when Benjamin Bourigeaud finished from Martin Terrier's low cross.
But 21-year-old central defender Fofana, playing for the first time since breaking a leg in a pre-season friendly against Villarreal in August, then glanced in a header from Ademola Lookman's corner.
The Frenchman ran and hugged boss Brendan Rodgers in emotional scenes, although that was not the last of the goals.
Rennes regained the lead on the night through substitute Flavien Tait's low strike into the bottom corner in the 77th minute, with the hosts needing one more goal to force extra-time.
They nearly got it, but Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel made a superb save with his legs to deny Serhou Guirassy in the 85th minute.
The Foxes held on to seal a 3-2 aggregate victory to move into the last eight of a European competition for only the second time in their history, after they lost to Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 2017.
The draw for the next round takes place on Friday in Switzerland.
For Leicester, 12th in the Premier League but well adrift of European qualification and well clear of the relegation zone, this competition provides their main source of excitement for the rest of the campaign.
In the past two years they have been pushing for Champions League qualification and finished fifth in successive campaigns before winning the FA Cup for the first time last season.
That took them into the Europa League but, after only finishing third in their group, they dropped into the third-tier Europa Conference League.
After the home win in the first leg, Rodgers warned his players that the tie was not over and they would have to "suffer a little bit" in the second leg in north-west France.
That was certainly the case in a hectic match at a packed and noisy Roazhon Park with the game played in a superb atmosphere.
Rennes, fourth in Ligue 1, made a bright start, scored early on and put the Foxes under pressure, before Fofana's goal early in the second half looked to have settled the visitors' nerves.
But Tait's strike set up a frantic, thrilling finish with Leicester's defenders throwing their bodies in front of the ball and Baptiste Santamaria shooting wide in the 92nd minute as the Foxes held on.
BBC Sport
Wesley Fofana made a dream return after seven months out injured as his goal helped Leicester City edge past Rennes and move into the Europa Conference League quarter-finals.
Leicester won the first leg 2-0 at the King Power Stadium but their advantage was halved inside eight minutes when Benjamin Bourigeaud finished from Martin Terrier's low cross.
But 21-year-old central defender Fofana, playing for the first time since breaking a leg in a pre-season friendly against Villarreal in August, then glanced in a header from Ademola Lookman's corner.
The Frenchman ran and hugged boss Brendan Rodgers in emotional scenes, although that was not the last of the goals.
Rennes regained the lead on the night through substitute Flavien Tait's low strike into the bottom corner in the 77th minute, with the hosts needing one more goal to force extra-time.
They nearly got it, but Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel made a superb save with his legs to deny Serhou Guirassy in the 85th minute.
The Foxes held on to seal a 3-2 aggregate victory to move into the last eight of a European competition for only the second time in their history, after they lost to Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 2017.
The draw for the next round takes place on Friday in Switzerland.
For Leicester, 12th in the Premier League but well adrift of European qualification and well clear of the relegation zone, this competition provides their main source of excitement for the rest of the campaign.
In the past two years they have been pushing for Champions League qualification and finished fifth in successive campaigns before winning the FA Cup for the first time last season.
That took them into the Europa League but, after only finishing third in their group, they dropped into the third-tier Europa Conference League.
After the home win in the first leg, Rodgers warned his players that the tie was not over and they would have to "suffer a little bit" in the second leg in north-west France.
That was certainly the case in a hectic match at a packed and noisy Roazhon Park with the game played in a superb atmosphere.
Rennes, fourth in Ligue 1, made a bright start, scored early on and put the Foxes under pressure, before Fofana's goal early in the second half looked to have settled the visitors' nerves.
But Tait's strike set up a frantic, thrilling finish with Leicester's defenders throwing their bodies in front of the ball and Baptiste Santamaria shooting wide in the 92nd minute as the Foxes held on.
BBC Sport
Arsenal 2-0 Leicester City
Arsenal maintained their push to secure Champions League football as they beat Leicester City to earn a fifth successive Premier League win.
The deserved victory at Emirates Stadium lifted Arsenal back into fourth place, one point above Manchester United, who beat fellow top-four contenders Tottenham on Saturday.
Thomas Partey headed in unchallenged from Gabriel Martinelli's corner after 11 minutes as the hosts capitalised on their dominant start.
Partey also struck the crossbar as Arsenal pressed for a second, while goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was twice called upon to deny Harvey Barnes - including a superb reaction save from a header - as the visitors threatened before half-time.
But, after Leicester defender Caglar Soyuncu was penalised for handball following a lengthy video assistant referee review, Alexandre Lacazette fired in a 59th-minute penalty to put the Gunners in control.
Soyuncu received only a yellow card as Partey's still goal-bound header was cleared off the line by the alert Luke Thomas.
However, there was to be no way back for Brendan Rodgers's side, who remain 12th in the table.
Seeking to end a five-year absence from Europe's elite club competition, Arsenal ensured they remain in pole position in the race to qualify with a ninth win in 11 league games.
With three games in hand over fifth-placed United from which to further strengthen their position, Mikel Arteta's men - unlike their immediate rivals - have achieved consistency in both performances and results to emerge as favourites for fourth.
The opening goal was a familiar tale for Leicester, who have now conceded a league-high 15 goals from set-pieces - excluding penalties - after Partey's run to the near post went ignored.
Arsenal had amassed six shots before Leicester, sorely missing injured talisman Jamie Vardy, managed their first attempt after 24 minutes.
But, just as he was in October's reverse fixture, which Arsenal also won 2-0, the inspired Ramsdale was up to the task when the Foxes eventually gained a foothold in the contest.
Martinelli and Bukayo Saka impressed in attack for Arsenal, while Partey was influential in midfield, but it was the slick Martin Odegaard who stood out as he created five big chances for his team-mates in the first half alone.
Lacazette's confidently-despatched spot-kick ultimately moved the game beyond Leicester, after referee Anthony Taylor also took his time to review Soyuncu's subtle handball on the pitch-side monitor.
Rodgers' side must quickly dust themselves down as focus switches to securing a place in the last eight of the Europa Conference League, as they take a 2-0 lead into their second leg against Rennes on Thursday.
For Arsenal, a meeting with title-chasing Liverpool on Wednesday will provide an acid test of their progress since a 4-0 loss at Anfield earlier this season.
BBC Sport
Arsenal maintained their push to secure Champions League football as they beat Leicester City to earn a fifth successive Premier League win.
The deserved victory at Emirates Stadium lifted Arsenal back into fourth place, one point above Manchester United, who beat fellow top-four contenders Tottenham on Saturday.
Thomas Partey headed in unchallenged from Gabriel Martinelli's corner after 11 minutes as the hosts capitalised on their dominant start.
Partey also struck the crossbar as Arsenal pressed for a second, while goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was twice called upon to deny Harvey Barnes - including a superb reaction save from a header - as the visitors threatened before half-time.
But, after Leicester defender Caglar Soyuncu was penalised for handball following a lengthy video assistant referee review, Alexandre Lacazette fired in a 59th-minute penalty to put the Gunners in control.
Soyuncu received only a yellow card as Partey's still goal-bound header was cleared off the line by the alert Luke Thomas.
However, there was to be no way back for Brendan Rodgers's side, who remain 12th in the table.
Seeking to end a five-year absence from Europe's elite club competition, Arsenal ensured they remain in pole position in the race to qualify with a ninth win in 11 league games.
With three games in hand over fifth-placed United from which to further strengthen their position, Mikel Arteta's men - unlike their immediate rivals - have achieved consistency in both performances and results to emerge as favourites for fourth.
The opening goal was a familiar tale for Leicester, who have now conceded a league-high 15 goals from set-pieces - excluding penalties - after Partey's run to the near post went ignored.
Arsenal had amassed six shots before Leicester, sorely missing injured talisman Jamie Vardy, managed their first attempt after 24 minutes.
But, just as he was in October's reverse fixture, which Arsenal also won 2-0, the inspired Ramsdale was up to the task when the Foxes eventually gained a foothold in the contest.
Martinelli and Bukayo Saka impressed in attack for Arsenal, while Partey was influential in midfield, but it was the slick Martin Odegaard who stood out as he created five big chances for his team-mates in the first half alone.
Lacazette's confidently-despatched spot-kick ultimately moved the game beyond Leicester, after referee Anthony Taylor also took his time to review Soyuncu's subtle handball on the pitch-side monitor.
Rodgers' side must quickly dust themselves down as focus switches to securing a place in the last eight of the Europa Conference League, as they take a 2-0 lead into their second leg against Rennes on Thursday.
For Arsenal, a meeting with title-chasing Liverpool on Wednesday will provide an acid test of their progress since a 4-0 loss at Anfield earlier this season.
BBC Sport
Leicester City 2-0 Rennes FC
Leicester took control of their Europa Conference League last-16 tie with Rennes as Marc Albrighton and Kelechi Iheanacho earned them a 2-0 first-leg win.
A nervy start for Brendan Rodgers' side was blown out of the water when Albrighton smashed home Harvey Barnes' cutback from the edge of the box on the half-hour mark, following Caglar Soyuncu's defence-splitting pass over the Rennes defence.
And while the Foxes were relatively untroubled by their French opponents in their first-leg, Iheanacho's curling effort in stoppage time feels like a big moment in their season - with Rodgers' men picking up a fourth straight victory in all competitions, plus a first European clean sheet of the season. Leicester were without Jamie Vardy for the King Power Stadium leg, with the Foxes talisman looking a doubt for this weekend's Super Sunday clash at Arsenal, with Patson Daka starting in the former England international's place and James Maddison on the bench.
But Daka struggled to get involved in the early exchanges, with Rennes starting the better in the opening 20 minutes. Striker Gaeten Laborde went closest early on as he met Adrien Truffert's cross inside the Leicester penalty area, but could only fire wide of Kasper Schmeichel's post.
Team newsBrendan Rodgers made two changes to the side who beat Leeds at the weekend. Jamie Vardy is injured so Patson Daka replaced him at centre-forward. The other switch was at right-back as James Justin came in for Hamza Choudhury, for the English defender's first European appearance since December 2020.
Leicester's early nerves showed once again as a couple of sloppy moments in possession led to more Rennes chances. First, Martin Terrier saw a shot well-blocked by Daniel Amartey, before winger Benjamin Bourigeaud fired wide from inside the box.
But Leicester took control after the opening quarter of the game. As possession and pressure grew, Soyuncu played a glorious pass over the right-hand side of the Rennes backline towards Barnes. An excellent takedown from the Leicester No 7 allowed him to venture into the box, before teeing up Albrighton who smashed the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Rennes improved after the half-time break and saw two separate shouts for a penalty waved away in their opening move of the second period.
Both James Justin and Soyuncu were accused of using their hands to defend a free-kick, while Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd could only find Schmeichel after the two ricochets.
Image:Leicester City's Marc Albrighton (right) celebrates with Youri Tielemans after scoringLeicester goalkeeper Schmeichel was twice called into action in quick succession, pushing away Terrier's effort with his feet before doing the same to deny Laborde from inside the box. Flavien Tait then curled wide of the Dane's near post as Rennes efforts to prove the Foxes goal fell flat.
And there was enough time for Iheanacho to curl home a second on the break to put daylight between them and their opponents. While Leicester and Rodgers will recognise this is only half-time in their European tie, a fourth straight win in all competitions has certainly eased the pressure on their manager.
Sky Sports / BBC pic
Leicester took control of their Europa Conference League last-16 tie with Rennes as Marc Albrighton and Kelechi Iheanacho earned them a 2-0 first-leg win.
A nervy start for Brendan Rodgers' side was blown out of the water when Albrighton smashed home Harvey Barnes' cutback from the edge of the box on the half-hour mark, following Caglar Soyuncu's defence-splitting pass over the Rennes defence.
And while the Foxes were relatively untroubled by their French opponents in their first-leg, Iheanacho's curling effort in stoppage time feels like a big moment in their season - with Rodgers' men picking up a fourth straight victory in all competitions, plus a first European clean sheet of the season. Leicester were without Jamie Vardy for the King Power Stadium leg, with the Foxes talisman looking a doubt for this weekend's Super Sunday clash at Arsenal, with Patson Daka starting in the former England international's place and James Maddison on the bench.
But Daka struggled to get involved in the early exchanges, with Rennes starting the better in the opening 20 minutes. Striker Gaeten Laborde went closest early on as he met Adrien Truffert's cross inside the Leicester penalty area, but could only fire wide of Kasper Schmeichel's post.
Team newsBrendan Rodgers made two changes to the side who beat Leeds at the weekend. Jamie Vardy is injured so Patson Daka replaced him at centre-forward. The other switch was at right-back as James Justin came in for Hamza Choudhury, for the English defender's first European appearance since December 2020.
Leicester's early nerves showed once again as a couple of sloppy moments in possession led to more Rennes chances. First, Martin Terrier saw a shot well-blocked by Daniel Amartey, before winger Benjamin Bourigeaud fired wide from inside the box.
But Leicester took control after the opening quarter of the game. As possession and pressure grew, Soyuncu played a glorious pass over the right-hand side of the Rennes backline towards Barnes. An excellent takedown from the Leicester No 7 allowed him to venture into the box, before teeing up Albrighton who smashed the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Rennes improved after the half-time break and saw two separate shouts for a penalty waved away in their opening move of the second period.
Both James Justin and Soyuncu were accused of using their hands to defend a free-kick, while Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd could only find Schmeichel after the two ricochets.
Image:Leicester City's Marc Albrighton (right) celebrates with Youri Tielemans after scoringLeicester goalkeeper Schmeichel was twice called into action in quick succession, pushing away Terrier's effort with his feet before doing the same to deny Laborde from inside the box. Flavien Tait then curled wide of the Dane's near post as Rennes efforts to prove the Foxes goal fell flat.
And there was enough time for Iheanacho to curl home a second on the break to put daylight between them and their opponents. While Leicester and Rodgers will recognise this is only half-time in their European tie, a fourth straight win in all competitions has certainly eased the pressure on their manager.
Sky Sports / BBC pic
Wesley Fofana Signs New Leicester City Contract
Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana has signed a new deal with the Football Club, keeping him at King Power Stadium until at least 2027.
- Wesley Fofana signs new deal to 2027
- The defender joined the Foxes from AS Saint-Étienne in 2020
- He has made 38 appearances for City in all competitions
The 21-year-old joined City from Saint-Étienne in October 2020 and featured for the Foxes 38 times in all competitions last season, helping the Club to its first-ever Emirates FA Cup trophy.
Such were the level of his performances in his debut season for the Football Club, he became quickly established as one of the most exciting young talents in world football and following an injury suffered in pre-season, he is now close to a return to the squad.
Speaking to LCFC TV, Fofana said: “I’m really happy to sign a new contract. It shows the Club have confidence in me offering me a contract to 2027. I’m really happy to be here. It’s my Club, I love the fans, so I’m really happy and really looking forward to being back playing.
“I love everything about the Club. I love the city, I love the fans. It’s a family which is what I love the most. Everyone is close and gets on well. We also have a great team and are continuing to progress, with a desire to win more trophies. That’s why I have committed my future to the Club until 2027. I want to achieve more with the Club. There is a lot of talent here and still a lot more we can do together.”
Defender Wesley Fofana chats to LCFC TV in an exclusive interview about his new Foxes contract.
Born in Marseille, France, Fofana joined Saint-Étienne in 2015 as a 15-year-old and quickly earned a reputation as an emerging talent within Les Verts’ academy.
Having swiftly progressed through their youth system, Fofana signed his first professional contract with the club in May, 2018. His debut in green came a year later, making an appearance in Saint-Étienne's 3-0 Ligue 1 win over Nice in May, 2019.
The France Under-21s international went on to make 22 appearances for Les Verts in all competitions, scoring once, before making the switch to King Power Stadium in October 2020.
During his first season in England, Fofana won Leicester City's Young Player of the Season award, as the Foxes recorded a fifth-place finish in the Premier League and success in the Emirates FA Cup at Wembley Stadium.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana has signed a new deal with the Football Club, keeping him at King Power Stadium until at least 2027.
- Wesley Fofana signs new deal to 2027
- The defender joined the Foxes from AS Saint-Étienne in 2020
- He has made 38 appearances for City in all competitions
The 21-year-old joined City from Saint-Étienne in October 2020 and featured for the Foxes 38 times in all competitions last season, helping the Club to its first-ever Emirates FA Cup trophy.
Such were the level of his performances in his debut season for the Football Club, he became quickly established as one of the most exciting young talents in world football and following an injury suffered in pre-season, he is now close to a return to the squad.
Speaking to LCFC TV, Fofana said: “I’m really happy to sign a new contract. It shows the Club have confidence in me offering me a contract to 2027. I’m really happy to be here. It’s my Club, I love the fans, so I’m really happy and really looking forward to being back playing.
“I love everything about the Club. I love the city, I love the fans. It’s a family which is what I love the most. Everyone is close and gets on well. We also have a great team and are continuing to progress, with a desire to win more trophies. That’s why I have committed my future to the Club until 2027. I want to achieve more with the Club. There is a lot of talent here and still a lot more we can do together.”
Defender Wesley Fofana chats to LCFC TV in an exclusive interview about his new Foxes contract.
Born in Marseille, France, Fofana joined Saint-Étienne in 2015 as a 15-year-old and quickly earned a reputation as an emerging talent within Les Verts’ academy.
Having swiftly progressed through their youth system, Fofana signed his first professional contract with the club in May, 2018. His debut in green came a year later, making an appearance in Saint-Étienne's 3-0 Ligue 1 win over Nice in May, 2019.
The France Under-21s international went on to make 22 appearances for Les Verts in all competitions, scoring once, before making the switch to King Power Stadium in October 2020.
During his first season in England, Fofana won Leicester City's Young Player of the Season award, as the Foxes recorded a fifth-place finish in the Premier League and success in the Emirates FA Cup at Wembley Stadium.
LCFC.COM
Head Of Senior Player Recruitment Departs
Leicester City today confirms the departure of Head of Senior Player Recruitment Lee Congerton, following a three-year spell with the Club.
Having joined City from Celtic in May 2019, Lee played a central role in the Club’s player recruitment operation, helping to shape the squads that secured fifth-placed Premier League finishes in the last two seasons and the Club’s first ever FA Cup in 2021.
He will shortly take up a senior position with Serie A side Atalanta.
Leicester City would like to place on record its thanks to Lee for his contribution to a successful period in the Club’s history and wish him every success in his future career.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City today confirms the departure of Head of Senior Player Recruitment Lee Congerton, following a three-year spell with the Club.
Having joined City from Celtic in May 2019, Lee played a central role in the Club’s player recruitment operation, helping to shape the squads that secured fifth-placed Premier League finishes in the last two seasons and the Club’s first ever FA Cup in 2021.
He will shortly take up a senior position with Serie A side Atalanta.
Leicester City would like to place on record its thanks to Lee for his contribution to a successful period in the Club’s history and wish him every success in his future career.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City 1-0 Leeds United
Jesse Marsch's first game as Leeds boss ended in defeat as Harvey Barnes scored the only goal to give Leicester their second Premier League win of the week.
The winger produced Leicester's one moment of attacking quality with a precise angled finish midway through the second half of a game in which they had been largely second best.
It has been an emotional week for Leeds since the departure of Marsch's much-loved predecessor Marcelo Bielsa following a chastening month in which they conceded 20 goals and picked up only one point from a possible 15.
But they produced a lively and energetic display at the King Power Stadium that showcased a change of shape and the hard-pressing, direct football preferred by their American manager.
Better finishing from Jack Harrison, Rodrigo, Junior Firpo or Raphinha would have given Leeds a win they so desperately need to ease their relegation concerns.
Having spurned them, they left themselves vulnerable to a decisive moment like the one Barnes produced.
Victory lifted Leicester to 10th in the table. Leeds remain two points above the bottom three, having played two games more than 18th-placed Burnley.Whether you have Bielsa, Marsch or any other manager in charge, the old adage remains true: if you don't take your chances when on top, you risk being punished.
It was a recurring failing of Leeds under Bielsa that they failed to make good on the bountiful chances they often produced in games long before they were shipping goals to the tune of 20 in a month.
While Marsch changed a number of things in his first game in charge - a new 4-2-2-2 formation and quicker play through the middle - it was the old problem of conversion that cost Leeds.
Kasper Schmeichel can take some credit for repelling the visitors, producing saves to deny Dan James, Harrison, Rodrigo and, in the best of all from close range, Raphinha.
Caglar Soyuncu was also on hand to brilliantly block Junior's goalbound shot from inside the box.
This all set up Leicester, who until then had offered very little barring the occasional threat of the returning Jamie Vardy getting in on goal with long balls over the top.
Barnes is a player building his reputation weekly and, after sharing a one-two with Kelechi Iheanacho, he slotted a low shot across goal and past the diving Illan Meslier.
Leeds continued to press forward, but their moment had passed and Leicester were able to see the game out to add another three points to those earned at Burnley on Tuesday.
Marsch gathered his players in a huddle in the centre circle at full-time. His message will surely have been to focus on the multiple positives.
No points, but plenty to take forward into a run of crucial games beginning with Aston Villa and Norwich at home next week
Jesse Marsch's first game as Leeds boss ended in defeat as Harvey Barnes scored the only goal to give Leicester their second Premier League win of the week.
The winger produced Leicester's one moment of attacking quality with a precise angled finish midway through the second half of a game in which they had been largely second best.
It has been an emotional week for Leeds since the departure of Marsch's much-loved predecessor Marcelo Bielsa following a chastening month in which they conceded 20 goals and picked up only one point from a possible 15.
But they produced a lively and energetic display at the King Power Stadium that showcased a change of shape and the hard-pressing, direct football preferred by their American manager.
Better finishing from Jack Harrison, Rodrigo, Junior Firpo or Raphinha would have given Leeds a win they so desperately need to ease their relegation concerns.
Having spurned them, they left themselves vulnerable to a decisive moment like the one Barnes produced.
Victory lifted Leicester to 10th in the table. Leeds remain two points above the bottom three, having played two games more than 18th-placed Burnley.Whether you have Bielsa, Marsch or any other manager in charge, the old adage remains true: if you don't take your chances when on top, you risk being punished.
It was a recurring failing of Leeds under Bielsa that they failed to make good on the bountiful chances they often produced in games long before they were shipping goals to the tune of 20 in a month.
While Marsch changed a number of things in his first game in charge - a new 4-2-2-2 formation and quicker play through the middle - it was the old problem of conversion that cost Leeds.
Kasper Schmeichel can take some credit for repelling the visitors, producing saves to deny Dan James, Harrison, Rodrigo and, in the best of all from close range, Raphinha.
Caglar Soyuncu was also on hand to brilliantly block Junior's goalbound shot from inside the box.
This all set up Leicester, who until then had offered very little barring the occasional threat of the returning Jamie Vardy getting in on goal with long balls over the top.
Barnes is a player building his reputation weekly and, after sharing a one-two with Kelechi Iheanacho, he slotted a low shot across goal and past the diving Illan Meslier.
Leeds continued to press forward, but their moment had passed and Leicester were able to see the game out to add another three points to those earned at Burnley on Tuesday.
Marsch gathered his players in a huddle in the centre circle at full-time. His message will surely have been to focus on the multiple positives.
No points, but plenty to take forward into a run of crucial games beginning with Aston Villa and Norwich at home next week
Burnley 0-2 Leicester
James Maddison and Jamie Vardy score off the bench as Foxes keep Clarets in bottom three
Leicester claimed their first Premier League win of 2022 as second-half goals from James Maddison and the returning Jamie Vardy gave them victory over a Burnley side who remain in the relegation zone as a result.
Midfielder Maddison struck a fine decisive finish, curling a shot into the bottom corner from outside the box after being set up by Vardy, making his first appearance of the year after injury.
And the striker sealed the points with a close-range header from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
It had been a largely even game before that, although the Foxes did fashion the greater number of chances, finding home keeper Nick Pope in fine form.
The Clarets had the ball in the net in the first half, but Maxwel Cornet was adjudged to have moved a fraction early to tap in Aaron Lennon's low cross.
The win takes the Foxes to 30 points and allows them to breathe more easily after a poor recent run of league results.
There is no respite for Sean Dyche's side, who have seen their recent crucial revival checked and stay in the bottom three, a point behind 17th-placed Everton.
After two fifth-place finishes, this league campaign is now one of earning Premier League respectability while continuing to challenge for the last remaining piece of silverware on offer - the inaugural Europa Conference League.
There have been extenuating circumstances for the Foxes' downturn this season, not least of all Vardy's extended absence, but they have looked a soft touch at times at the back, with the gradual sapping of confidence taking away their attacking verve.
Prior to this game, they were the only side without an away clean sheet in the top flight this season, shipping 25 goals in 11 games on the road as part of a run of 18 top-flight matches away from the King Power Stadium without stopping the opposition scoring.
They had also conceded a league-high 18 times from set-pieces.
This result - and the performance to earn it - was crucial then, coming against a side with two wins and a draw from the past three matches, scrapping for every point and providing of the sternest of tests to a defence from corners and free-kicks.
As pleasing for Brendan Rodgers as the two goals - both superbly taken by two substitutes providing that requisite touch of class from the bench - will be the way his side kept the Clarets contained.
Aside from Cornet's disallowed tap-in, the home side were kept to half-chances, with the Ivorian poking another effort wide in the second-half and Wout Weghorst failing to convert at the back post shortly after Leicester's opener.
Better chances came at the other end, with Nick Pope required to demonstrate his strong positioning and reflexes on a number of occasions to deny Ricardo Pereira, Patson Daka and Harvey Barnes.
The icing on the cake was Vardy's sharpness after coming on. He acrobatically volleyed one effort over, was quick and smart to stay onside and latch on to Kasper Schmeichel's clearance to set up Maddison and perfectly placed to claim his goal.
He will now be champing at the bit to start against Leeds on Saturday. Burnley, meanwhile, have a tough trip to Chelsea as they again seek to claw their way out of the bottom three.
BBC /Sky
James Maddison and Jamie Vardy score off the bench as Foxes keep Clarets in bottom three
Leicester claimed their first Premier League win of 2022 as second-half goals from James Maddison and the returning Jamie Vardy gave them victory over a Burnley side who remain in the relegation zone as a result.
Midfielder Maddison struck a fine decisive finish, curling a shot into the bottom corner from outside the box after being set up by Vardy, making his first appearance of the year after injury.
And the striker sealed the points with a close-range header from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
It had been a largely even game before that, although the Foxes did fashion the greater number of chances, finding home keeper Nick Pope in fine form.
The Clarets had the ball in the net in the first half, but Maxwel Cornet was adjudged to have moved a fraction early to tap in Aaron Lennon's low cross.
The win takes the Foxes to 30 points and allows them to breathe more easily after a poor recent run of league results.
There is no respite for Sean Dyche's side, who have seen their recent crucial revival checked and stay in the bottom three, a point behind 17th-placed Everton.
After two fifth-place finishes, this league campaign is now one of earning Premier League respectability while continuing to challenge for the last remaining piece of silverware on offer - the inaugural Europa Conference League.
There have been extenuating circumstances for the Foxes' downturn this season, not least of all Vardy's extended absence, but they have looked a soft touch at times at the back, with the gradual sapping of confidence taking away their attacking verve.
Prior to this game, they were the only side without an away clean sheet in the top flight this season, shipping 25 goals in 11 games on the road as part of a run of 18 top-flight matches away from the King Power Stadium without stopping the opposition scoring.
They had also conceded a league-high 18 times from set-pieces.
This result - and the performance to earn it - was crucial then, coming against a side with two wins and a draw from the past three matches, scrapping for every point and providing of the sternest of tests to a defence from corners and free-kicks.
As pleasing for Brendan Rodgers as the two goals - both superbly taken by two substitutes providing that requisite touch of class from the bench - will be the way his side kept the Clarets contained.
Aside from Cornet's disallowed tap-in, the home side were kept to half-chances, with the Ivorian poking another effort wide in the second-half and Wout Weghorst failing to convert at the back post shortly after Leicester's opener.
Better chances came at the other end, with Nick Pope required to demonstrate his strong positioning and reflexes on a number of occasions to deny Ricardo Pereira, Patson Daka and Harvey Barnes.
The icing on the cake was Vardy's sharpness after coming on. He acrobatically volleyed one effort over, was quick and smart to stay onside and latch on to Kasper Schmeichel's clearance to set up Maddison and perfectly placed to claim his goal.
He will now be champing at the bit to start against Leeds on Saturday. Burnley, meanwhile, have a tough trip to Chelsea as they again seek to claw their way out of the bottom three.
BBC /Sky
Leicester City discover UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16 opponents
Leicester City have discovered their round of 16 opponents this afternoon after defeating Randers in the knockout round play-off
Leicester City will face Stade Rennais in the UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16.
City will host the French team at the King Power Stadium on March 10 before travelling to Rennes the following week.
Leicester reached this stage after a 7-2 aggregate win over Randers in the knockout round play-off.
For Leicester, the competition is their best chance of qualifying for the Europa League next season given their struggles in the Premier League this term.
If they were to get past Stade Rennais, City would be into the quarter-finals.
Leicester Mercury
Leicester City have discovered their round of 16 opponents this afternoon after defeating Randers in the knockout round play-off
Leicester City will face Stade Rennais in the UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16.
City will host the French team at the King Power Stadium on March 10 before travelling to Rennes the following week.
Leicester reached this stage after a 7-2 aggregate win over Randers in the knockout round play-off.
For Leicester, the competition is their best chance of qualifying for the Europa League next season given their struggles in the Premier League this term.
If they were to get past Stade Rennais, City would be into the quarter-finals.
Leicester Mercury
Randers FC 1-3 Leicester City | Conference play off 2nd Leg
James Maddison scored two beauties as Leicester made light work of Danish side Randers with a 7-2 rout on aggregate to reach the last 16 of the Europa Conference League.
Brendan Rodgers' men came into this knockout stage play-off round after finishing third in their Europa League group, but navigated the tie with few issues.
Holding a 4-1 lead from the first leg, it took Leicester just 100 seconds to extend their advantage as Harvey Barnes broke clear and curled a delightful finish into the far corner.
The England international could have added another in the second half but fired wide from an acute angle.
Compatriot Maddison then netted twice in the space of four minutes with a free-kick into the top corner and a sumptuous curling strike from 25 yards.
Randers did pull a goal back late on when Kasper Schmeichel's heavy touch on the ball allowed Stephen Odey to nip in and convert a gift from close range.
The draw for the Europa Conference League takes place on Friday when the Foxes will be picked out of the pot against a group winner.
After his side's Europa League exit at the hands of Napoli in December, boss Rodgers said he did not "even know" what the Europa Conference League was.
Now he does.
Uefa's newly-formed third club competition represents Leicester's only chance of claiming silverware this season after suffering a shock exit in the FA Cup, being knocked out of the Carabao Cup and lying in the bottom half of the Premier League.
Their overall form has been poor this season with Rodgers criticising his players' performance in the FA Cup loss at Championship side Nottingham Forest, though the side have not been helped by injuries to key players.
They will be glad to have faced Randers as their two victories in the last eight games in all competitions have been against the Danish outfit. The success also ended a run of four straight defeats away from home.
Though they were in a commanding position heading into the second leg, Rodgers still selected a strong side with mostly first-team regulars and the contest was ended courtesy of Barnes' coolly-taken goal.
It was a morale-boosting showing for Maddison and a decent performance was capped off by two well-taken goals in the second period.
Randers, who lie sixth in the Danish top flight, had numerous chances and, although Schmeichel made a stunning reflex save to deny Odey, the goalkeeper's blunder six minutes from time gave the home fans something to cheer on the night.
Who could Leicester be drawn against?
AZ Alkmaar (Ned), Basel (Swi), Copenhagen (Den), Feyenoord (Ned), Gent (Bel), LASK (Aut), Rennes (Fra), Roma (Ita).
BBC Sport
James Maddison scored two beauties as Leicester made light work of Danish side Randers with a 7-2 rout on aggregate to reach the last 16 of the Europa Conference League.
Brendan Rodgers' men came into this knockout stage play-off round after finishing third in their Europa League group, but navigated the tie with few issues.
Holding a 4-1 lead from the first leg, it took Leicester just 100 seconds to extend their advantage as Harvey Barnes broke clear and curled a delightful finish into the far corner.
The England international could have added another in the second half but fired wide from an acute angle.
Compatriot Maddison then netted twice in the space of four minutes with a free-kick into the top corner and a sumptuous curling strike from 25 yards.
Randers did pull a goal back late on when Kasper Schmeichel's heavy touch on the ball allowed Stephen Odey to nip in and convert a gift from close range.
The draw for the Europa Conference League takes place on Friday when the Foxes will be picked out of the pot against a group winner.
After his side's Europa League exit at the hands of Napoli in December, boss Rodgers said he did not "even know" what the Europa Conference League was.
Now he does.
Uefa's newly-formed third club competition represents Leicester's only chance of claiming silverware this season after suffering a shock exit in the FA Cup, being knocked out of the Carabao Cup and lying in the bottom half of the Premier League.
Their overall form has been poor this season with Rodgers criticising his players' performance in the FA Cup loss at Championship side Nottingham Forest, though the side have not been helped by injuries to key players.
They will be glad to have faced Randers as their two victories in the last eight games in all competitions have been against the Danish outfit. The success also ended a run of four straight defeats away from home.
Though they were in a commanding position heading into the second leg, Rodgers still selected a strong side with mostly first-team regulars and the contest was ended courtesy of Barnes' coolly-taken goal.
It was a morale-boosting showing for Maddison and a decent performance was capped off by two well-taken goals in the second period.
Randers, who lie sixth in the Danish top flight, had numerous chances and, although Schmeichel made a stunning reflex save to deny Odey, the goalkeeper's blunder six minutes from time gave the home fans something to cheer on the night.
Who could Leicester be drawn against?
AZ Alkmaar (Ned), Basel (Swi), Copenhagen (Den), Feyenoord (Ned), Gent (Bel), LASK (Aut), Rennes (Fra), Roma (Ita).
BBC Sport
James Justin signs new contract until 2026
Leicester City defender James Justin has signed a new contract committing him to the club until 2026.
The 24-year-old has made 54 appearances for the Foxes since joining from Luton in the summer of 2019.
The full-back suffered a serious knee injury in February 2021 that kept him out for 11 months but he has since returned to full fitness.
"There is only one place I want to be at now and that's Leicester City," said Justin.
"They've put great faith in me over the past year when I've been out injured.
"It just shows what a great club Leicester is that they're willing to give me a new deal when I'm just returning from injury.
"I'm just happy to extend my stay here and hopefully I can see [the fans] cheering us on in every game we have at King Power Stadium and all the away games and hopefully in European competitions for the next few years."
BBC Sport
Leicester City defender James Justin has signed a new contract committing him to the club until 2026.
The 24-year-old has made 54 appearances for the Foxes since joining from Luton in the summer of 2019.
The full-back suffered a serious knee injury in February 2021 that kept him out for 11 months but he has since returned to full fitness.
"There is only one place I want to be at now and that's Leicester City," said Justin.
"They've put great faith in me over the past year when I've been out injured.
"It just shows what a great club Leicester is that they're willing to give me a new deal when I'm just returning from injury.
"I'm just happy to extend my stay here and hopefully I can see [the fans] cheering us on in every game we have at King Power Stadium and all the away games and hopefully in European competitions for the next few years."
BBC Sport
Wolves 2-1 Leicester City
Premier League
Wolves maintained their push for a European place as excellent goals from Ruben Neves and Daniel Podence proved enough to beat Leicester in a thrilling Midlands derby at Molineux.
Neves put the hosts ahead after nine minutes as he applied a precise finish to Raul Jimenez's lay-off from the edge of the area, to take it past an unsighted Kasper Schmeichel.
Then, after Ademola Lookman slid in ahead of Leander Dendoncker to turn home Marc Albrighton's low cross from close range for the Foxes four minutes before the break, Podence struck Wolves' second to seal the points.
In front of Gareth Southgate's assistant Steve Holland, England hopeful Max Kilman carried the ball out of defence before setting Rayan Ait-Nouri away with a superb cross-field pass. Ait-Nouri fed Dendoncker, who in turn moved the ball to Podence, who took one touch before driving his shot into the bottom corner.
It was Wolves' fifth win in six Premier League games in 2022 and puts them seventh - six points behind fourth-placed Manchester United - with two games in hand.
For Leicester, it was another disappointing day during a period where they have collected just two points from five games and been knocked out of the FA Cup by local rivals Nottingham Forest.
It was testament to the work of Wolves head groundsman Wayne Lumbard that the pitch allowed for such a good game given the soaking it suffered in the hours before kick-off. Supporters in the uncovered Graham Hughes Stand were given plastic raincoats on a horrible, grey day as the game started in teeming rain.
Ticket holders in the top corner of the Stan Cullis Stand had to be relocated for safety reasons due to the high winds that accompanied the rain.
The inhospitable conditions didn't seem to bother the home players too much, even though all but three come from either southern Europe, north Africa or South and Central America. Goal-wise, this was one of the more entertaining encounters this season at Molineux, which has seen only one top-flight game yield more than today's three-goal tally.
Wolves carried all the early threat and had Neves' clinical opener to show for it.
Rayan Ait-Nouri should have done better when Daniel Podence's brilliant piece of trickery on the side of the area offered enough space to roll a pass into the wing-back's path, which he fired wide.
Nevertheless, thanks to Podence, Wolves were able to extend a bizarre top-flight record this season of winning 12 of the 13 games in which they have scored, drawing the other one.
And, beyond the victory, there was good news in the return of Pedro Neto, who has been out for 10 months with a major knee injury.
Neto couldn't mark the occasion with a goal as he chipped over with the last kick as Wolves broke from a Leicester corner Kasper Schmeichel had gone forward for - but he will be delighted to be back nonetheless.
BBC Sport
Premier League
Wolves maintained their push for a European place as excellent goals from Ruben Neves and Daniel Podence proved enough to beat Leicester in a thrilling Midlands derby at Molineux.
Neves put the hosts ahead after nine minutes as he applied a precise finish to Raul Jimenez's lay-off from the edge of the area, to take it past an unsighted Kasper Schmeichel.
Then, after Ademola Lookman slid in ahead of Leander Dendoncker to turn home Marc Albrighton's low cross from close range for the Foxes four minutes before the break, Podence struck Wolves' second to seal the points.
In front of Gareth Southgate's assistant Steve Holland, England hopeful Max Kilman carried the ball out of defence before setting Rayan Ait-Nouri away with a superb cross-field pass. Ait-Nouri fed Dendoncker, who in turn moved the ball to Podence, who took one touch before driving his shot into the bottom corner.
It was Wolves' fifth win in six Premier League games in 2022 and puts them seventh - six points behind fourth-placed Manchester United - with two games in hand.
For Leicester, it was another disappointing day during a period where they have collected just two points from five games and been knocked out of the FA Cup by local rivals Nottingham Forest.
It was testament to the work of Wolves head groundsman Wayne Lumbard that the pitch allowed for such a good game given the soaking it suffered in the hours before kick-off. Supporters in the uncovered Graham Hughes Stand were given plastic raincoats on a horrible, grey day as the game started in teeming rain.
Ticket holders in the top corner of the Stan Cullis Stand had to be relocated for safety reasons due to the high winds that accompanied the rain.
The inhospitable conditions didn't seem to bother the home players too much, even though all but three come from either southern Europe, north Africa or South and Central America. Goal-wise, this was one of the more entertaining encounters this season at Molineux, which has seen only one top-flight game yield more than today's three-goal tally.
Wolves carried all the early threat and had Neves' clinical opener to show for it.
Rayan Ait-Nouri should have done better when Daniel Podence's brilliant piece of trickery on the side of the area offered enough space to roll a pass into the wing-back's path, which he fired wide.
Nevertheless, thanks to Podence, Wolves were able to extend a bizarre top-flight record this season of winning 12 of the 13 games in which they have scored, drawing the other one.
And, beyond the victory, there was good news in the return of Pedro Neto, who has been out for 10 months with a major knee injury.
Neto couldn't mark the occasion with a goal as he chipped over with the last kick as Wolves broke from a Leicester corner Kasper Schmeichel had gone forward for - but he will be delighted to be back nonetheless.
BBC Sport
Ricardo Pereira Pens New Deal With Leicester City
Leicester City is delighted to confirm that Ricardo Pereira has signed a contract extension with the Football Club, keeping him at King Power Stadium until at least 2026.
The Portuguese international right-back, who joined City from Porto in May 2018, has made more than 100 appearances in all competitions for the Club to-date.
An attacking full-back, Ricardo has caught the eye with a number of exciting performances during his time on Filbert Way, with the 28-year-old featuring on 14 occasions so far this term.
Speaking to LCFC.com, Ricardo said: “I would say this is the natural thing to happen. I’m happy here. I think the Club is happy. It’s a win-win situation. To be in the Premier League, at a club like Leicester, it’s something when I was young which was far, far away. Now, I have to enjoy the moment and enjoy the present and keep doing by best for the Club and for me.”
How Leicester City announced the news that Ricardo Pereira has signed a new deal until at least 2026.
Born in Lisbon, Ricardo started his senior career with Vitória de Guimarães, and made his Primeira Liga debut in a 3-1 win over Pacos de Ferreira in April 2012.
He signed for Porto in July 2013 and made his first UEFA Champions League appearance against Lille a year later, before joining Nice on loan in summer 2015.
While in France, where he spent two seasons, he established himself as one of the best full-backs in Ligue 1, playing 56 times for Les Aiglons.
His performances in the south of France earned him a move to Filbert Way and he joined the Foxes from Porto in May 2018.
He made his Premier League bow against Manchester United at Old Trafford on the opening day of the 2018/19 campaign and endeared himself to the Blue Army with a string of impressive displays.
Hear from full-back Ricardo Pereira after the Portuguese committed his future to Leicester City with a new deal until 2026.
Building a reputation as one of the most talented full-backs in the Premier League, Ricardo was named the Club’s Player and Players' Player of the Year at the conclusion of his maiden year as a Fox.
His stock continued to rise in 2019/20, with goals against Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle and West Ham United leading to victories on all three occasions, and although injury cut short that season, he returned to action in 2020/21.
Internationally, he has represented Portugal at various youth levels before making the step-up to the senior side and starring for his country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City is delighted to confirm that Ricardo Pereira has signed a contract extension with the Football Club, keeping him at King Power Stadium until at least 2026.
The Portuguese international right-back, who joined City from Porto in May 2018, has made more than 100 appearances in all competitions for the Club to-date.
An attacking full-back, Ricardo has caught the eye with a number of exciting performances during his time on Filbert Way, with the 28-year-old featuring on 14 occasions so far this term.
Speaking to LCFC.com, Ricardo said: “I would say this is the natural thing to happen. I’m happy here. I think the Club is happy. It’s a win-win situation. To be in the Premier League, at a club like Leicester, it’s something when I was young which was far, far away. Now, I have to enjoy the moment and enjoy the present and keep doing by best for the Club and for me.”
How Leicester City announced the news that Ricardo Pereira has signed a new deal until at least 2026.
Born in Lisbon, Ricardo started his senior career with Vitória de Guimarães, and made his Primeira Liga debut in a 3-1 win over Pacos de Ferreira in April 2012.
He signed for Porto in July 2013 and made his first UEFA Champions League appearance against Lille a year later, before joining Nice on loan in summer 2015.
While in France, where he spent two seasons, he established himself as one of the best full-backs in Ligue 1, playing 56 times for Les Aiglons.
His performances in the south of France earned him a move to Filbert Way and he joined the Foxes from Porto in May 2018.
He made his Premier League bow against Manchester United at Old Trafford on the opening day of the 2018/19 campaign and endeared himself to the Blue Army with a string of impressive displays.
Hear from full-back Ricardo Pereira after the Portuguese committed his future to Leicester City with a new deal until 2026.
Building a reputation as one of the most talented full-backs in the Premier League, Ricardo was named the Club’s Player and Players' Player of the Year at the conclusion of his maiden year as a Fox.
His stock continued to rise in 2019/20, with goals against Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle and West Ham United leading to victories on all three occasions, and although injury cut short that season, he returned to action in 2020/21.
Internationally, he has represented Portugal at various youth levels before making the step-up to the senior side and starring for his country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
LCFC.COM
Rodgers 'nowhere near finished' at Leicester
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers says he’s “loved every second” of his time at Leicester and that he is on a journey that “is nowhere near finished”.
Rodgers has been in charge of the Foxes since February 2019, leading them to successive fifth-placed finishes and winning the FA Cup last season.
This season, however, has been more challenging, with Leicester currently in 11th position and 10 points off the European spots. “Progress isn’t always linear – there’s going to be fits and starts,” he said before Sunday’s game with seventh-placed Wolves.
“It’s a challenge to be up there competing when you have all your players fit – and when you look at the players we’ve been missing, it’s logic where we are this year. “But we’ll keep fighting and, for me, it’s about returning to our level of football. In time we’ll get to that, we’ll get players back and you can only do your best.”
Rodgers was critical of his players after the heavy FA Cup loss to Championship side Nottingham Forest earlier this month but defended his honesty.“I always think to be honest is the easiest way,” he said. “I’ve always been very supportive, but sometimes it is being harsh that gives clarity to players.
“I love working with them, the club have been very supportive of me and I will continue to do that until I’m told otherwise.”
BBC
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers says he’s “loved every second” of his time at Leicester and that he is on a journey that “is nowhere near finished”.
Rodgers has been in charge of the Foxes since February 2019, leading them to successive fifth-placed finishes and winning the FA Cup last season.
This season, however, has been more challenging, with Leicester currently in 11th position and 10 points off the European spots. “Progress isn’t always linear – there’s going to be fits and starts,” he said before Sunday’s game with seventh-placed Wolves.
“It’s a challenge to be up there competing when you have all your players fit – and when you look at the players we’ve been missing, it’s logic where we are this year. “But we’ll keep fighting and, for me, it’s about returning to our level of football. In time we’ll get to that, we’ll get players back and you can only do your best.”
Rodgers was critical of his players after the heavy FA Cup loss to Championship side Nottingham Forest earlier this month but defended his honesty.“I always think to be honest is the easiest way,” he said. “I’ve always been very supportive, but sometimes it is being harsh that gives clarity to players.
“I love working with them, the club have been very supportive of me and I will continue to do that until I’m told otherwise.”
BBC
Leicester City 4 -1 Randers FC
Europa Conference League Play off
Foxes dominate 2nd half to take lead into 2nd leg in Denmark
Leicester City beat Danish side Randers in their Europa Conference League knockout round play-off first leg.
Wilfried Ndidi gave the Foxes the lead with a side-footed finish from Ademola Lookman's pass.
Vito Hammershoej-Mistrati levelled for Randers against the run of play, but Harvey Barnes restored the lead with a turn and clever finish.
Patson Daka added a third and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall slotted home after good work by Kelechi Iheanacho.
Daka appeared offside before tapping in after Youri Tielemans' shot was parried - but the video assistant referee system is only used in the final of Uefa's newest tournament.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers claimed he did not know what this competition was or that his side were in it after finishing third in their Europa League group.
But he named a strong team nonetheless and the second leg in Denmark next week should be a formality.
The winners of this tie face one of the Europa Conference League group winners in the last 16.
Winning the whole thing would put Leicester in next year's Europa League and it may be their best bet of doing so.
They were far too good for the Danish Cup winners, who have never been further than the first round of a European competition before.
Daka headed over, Dewsbury-Hall had a shot cleared off line, Caglar Soyuncu had a half-volley saved and Daniel Amartey headed wide - all before the first goal.
The chances continued to come, 23 shots in total, and they will rarely have an easier night in Europe.
BBC
Europa Conference League Play off
Foxes dominate 2nd half to take lead into 2nd leg in Denmark
Leicester City beat Danish side Randers in their Europa Conference League knockout round play-off first leg.
Wilfried Ndidi gave the Foxes the lead with a side-footed finish from Ademola Lookman's pass.
Vito Hammershoej-Mistrati levelled for Randers against the run of play, but Harvey Barnes restored the lead with a turn and clever finish.
Patson Daka added a third and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall slotted home after good work by Kelechi Iheanacho.
Daka appeared offside before tapping in after Youri Tielemans' shot was parried - but the video assistant referee system is only used in the final of Uefa's newest tournament.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers claimed he did not know what this competition was or that his side were in it after finishing third in their Europa League group.
But he named a strong team nonetheless and the second leg in Denmark next week should be a formality.
The winners of this tie face one of the Europa Conference League group winners in the last 16.
Winning the whole thing would put Leicester in next year's Europa League and it may be their best bet of doing so.
They were far too good for the Danish Cup winners, who have never been further than the first round of a European competition before.
Daka headed over, Dewsbury-Hall had a shot cleared off line, Caglar Soyuncu had a half-volley saved and Daniel Amartey headed wide - all before the first goal.
The chances continued to come, 23 shots in total, and they will rarely have an easier night in Europe.
BBC
Leicester reveal pre-tax losses of £33.1 MILLION despite winning FA Cup and coming fifth in Prem due to Covid pandemic
LEICESTER CITY suffered pre-tax losses of £33.1million during the Covid-hit 2020-21 season which was largely played behind closed-doors.
But Brendan Rodgers' Foxes were bailed out by Chairman Top Srivadhannaprabha who loaned the club £30million to get through the worst effects of the pandemic.
On a more positive note, winning the FA Cup and finishing fifth in the Premier League for the second season on the spin saw the Foxes increase their revenue by £76.2million on the previous year to £226.2million (£150M in 2020).
The club's accounts for 2020-21 show Covid cost the Foxes an eye-watering £36.1million in total due to lost gate receipts, reduced FA Cup payments and the collapse of a broadcasting deal in China.
To cover the costs, owners King Power and chairman Aiyawatt 'Top' Srivaddahanaprabha continue to back the club, with Top himself providing a £30m working capital loan during the season.
The club said in a statement: “Now in its 12th year as part of the King Power Group – a period of unprecedented success for Leicester City – the club’s long-term financial stability continues to be provided by the Srivaddhanaprabha family, whose passion for the club, its supporters and the city continues to shape a long-term vision for sustainable success.”
Leicester City's total debt is currently £267m, with £180m of that owed to King Power or the chairman.
Leicester also noted they opened their new £100million state-of-the-art training facility in Seagrave during the same financial period which they believe will help attract top senior and Academy level talent to the club.
City Chief Executive Susan Whelan said: “A second season in the grip of the pandemic, played almost entirely without supporters, presented a great number of challenges.
"That we were able to turn that into one of the most successful seasons in the Club’s history – across our teams – is testament to the diligence and skill of our personnel, the unending support of our fans and the performances of our team on the pitch.
“Our Chairman, Khun Aiyawatt, and the entire Srivaddhanaprabha family have been there for the Club throughout, providing security across the business that has enabled us to continue investing in excellence, while supporting the welfare of our staff and communities throughout challenging times."
The Sun
LEICESTER CITY suffered pre-tax losses of £33.1million during the Covid-hit 2020-21 season which was largely played behind closed-doors.
But Brendan Rodgers' Foxes were bailed out by Chairman Top Srivadhannaprabha who loaned the club £30million to get through the worst effects of the pandemic.
On a more positive note, winning the FA Cup and finishing fifth in the Premier League for the second season on the spin saw the Foxes increase their revenue by £76.2million on the previous year to £226.2million (£150M in 2020).
The club's accounts for 2020-21 show Covid cost the Foxes an eye-watering £36.1million in total due to lost gate receipts, reduced FA Cup payments and the collapse of a broadcasting deal in China.
To cover the costs, owners King Power and chairman Aiyawatt 'Top' Srivaddahanaprabha continue to back the club, with Top himself providing a £30m working capital loan during the season.
The club said in a statement: “Now in its 12th year as part of the King Power Group – a period of unprecedented success for Leicester City – the club’s long-term financial stability continues to be provided by the Srivaddhanaprabha family, whose passion for the club, its supporters and the city continues to shape a long-term vision for sustainable success.”
Leicester City's total debt is currently £267m, with £180m of that owed to King Power or the chairman.
Leicester also noted they opened their new £100million state-of-the-art training facility in Seagrave during the same financial period which they believe will help attract top senior and Academy level talent to the club.
City Chief Executive Susan Whelan said: “A second season in the grip of the pandemic, played almost entirely without supporters, presented a great number of challenges.
"That we were able to turn that into one of the most successful seasons in the Club’s history – across our teams – is testament to the diligence and skill of our personnel, the unending support of our fans and the performances of our team on the pitch.
“Our Chairman, Khun Aiyawatt, and the entire Srivaddhanaprabha family have been there for the Club throughout, providing security across the business that has enabled us to continue investing in excellence, while supporting the welfare of our staff and communities throughout challenging times."
The Sun
Leicester 2-2 West Ham United
Premier League
Craig Dawson's injury-time header earned West Ham United a crucial point in the fight to finish in the top four just as Leicester City looked set to put their recent struggles behind them.
The first serious questions were being asked about manager Brendan Rodgers after the FA Cup fourth-round thrashing at Nottingham Forest was followed by defeat at Liverpool.
The Foxes made a slow start and were punished by Jarrod Bowen's 10th-minute strike. But they were gifted a lifeline right on half-time when Aaron Cresswell needlessly handled James Maddison's corner, Youri Tielemans drilling home the penalty.
Leicester were galvanised and further rewarded for their improvement when Ricardo Pereira headed home a Harvey Barnes cross after 57 minutes.
West Ham, who were without controversial defender Kurt Zouma after he felt unwell in the warm-up, had lost their way, but rescued the draw that keeps them a point ahead of Manchester United in fourth. Dawson rose highest to meet a Bowen corner and score with a looping header.
The fragile state of affairs at Leicester was illustrated by the sound of groans and jeers as they passed the ball around at the back after West Ham took an early lead.
Frustration was in the air and returned at the final whistle when the Foxes lost the advantage late on, for the third time recently after losing to Tottenham and drawing with Brighton.
It was a desperate body blow for Rodgers and his players who looked like stepping out of their malaise as they were moments away from coming from behind to win.
The pain was etched on faces all around the King Power Stadium as this was a movie they have seen before.
Leicester have a soft centre without key defenders Jonny Evans and Wesley Fofana.
It was exposed by Issa Diop's pass for Bowen's goal and then again in stoppage time, even after Rodgers had sent on the giant figure of Jannik Vestergaard late on, presumably to guard against such an eventuality as Dawson's goal.
So near and yet so far for The Foxes. Again.
BBC
Premier League
Craig Dawson's injury-time header earned West Ham United a crucial point in the fight to finish in the top four just as Leicester City looked set to put their recent struggles behind them.
The first serious questions were being asked about manager Brendan Rodgers after the FA Cup fourth-round thrashing at Nottingham Forest was followed by defeat at Liverpool.
The Foxes made a slow start and were punished by Jarrod Bowen's 10th-minute strike. But they were gifted a lifeline right on half-time when Aaron Cresswell needlessly handled James Maddison's corner, Youri Tielemans drilling home the penalty.
Leicester were galvanised and further rewarded for their improvement when Ricardo Pereira headed home a Harvey Barnes cross after 57 minutes.
West Ham, who were without controversial defender Kurt Zouma after he felt unwell in the warm-up, had lost their way, but rescued the draw that keeps them a point ahead of Manchester United in fourth. Dawson rose highest to meet a Bowen corner and score with a looping header.
The fragile state of affairs at Leicester was illustrated by the sound of groans and jeers as they passed the ball around at the back after West Ham took an early lead.
Frustration was in the air and returned at the final whistle when the Foxes lost the advantage late on, for the third time recently after losing to Tottenham and drawing with Brighton.
It was a desperate body blow for Rodgers and his players who looked like stepping out of their malaise as they were moments away from coming from behind to win.
The pain was etched on faces all around the King Power Stadium as this was a movie they have seen before.
Leicester have a soft centre without key defenders Jonny Evans and Wesley Fofana.
It was exposed by Issa Diop's pass for Bowen's goal and then again in stoppage time, even after Rodgers had sent on the giant figure of Jannik Vestergaard late on, presumably to guard against such an eventuality as Dawson's goal.
So near and yet so far for The Foxes. Again.
BBC
Liverpool 2-0 Leicester
Diogo Jota scores twice as Reds keep slim Premier League title hopes alive
Diogo Jota scored twice as Liverpool cut the deficit on Premier League leaders Manchester City to nine points with a dominant performance against Leicester at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp's side had a host of chances and reliable Portuguese forward Jota netted in each half, pouncing on Kasper Schmeichel's parry from Virgil van Dijk's header for the first, before stroking a second late on.
The Reds still have a game in hand on champions City and another commanding display suggests the title race may not yet be a foregone conclusion.
Foxes goalkeeper Schmeichel was in inspired form and made crucial saves to twice deny Roberto Firmino and Luis Diaz on his full debut.
Mohamed Salah came off the bench in the second half after returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty and he too was unable to find a way past Schmeichel. When he did, a sublime curling strike rattled the crossbar.
Leicester will rue the missed opportunity from James Maddison at 0-0 as the Englishman found space down the left edge of the area but his rising shot was pushed over the bar by Alisson.
Leicester's poor season sees them stay in 12th place in the table, 10 points adrift of a Europa Conference League spot
Reds show their strength in depthLiverpool's season was going to be derailed once Salah and Sadio Mane went off to the Africa Cup of Nations - well that was the theory anyway. But it has not materialised that way.
Klopp's side are growing in confidence and swatted aside Leicester with ease to stretch their run to just one defeat in their last 19 games in all competitions - ironically a loss at the Foxes on 28 December.
In reaching the Carabao Cup Final, still in both the Champions League and FA Cup, and sitting second in the top flight, Liverpool remain in contention for an unprecedented quadruple of trophies.
And the options available to Klopp now mean an already fearsome attacking line is further bolstered by the arrival of Diaz, who was making his first start for the club.
The former Porto man showed good touches in the final third and was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet in front of the Kop, seeing a swerving shot and close-range drive batted out by Schmeichel.
If the Colombian needs any inspiration from a new signing at Liverpool, he needs to look no further than Jota, who has now scored 17 goals in all competitions this season.
Arriving from Wolves for a hefty £45m at the start of last season, Jota's goalscoring performances are not only highlighting the depth of the team, but giving Klopp a good headache of who to select in the front three.
Salah was on the bench this time after his run to the Afcon final with Egypt, beaten by team-mate Mane's Senegal on penalties, and introduced in the second half.
On another day he might have had a hat-trick, but a shot at the near post and a one-on-one effort was kept out by the impressive Schmeichel, as well as hitting the woodwork with another classy attempt.
Leicester are enduring a difficult season and were humiliated by Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest on Sunday, as the holders were knocked out of the FA Cup with a 4-1 loss.
After the game, a furious Brendan Rodgers described the performance as "awful" and one that left him "embarrassed", and suggesting "time could be up" for some players in the squad.
Although Thursday's defeat was not another crushing, Leicester were clearly second best throughout the contest and failed to get near the opposition for large periods.
They had just one shot on target, Maddison's early effort, but familiar frailties came to the fore once more as they conceded from a set-piece yet again for Jota's 34th-minute opener.
Including penalties, Leicester have now let in 18 goals from set-pieces this season, while Wolves have conceded just 17 times in the entire campaign.
Leicester's last clean sheet away from home came at Wolves, but that was a year ago.
Following two fifth-placed finishes in the league under Rodgers, a top-half spot might be deemed success this term, while they do still have the opportunity to win silverware in the Europa Conference League.
BBC Sport
Diogo Jota scores twice as Reds keep slim Premier League title hopes alive
Diogo Jota scored twice as Liverpool cut the deficit on Premier League leaders Manchester City to nine points with a dominant performance against Leicester at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp's side had a host of chances and reliable Portuguese forward Jota netted in each half, pouncing on Kasper Schmeichel's parry from Virgil van Dijk's header for the first, before stroking a second late on.
The Reds still have a game in hand on champions City and another commanding display suggests the title race may not yet be a foregone conclusion.
Foxes goalkeeper Schmeichel was in inspired form and made crucial saves to twice deny Roberto Firmino and Luis Diaz on his full debut.
Mohamed Salah came off the bench in the second half after returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty and he too was unable to find a way past Schmeichel. When he did, a sublime curling strike rattled the crossbar.
Leicester will rue the missed opportunity from James Maddison at 0-0 as the Englishman found space down the left edge of the area but his rising shot was pushed over the bar by Alisson.
Leicester's poor season sees them stay in 12th place in the table, 10 points adrift of a Europa Conference League spot
Reds show their strength in depthLiverpool's season was going to be derailed once Salah and Sadio Mane went off to the Africa Cup of Nations - well that was the theory anyway. But it has not materialised that way.
Klopp's side are growing in confidence and swatted aside Leicester with ease to stretch their run to just one defeat in their last 19 games in all competitions - ironically a loss at the Foxes on 28 December.
In reaching the Carabao Cup Final, still in both the Champions League and FA Cup, and sitting second in the top flight, Liverpool remain in contention for an unprecedented quadruple of trophies.
And the options available to Klopp now mean an already fearsome attacking line is further bolstered by the arrival of Diaz, who was making his first start for the club.
The former Porto man showed good touches in the final third and was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet in front of the Kop, seeing a swerving shot and close-range drive batted out by Schmeichel.
If the Colombian needs any inspiration from a new signing at Liverpool, he needs to look no further than Jota, who has now scored 17 goals in all competitions this season.
Arriving from Wolves for a hefty £45m at the start of last season, Jota's goalscoring performances are not only highlighting the depth of the team, but giving Klopp a good headache of who to select in the front three.
Salah was on the bench this time after his run to the Afcon final with Egypt, beaten by team-mate Mane's Senegal on penalties, and introduced in the second half.
On another day he might have had a hat-trick, but a shot at the near post and a one-on-one effort was kept out by the impressive Schmeichel, as well as hitting the woodwork with another classy attempt.
Leicester are enduring a difficult season and were humiliated by Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest on Sunday, as the holders were knocked out of the FA Cup with a 4-1 loss.
After the game, a furious Brendan Rodgers described the performance as "awful" and one that left him "embarrassed", and suggesting "time could be up" for some players in the squad.
Although Thursday's defeat was not another crushing, Leicester were clearly second best throughout the contest and failed to get near the opposition for large periods.
They had just one shot on target, Maddison's early effort, but familiar frailties came to the fore once more as they conceded from a set-piece yet again for Jota's 34th-minute opener.
Including penalties, Leicester have now let in 18 goals from set-pieces this season, while Wolves have conceded just 17 times in the entire campaign.
Leicester's last clean sheet away from home came at Wolves, but that was a year ago.
Following two fifth-placed finishes in the league under Rodgers, a top-half spot might be deemed success this term, while they do still have the opportunity to win silverware in the Europa Conference League.
BBC Sport
Nottingham Forest 4-1 Leicester City
FA Cup 4th Round
FA Cup holders dumped by inspired East Midlands rivals
Match report as FA Cup holders Leicester suffer 4-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest; Championship side were 3-0 ahead after 32 minutes and will now face Huddersfield in round five; a fan ran onto the field and appeared to throw punches towards Forest players after second goal
FA Cup holders Leicester were dumped out of the competition in the fourth round after being thrashed 4-1 by an inspired Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
The Championship side were unfazed by the arrival of their Premier League opponents and took the lead after 23 minutes when Philip Zinckernagel turned home from inside the six-yard box after Kienan Davis nodded down Brennan Johnson's floated cross from the right.
Forest fans barely had time to celebrate their side's goal before they were on their feet again just 86 seconds later, with Johnson cleverly slotting through the legs of Danny Ward after Daniel Amartey's dreadful backpass played him in.
During the celebrations, a supporter ran onto the field and appeared to throw punches towards Forest players.
Steve Cooper's side were celebrating again just after the half-hour mark when some dreadful set-piece defending allowed returning captain Joe Worrall to steer a header past Ward and hand Forest a stunning 3-0 lead.
Leicester were handed a lifeline when Kelechi Iheanacho (40) beat Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba - who had rashly raced out of his area - to a James Maddison through ball and rolled the ball into the empty net.
But Brendan Rodgers' side were unable to use that goal to generate any momentum and found themselves 4-1 down after an hour when the impressive Djed Spence cut inside from the right, exchanged passes with Zinckernagel and drilled a finish past the exposed Ward.
That goal ended the game as a contest, and Leicester failed to generate any clear-cut chances during the final 30 minutes as the holders exited the competition with a whimper at the hands of their East Midlands rivals.
Sky Sports
FA Cup 4th Round
FA Cup holders dumped by inspired East Midlands rivals
Match report as FA Cup holders Leicester suffer 4-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest; Championship side were 3-0 ahead after 32 minutes and will now face Huddersfield in round five; a fan ran onto the field and appeared to throw punches towards Forest players after second goal
FA Cup holders Leicester were dumped out of the competition in the fourth round after being thrashed 4-1 by an inspired Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
The Championship side were unfazed by the arrival of their Premier League opponents and took the lead after 23 minutes when Philip Zinckernagel turned home from inside the six-yard box after Kienan Davis nodded down Brennan Johnson's floated cross from the right.
Forest fans barely had time to celebrate their side's goal before they were on their feet again just 86 seconds later, with Johnson cleverly slotting through the legs of Danny Ward after Daniel Amartey's dreadful backpass played him in.
During the celebrations, a supporter ran onto the field and appeared to throw punches towards Forest players.
Steve Cooper's side were celebrating again just after the half-hour mark when some dreadful set-piece defending allowed returning captain Joe Worrall to steer a header past Ward and hand Forest a stunning 3-0 lead.
Leicester were handed a lifeline when Kelechi Iheanacho (40) beat Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba - who had rashly raced out of his area - to a James Maddison through ball and rolled the ball into the empty net.
But Brendan Rodgers' side were unable to use that goal to generate any momentum and found themselves 4-1 down after an hour when the impressive Djed Spence cut inside from the right, exchanged passes with Zinckernagel and drilled a finish past the exposed Ward.
That goal ended the game as a contest, and Leicester failed to generate any clear-cut chances during the final 30 minutes as the holders exited the competition with a whimper at the hands of their East Midlands rivals.
Sky Sports
Leicester City 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Leicester fail to hold onto their lead for second match running
Substitute Danny Welbeck scored a late equaliser to earn Brighton a battling point against Leicester at the King Power Stadium.
Welbeck beat Kasper Schmeichel with a powerful header from Neal Maupay's cross with eight minutes remaining.
Dan Burn came close to snatching a winner but his towering header was cleared off the line by Youri Tielemans, before Schmeichel made a stunning save to deny Leandro Trossard.
Patson Daka had earlier fired Leicester in front 30 seconds into the second half after goalkeeper Robert Sanchez had parried Harvey Barnes' shot into his path.
Brendan Rodgers struck an upbeat tone in the build-up to this game and said his Leicester players would "get up and fight again" despite the crushing nature of their midweek defeat to Tottenham, which saw them concede two goals in stoppage-time.
However, despite a bright start the Foxes were nervously hanging on in the closing stages, with that Spurs defeat likely fresh in their minds.
In the end they had Schmeichel to thank for preserving a point. The Denmark international made two stunning stops to deny Welbeck and Trossard either side of the equaliser.
The home side had started the brighter and had the best chance of the first half when Barnes seized onto a loose pass and played in Ademola Lookman, who could only side-foot straight at Sanchez.
They caught Brighton cold within seconds of the restart when James Maddison's shot deflected straight to Barnes, whose stabbed effort was then parried into the path of Daka who scored his ninth goal of an impressive first season at the King Power Stadium.
But instead of building on that goal Leicester appeared to retreat in their shell and instead it was Brighton who finished the game well on top.
BBC Sport
Leicester fail to hold onto their lead for second match running
Substitute Danny Welbeck scored a late equaliser to earn Brighton a battling point against Leicester at the King Power Stadium.
Welbeck beat Kasper Schmeichel with a powerful header from Neal Maupay's cross with eight minutes remaining.
Dan Burn came close to snatching a winner but his towering header was cleared off the line by Youri Tielemans, before Schmeichel made a stunning save to deny Leandro Trossard.
Patson Daka had earlier fired Leicester in front 30 seconds into the second half after goalkeeper Robert Sanchez had parried Harvey Barnes' shot into his path.
Brendan Rodgers struck an upbeat tone in the build-up to this game and said his Leicester players would "get up and fight again" despite the crushing nature of their midweek defeat to Tottenham, which saw them concede two goals in stoppage-time.
However, despite a bright start the Foxes were nervously hanging on in the closing stages, with that Spurs defeat likely fresh in their minds.
In the end they had Schmeichel to thank for preserving a point. The Denmark international made two stunning stops to deny Welbeck and Trossard either side of the equaliser.
The home side had started the brighter and had the best chance of the first half when Barnes seized onto a loose pass and played in Ademola Lookman, who could only side-foot straight at Sanchez.
They caught Brighton cold within seconds of the restart when James Maddison's shot deflected straight to Barnes, whose stabbed effort was then parried into the path of Daka who scored his ninth goal of an impressive first season at the King Power Stadium.
But instead of building on that goal Leicester appeared to retreat in their shell and instead it was Brighton who finished the game well on top.
BBC Sport
Leicester City 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur
Steven Bergwijn scores twice in stoppage time in unbelievable Spurs comeback
Steven Bergwijn scored twice in stoppage time for Tottenham to stage one of the craziest comebacks in Premier League history to beat Leicester 3-2.
Leicester looked set for three points with the clock at 95 minutes at 2-1 up but two goals in 80 seconds from the substitute Bergwijn turned the game completely around and left the Foxes in complete shock.
The hosts took the lead against the run of play on 24 minutes when Patson Daka squeezed home a finish beyond Hugo Lloris.
Spurs, who had already had two efforts cleared off the line and saw Harry Kane crash a header against the crossbar, fully deserved their leveller that came on 38 minutes when the England striker danced through the Leicester defence and finished in confident fashion.
Antonio Conte's side registered 27 shots in the match, creating an expected goals figure of 4.49 but Leicester stayed in the contest and hit Spurs with a sucker punch with 14 minutes to go.
Substitute Harvey Barnes made an immediate impact with a cute touch to send James Maddison through on goal and his deflected effort skipped in off the post. The silky Maddison has now racked up 15 goal involvements this season and scored five goals in his last six appearances.
Leicester looked to be strolling to victory but Bergwijn hammered home from close range on 90+5 minutes before scampering through following a fine Kane pass 80 seconds later and finished off the inside of the post.
Sky Sports
Steven Bergwijn scores twice in stoppage time in unbelievable Spurs comeback
Steven Bergwijn scored twice in stoppage time for Tottenham to stage one of the craziest comebacks in Premier League history to beat Leicester 3-2.
Leicester looked set for three points with the clock at 95 minutes at 2-1 up but two goals in 80 seconds from the substitute Bergwijn turned the game completely around and left the Foxes in complete shock.
The hosts took the lead against the run of play on 24 minutes when Patson Daka squeezed home a finish beyond Hugo Lloris.
Spurs, who had already had two efforts cleared off the line and saw Harry Kane crash a header against the crossbar, fully deserved their leveller that came on 38 minutes when the England striker danced through the Leicester defence and finished in confident fashion.
Antonio Conte's side registered 27 shots in the match, creating an expected goals figure of 4.49 but Leicester stayed in the contest and hit Spurs with a sucker punch with 14 minutes to go.
Substitute Harvey Barnes made an immediate impact with a cute touch to send James Maddison through on goal and his deflected effort skipped in off the post. The silky Maddison has now racked up 15 goal involvements this season and scored five goals in his last six appearances.
Leicester looked to be strolling to victory but Bergwijn hammered home from close range on 90+5 minutes before scampering through following a fine Kane pass 80 seconds later and finished off the inside of the post.
Sky Sports
Burnley Fixture Postponed
The Premier League Board have confirmed that Saturday’s Premier League fixture between Leicester City and Burnley has been postponed, following a meeting on Friday morning.
The decision came after Burnley confirmed that it had an insufficient number of first team players available to fulfil the match, with the fixture now to be rearranged for a future date.
The Club regrets the inconvenience this may cause for its supporters.
All previously purchased tickets for the game to remain valid for the new date, which will be confirmed on LCFC.com in due course.
Premier League Postponement Guidance
The Premier League aims to provide as much clarity as possible, but unfortunately postponements sometimes have to be made at short notice, as safety is the priority. Where possible, the Premier League will endeavour to keep supporters updated if games become at risk on a matchday.
The Premier League Board assesses applications to postpone matches on a case-by-case basis, based on existing rules and adapted COVID-19 postponement guidance, implemented in light of the new Omicron variant.
The Premier League Board will assess a number of factors, including the ability of a club to field a team; the status, severity and potential impact of the COVID-19 outbreak at the club; and the ability of the players to safely prepare for and play the match.
The Board must also consider the wider risks to the opposition and other people the club representatives may come into contact with. Click HERE to read more on the Premier League’s match postponement process.
While recognising a number of clubs are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks, it is the clubs’ and the League’s collective intention to continue the current fixture schedule where safely possible. The health and wellbeing of all concerned remains our priority and the League will continue to monitor and reflect public health guidance, always proceeding with caution.
In light of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Premier League has reintroduced Emergency Measures. These include protocols such as more frequent testing, wearing face coverings while indoors, observing social distancing and limiting treatment time.
LCFC.COM
The Premier League Board have confirmed that Saturday’s Premier League fixture between Leicester City and Burnley has been postponed, following a meeting on Friday morning.
The decision came after Burnley confirmed that it had an insufficient number of first team players available to fulfil the match, with the fixture now to be rearranged for a future date.
The Club regrets the inconvenience this may cause for its supporters.
All previously purchased tickets for the game to remain valid for the new date, which will be confirmed on LCFC.com in due course.
Premier League Postponement Guidance
The Premier League aims to provide as much clarity as possible, but unfortunately postponements sometimes have to be made at short notice, as safety is the priority. Where possible, the Premier League will endeavour to keep supporters updated if games become at risk on a matchday.
The Premier League Board assesses applications to postpone matches on a case-by-case basis, based on existing rules and adapted COVID-19 postponement guidance, implemented in light of the new Omicron variant.
The Premier League Board will assess a number of factors, including the ability of a club to field a team; the status, severity and potential impact of the COVID-19 outbreak at the club; and the ability of the players to safely prepare for and play the match.
The Board must also consider the wider risks to the opposition and other people the club representatives may come into contact with. Click HERE to read more on the Premier League’s match postponement process.
While recognising a number of clubs are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks, it is the clubs’ and the League’s collective intention to continue the current fixture schedule where safely possible. The health and wellbeing of all concerned remains our priority and the League will continue to monitor and reflect public health guidance, always proceeding with caution.
In light of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Premier League has reintroduced Emergency Measures. These include protocols such as more frequent testing, wearing face coverings while indoors, observing social distancing and limiting treatment time.
LCFC.COM
Filip Benković Leaves Leicester City
Filip Benković has left Leicester City, after the Club and the player mutually agreed to cancel the remaining term of his contract.
Filip, 24, joined the Foxes from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2018 and went on to feature in the Club’s First Team and Development Squad ranks.
His experience was also enriched by spells on loan with Celtic – whom he helped to a domestic treble in 2018/19 – Bristol City, Cardiff City and OH Leuven.
The Club would like to place on record its thanks to Filip for his professionalism and dedication during his time in Leicester – an experience we hope he can build on in during his future career. He begins the next chapter with the very best wishes of everyone at Leicester City.
LCFC.COM
Filip Benković has left Leicester City, after the Club and the player mutually agreed to cancel the remaining term of his contract.
Filip, 24, joined the Foxes from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2018 and went on to feature in the Club’s First Team and Development Squad ranks.
His experience was also enriched by spells on loan with Celtic – whom he helped to a domestic treble in 2018/19 – Bristol City, Cardiff City and OH Leuven.
The Club would like to place on record its thanks to Filip for his professionalism and dedication during his time in Leicester – an experience we hope he can build on in during his future career. He begins the next chapter with the very best wishes of everyone at Leicester City.
LCFC.COM
Everton vs Leicester postponed after Premier League grants visitors' request to rearrange game
Leicester informed the Premier League they would be unable to fulfil Tuesday's fixture at Everton due to a combination of Covid cases, injuries and players being at AFCON; it is the second time the game has been postponed because of Leicester being unable to field a team
Leicester's game at Everton on Tuesday has been postponed after the Premier League granted the visitors' request to rearrange the fixture.
Leicester informed the Premier League they would not have enough available first-team players to fulfil the match due to a combination of Covid cases, injuries and players being away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
It is the second time the fixture has been postponed - it was originally due to take place on December 19, but was moved to January 11 because of Covid cases in Leicester's squad.
A statement from the Premier League read: "The board was able to make its decision in advance of the fixture to give clarity to the affected clubs and their fans.
"We apologise for the inconvenience and disruption caused to supporters who planned on attending and watching the game, and we are aware that postponements will disappoint fans.
"The league aims to provide as much clarity as possible, but unfortunately postponements sometimes have to be made at short notice, as safety is our priority."The board assesses applications to postpone matches on a case-by-case basis, based on existing rules and adapted Covid-19 postponement guidance, implemented in light of the new Omicron variant.
Sky Sports
Leicester informed the Premier League they would be unable to fulfil Tuesday's fixture at Everton due to a combination of Covid cases, injuries and players being at AFCON; it is the second time the game has been postponed because of Leicester being unable to field a team
Leicester's game at Everton on Tuesday has been postponed after the Premier League granted the visitors' request to rearrange the fixture.
Leicester informed the Premier League they would not have enough available first-team players to fulfil the match due to a combination of Covid cases, injuries and players being away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
It is the second time the fixture has been postponed - it was originally due to take place on December 19, but was moved to January 11 because of Covid cases in Leicester's squad.
A statement from the Premier League read: "The board was able to make its decision in advance of the fixture to give clarity to the affected clubs and their fans.
"We apologise for the inconvenience and disruption caused to supporters who planned on attending and watching the game, and we are aware that postponements will disappoint fans.
"The league aims to provide as much clarity as possible, but unfortunately postponements sometimes have to be made at short notice, as safety is our priority."The board assesses applications to postpone matches on a case-by-case basis, based on existing rules and adapted Covid-19 postponement guidance, implemented in light of the new Omicron variant.
Sky Sports
Leicester 4-1 Watford
FA Cup holders Leicester City made an impressive start to their defence of the trophy as the much-changed Foxes swept aside fellow shadow side Watford.
Youri Tielemans - who scored City's winner at Wembley last May - put them ahead from the spot after Francisco Sierralta fouled Jannik Vestergaard.
James Maddison's cool finish doubled the lead but Joao Pedro immediately pulled one back for the Hornets.
However, strikes from Harvey Barnes and Marc Albrighton sealed an emphatic win.
The sides made 16 changes between them - Leicester nine and Watford seven - from their previous Premier League games, with the majority enforced by injury or Africa Cup of Nations duty.
But Leicester's mix of youth and experience proved too much for a Watford side of similar ilk - and not even a floodlight failure that lasted several minutes could knock the hosts out of their stride.
Tielemans was one of only two Foxes players in the starting line-up that began last year's win in the final against Chelsea - Ayoze Perez was the other - in an illustration of the injury and unavailability issues Brendan Rodgers had to deal with.
Hamstring injuries for Jamie Vardy and Jonny Evans are part of a Leicester injury tally that runs into double figures, while Kelechi Iheanacho and Daniel Amartey are at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nevertheless, the FA Cup holders produced a scintillating display despite fielding a weakened side.
They were given a helping hand by Sierralta's decision to wrestle Vestergaard to the ground from a corner right in front of referee Mike Dean, but once Tielemans stroked home the penalty, they hardly looked back as Ademola Lookman's classy reverse ball put Maddison in to clip home City's second.
Watford, themselves without injured top scorer Emmanuel Dennis and Afcon quartet Imran Louza, Ismaila Sarr, Adam Masina and William Troost-Ekong, briefly threatened to make a game of it when Cucho Hernandez and Ashley Fletcher teed up Pedro to fire beyond Danny Ward.
The visitors were also aggrieved when Dean chose not to brandish a second yellow card to Vontae Daley-Campbell - making only his third Foxes start - when, already on a booking, the 20-year-old clumsily brought down Hernandez.
But the poor form continued for the Hornets - who have lost six straight Premier League games, as well as seven successive visits to Leicester - when Barnes coolly tucked home Lookman's cross and the video assistant referee awarded the goal after the linesman had mistakenly flagged for offside.
Watford could have had a second but for Vestergaard flinging himself to block Pedro's shot on to the underside of the bar and Albrighton then added Leicester's fourth after Bachmann parried from Lookman.
That fourth summed up another disappointing return to the King Power for Claudio Ranieri, whose side also lost there 4-2 in the league in November.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers told BBC Sport: "I was absolutely thrilled with the performance - we only had eight senior players fit and they all played, and we had 10 academy products in our squad.
"To see them come in and perform against another Premier League club, with that understanding of the game, and what they gave the game, I was absolutely thrilled for them.
"We all want to dream. We dreamt last year and won the trophy. With so many players out, to produce that performance and scoreline, makes me very proud and we're in the hat which is the most important thing."
BBC
FA Cup holders Leicester City made an impressive start to their defence of the trophy as the much-changed Foxes swept aside fellow shadow side Watford.
Youri Tielemans - who scored City's winner at Wembley last May - put them ahead from the spot after Francisco Sierralta fouled Jannik Vestergaard.
James Maddison's cool finish doubled the lead but Joao Pedro immediately pulled one back for the Hornets.
However, strikes from Harvey Barnes and Marc Albrighton sealed an emphatic win.
The sides made 16 changes between them - Leicester nine and Watford seven - from their previous Premier League games, with the majority enforced by injury or Africa Cup of Nations duty.
But Leicester's mix of youth and experience proved too much for a Watford side of similar ilk - and not even a floodlight failure that lasted several minutes could knock the hosts out of their stride.
Tielemans was one of only two Foxes players in the starting line-up that began last year's win in the final against Chelsea - Ayoze Perez was the other - in an illustration of the injury and unavailability issues Brendan Rodgers had to deal with.
Hamstring injuries for Jamie Vardy and Jonny Evans are part of a Leicester injury tally that runs into double figures, while Kelechi Iheanacho and Daniel Amartey are at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nevertheless, the FA Cup holders produced a scintillating display despite fielding a weakened side.
They were given a helping hand by Sierralta's decision to wrestle Vestergaard to the ground from a corner right in front of referee Mike Dean, but once Tielemans stroked home the penalty, they hardly looked back as Ademola Lookman's classy reverse ball put Maddison in to clip home City's second.
Watford, themselves without injured top scorer Emmanuel Dennis and Afcon quartet Imran Louza, Ismaila Sarr, Adam Masina and William Troost-Ekong, briefly threatened to make a game of it when Cucho Hernandez and Ashley Fletcher teed up Pedro to fire beyond Danny Ward.
The visitors were also aggrieved when Dean chose not to brandish a second yellow card to Vontae Daley-Campbell - making only his third Foxes start - when, already on a booking, the 20-year-old clumsily brought down Hernandez.
But the poor form continued for the Hornets - who have lost six straight Premier League games, as well as seven successive visits to Leicester - when Barnes coolly tucked home Lookman's cross and the video assistant referee awarded the goal after the linesman had mistakenly flagged for offside.
Watford could have had a second but for Vestergaard flinging himself to block Pedro's shot on to the underside of the bar and Albrighton then added Leicester's fourth after Bachmann parried from Lookman.
That fourth summed up another disappointing return to the King Power for Claudio Ranieri, whose side also lost there 4-2 in the league in November.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers told BBC Sport: "I was absolutely thrilled with the performance - we only had eight senior players fit and they all played, and we had 10 academy products in our squad.
"To see them come in and perform against another Premier League club, with that understanding of the game, and what they gave the game, I was absolutely thrilled for them.
"We all want to dream. We dreamt last year and won the trophy. With so many players out, to produce that performance and scoreline, makes me very proud and we're in the hat which is the most important thing."
BBC
Leicester City v Norwich City Premier League game postponed
Norwich have confirmed their Premier League game at Leicester on Saturday has been postponed.
It follows a number of positive Covid cases as well as injuries within their playing squad.
The Premier League Board said it accepted Norwich's request to postpone the fixture because they did not have enough players to fulfil the game.
Premier League protocols say clubs should play if they have 13 outfield players and a goalkeeper available.
The Canaries, who sit bottom of the Premier League table, apologised for any inconvenience caused to Leicester and both sets of supporters.
It is the second game Norwich have had called off this season after their trip to West Ham on 18 December was postponed, while it is the third top-flight game Leicester have had cancelled.
The fixture is the first top-flight match to be postponed in January 2022 - after 16 Premier League games in December.
But there are a further eight games postponed in the EFL over the new year period - with the league deciding to remove the need for Covid-19 testing of players and staff on matchdays in an effort to prevent late decisions impacting fans' travel.
Both the Premier League and EFL clubs recently chose to fulfil festive fixtures despite ongoing Covid-19 disruption, including a series of postponements and a record 103 Premier League players and staff testing positive for Covid in the seven days up to and including 26 December.
In Scotland, the SPFL has defended its Covid postponement policy, arguing it must be applied consistently to protect "the integrity of the league" and ensure the season can be completed. There have been 10 games postponed so far because of Covid.
The Scottish Premiership winter break began after Sunday's games, having been brought forward from 4 January because of crowds being capped at 500 amid a surge in Covid cases. The three lower leagues are continuing as scheduled.
BBC
Norwich have confirmed their Premier League game at Leicester on Saturday has been postponed.
It follows a number of positive Covid cases as well as injuries within their playing squad.
The Premier League Board said it accepted Norwich's request to postpone the fixture because they did not have enough players to fulfil the game.
Premier League protocols say clubs should play if they have 13 outfield players and a goalkeeper available.
The Canaries, who sit bottom of the Premier League table, apologised for any inconvenience caused to Leicester and both sets of supporters.
It is the second game Norwich have had called off this season after their trip to West Ham on 18 December was postponed, while it is the third top-flight game Leicester have had cancelled.
The fixture is the first top-flight match to be postponed in January 2022 - after 16 Premier League games in December.
But there are a further eight games postponed in the EFL over the new year period - with the league deciding to remove the need for Covid-19 testing of players and staff on matchdays in an effort to prevent late decisions impacting fans' travel.
Both the Premier League and EFL clubs recently chose to fulfil festive fixtures despite ongoing Covid-19 disruption, including a series of postponements and a record 103 Premier League players and staff testing positive for Covid in the seven days up to and including 26 December.
In Scotland, the SPFL has defended its Covid postponement policy, arguing it must be applied consistently to protect "the integrity of the league" and ensure the season can be completed. There have been 10 games postponed so far because of Covid.
The Scottish Premiership winter break began after Sunday's games, having been brought forward from 4 January because of crowds being capped at 500 amid a surge in Covid cases. The three lower leagues are continuing as scheduled.
BBC
Leicester 1-0 Liverpool
Ademola Lookman scored the only goal as Leicester beat Liverpool to leave the Reds six points off the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool's biggest chances came in the first half when Mohamed Salah had a 15th-minute penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel and headed the rebound off the bar.
Sadio Mane then missed a couple of opportunities for Jurgen Klopp's side before they were made to pay by the hosts in the 59th minute.
Former Everton forward Lookman, with only his fourth touch after coming on, took Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's pass in his stride, beat Joel Matip and rifled a shot past Alisson - Leicester's only shot on target.
Leicester, missing several first-team players, hung on despite relentless late Liverpool pressure - just six days after blowing a 3-1 lead to lose on penalties against the same opposition in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
With only their second defeat of the season, Liverpool are now six points behind leaders Manchester City, while Leicester - who have won just two games out of seven - move up to ninth.
The Reds could also end 2021 in third place and nine points off top spot if Pep Guardiola's City beat Brentford, and Chelsea at least draw with Brighton, on Wednesday.
Goals seemed to be practically guaranteed in this one. Liverpool had scored a club record 50 in their opening 18 league games.
Leicester had netted 12 and let in another dozen in their last four games, including the 3-3 cup draw at Anfield and a 6-3 defeat by Manchester City on Boxing Day.
Injury problems for the Foxes meant Wilfred Ndidi returned from a hamstring problem to start at centre-back.
He fouled Salah for the penalty which everybody expected to produce the opener.
But Schmeichel guessed right as the Reds failed from the spot for the first time in the Premier League in more than four years.
Salah should also have netted the rebound too with Schmeichel on the ground, but his looping header in front of an empty net hit the crossbar.
That means he ends 2021 on 24 Premier League goals and 11 assists.
The Reds had a host of half-chances, with Jordan Henderson half-volleying off target on three occasions in the opening period.
Schmeichel then did well to keep out Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's overhit cross and Salah's first-time effort - with Mane missing a couple of good chances too.
Vardy caused the visitors problems - but substitute Lookman's goal three minutes after coming on was their only shot on target.
In their thrilling cup clash, Liverpool came from two goals down to break the Foxes' hearts with a 95th-minute equaliser, but this time the hosts held their nerve.
Liverpool kept pushing until the end with Diogo Jota heading wide and Schmeichel saving a Virgil van Dijk shot with his feet.
This was their first league game without scoring in 29 outings and makes Sunday's trip to Chelsea - the last before Salah, Mane and Naby Keita go to the Africa Cup of Nations - almost a must-win meeting.
BBC Sport
Ademola Lookman scored the only goal as Leicester beat Liverpool to leave the Reds six points off the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool's biggest chances came in the first half when Mohamed Salah had a 15th-minute penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel and headed the rebound off the bar.
Sadio Mane then missed a couple of opportunities for Jurgen Klopp's side before they were made to pay by the hosts in the 59th minute.
Former Everton forward Lookman, with only his fourth touch after coming on, took Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's pass in his stride, beat Joel Matip and rifled a shot past Alisson - Leicester's only shot on target.
Leicester, missing several first-team players, hung on despite relentless late Liverpool pressure - just six days after blowing a 3-1 lead to lose on penalties against the same opposition in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
With only their second defeat of the season, Liverpool are now six points behind leaders Manchester City, while Leicester - who have won just two games out of seven - move up to ninth.
The Reds could also end 2021 in third place and nine points off top spot if Pep Guardiola's City beat Brentford, and Chelsea at least draw with Brighton, on Wednesday.
Goals seemed to be practically guaranteed in this one. Liverpool had scored a club record 50 in their opening 18 league games.
Leicester had netted 12 and let in another dozen in their last four games, including the 3-3 cup draw at Anfield and a 6-3 defeat by Manchester City on Boxing Day.
Injury problems for the Foxes meant Wilfred Ndidi returned from a hamstring problem to start at centre-back.
He fouled Salah for the penalty which everybody expected to produce the opener.
But Schmeichel guessed right as the Reds failed from the spot for the first time in the Premier League in more than four years.
Salah should also have netted the rebound too with Schmeichel on the ground, but his looping header in front of an empty net hit the crossbar.
That means he ends 2021 on 24 Premier League goals and 11 assists.
The Reds had a host of half-chances, with Jordan Henderson half-volleying off target on three occasions in the opening period.
Schmeichel then did well to keep out Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's overhit cross and Salah's first-time effort - with Mane missing a couple of good chances too.
Vardy caused the visitors problems - but substitute Lookman's goal three minutes after coming on was their only shot on target.
In their thrilling cup clash, Liverpool came from two goals down to break the Foxes' hearts with a 95th-minute equaliser, but this time the hosts held their nerve.
Liverpool kept pushing until the end with Diogo Jota heading wide and Schmeichel saving a Virgil van Dijk shot with his feet.
This was their first league game without scoring in 29 outings and makes Sunday's trip to Chelsea - the last before Salah, Mane and Naby Keita go to the Africa Cup of Nations - almost a must-win meeting.
BBC Sport
Manchester City 6-3 Leicester
NINE-goal Boxing Day epic at the Etihad as Foxes come back from 4-0 down to 4-3, before Laporte and Sterling strikes send Pep Guardiola's champions six points clear
Briefly here at the Etihad Stadium, Leicester City threatened to conjure up something truly astonishing. Trailing by four at half-time, Leicester scored three times in eleven second half minutes. With almost half an hour to go, they trailed by just one.
But this isn’t a Manchester City team that believes in fairy stories. Three minutes later they scored their fifth goal and, before the end, their sixth. City have now scored 17 goals in their last three Premier League games and by full-time the realities of life in the Premier League had bitten Leicester hard.
City manager Pep Guardiola has spoken passionately recently about the excessive demands he believes are placed on modern players but deep down he knows what we all know. City have the deepest squad in the land and if anyone can cope with the demands created by the current Covid-19 landscape they can.
Here, despite Leicester’s remarkable efforts early in the second half, was the evidence.
The truth is that City would have beaten any team Leicester fielded here. In possession the champions were razor sharp. What a joy to watch them when they move the ball as quickly and as intelligently as this and when they play with such hunger and desire.
But it is also true that City’s task here was made easier by the way that injuries have decimated Leicester’s squad. Already missing key players this winter, last Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat at Liverpool cost them three more, one of them Jamie Vardy.
When that happens to a team like City, it hurts but they can cope. They almost have two teams. When it happens to a club like Leicester, it changes everything and here, in part, was proof.
City were superb during an opening half hour that effectively won them the game. From the very first moments, Guardiola’s players were smothering their opponents’ penalty area like as huge sky blue blanket. It was clear from then that this was a day when they would not be denied. Guardiola said last Thursday that players in England may consider going on strike in order to force the football fixture planners to think seriously about the way the season is currently set-up. At times this looked like a reply from his team. Let us play.
City were pushing at an open door, however. Leicester did not seem to have the legs for the job. Nobody takes anything from a visit to City without running further and harder than they have before and on this occasion they were not up to it. Tomorrow night Rodgers’ players host Liverpool at the King Power and it is hard not to fear for them.
City, on the other hand, are at Brentford on Wednesday and Arsenal on Saturday. If they do not take maximum points from those games it will be a surprise and with Chelsea and Liverpool playing each other in London on Sunday, City’s lead at the top of the Premier League could look rather ominous a week from today.
Crucially, City will be able to gently rotate players through the next seven days. Nothing dramatic but just enough to retain some semblance of freshness. On the bench for this game, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden were joined by Gabriel Jesus and Nathan Ake. For Guardiola, the options are there.
The Spaniard will have loved what he saw here, in the first half at least. In the second period, not so much. City’s use of the ball – their players’ awareness of space, angles and options – was superb. Raheem Sterling was probably the pick of the creative players but Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin de Bruyne and Riyah Mahrez were all operating at a similarly exalted level. At one stage, just after City had scored their fourth goal in the 24th minute, City had recorded an astonishing 15 goals in their previous 196 minutes of league football.
The first of this prime collection arrived in only the fifth minute and, as strange as it sounds, it had already been coming. City spent almost the entire opening passages in Leicester territory and bamboozled their opponents with an exchange of passes from deep that saw De Bruyne pull down a lofted all from Fernandinho inside the penalty area. Leicester had players in the vicinity but none were able to get close enough and, with central defender Jan Vestergaard particularly disorientated, De Bruyne had the time to steady himself and score left footed from 14 yards.
Already it seemed a long way back for Leicester and by the time the first half was properly underway, the game was largely done and dusted.
City’s second and fourth goals were penalties, both conceded by the Belgian Youri Tielemans. The first was awarded after a VAR check for a tug at a corner on Aymeric Laporte and was despatched by Mahrez. The second was for a trip on Sterling and the England player tucked that one away himself.
In between those, in the 21st minute, was a super team goal. Silva had the patience and confidence to hold possession on the right until the correct pass was on and when he shifted it to De Bruyne a first time pass released Joao Cancelo in to space. The low cross was palmed out by Kasper Schmeichel but fell straight to Gundogan who smashed the loose ball in to the net.
Rodgers looked exasperated on the touchline and understandably so. Had Schmeichel not interfered with the cross then a defender standing behind him would have cleared the ball. Equally, both penalties were cheap.
But City’s dominance was such that had they not scored that way they would have done in so in other ways. Sterling, for example, was denied by Schmeichel after a breathtaking volleyed pass from Silva while Mahrez missed a good chance.
James Maddison had forced City goalkeeper Ederson to push a free-kick on to the bar with the score at 2-0 and actually broke away to score after Laporte slipped in the 54th minute. It was this moment that triggered an astonishing eleven minutes that very briefly threatened to change everything.
Had Laporte not slipped then it is almost certain that the game would have meandered to a conclusion. Rodgers had changed to a three-man defence at half-time but the pattern of the game had not greatly shifted.
But when Maddison broke again four minutes later to play in Ademola Lookman for Leicester’s second, something stirred inside the visitors’ hearts. At this point a genuine come back still felt unlikely but nobody had told Maddison. His shot from 25 yards in the 65th minute could only be pushed upwards by Ederson and when the ball dropped to earth, Kelechi Iheanacho turned to score from close in.
Now, suddenly, something special did feel possible. What a story that could have been. But the truth is that when City needed another gear, a response, they found it easily. Laporte atoned in part for his earlier error by heading in from a corner in the 68th minute and then Sterling scored from another set piece right at the end.
At the flick of an invisible switch, City had reverted from conceding bad goals to once again scoring easy ones. Tired? There is not a single sign of it.
Daily Mail
NINE-goal Boxing Day epic at the Etihad as Foxes come back from 4-0 down to 4-3, before Laporte and Sterling strikes send Pep Guardiola's champions six points clear
Briefly here at the Etihad Stadium, Leicester City threatened to conjure up something truly astonishing. Trailing by four at half-time, Leicester scored three times in eleven second half minutes. With almost half an hour to go, they trailed by just one.
But this isn’t a Manchester City team that believes in fairy stories. Three minutes later they scored their fifth goal and, before the end, their sixth. City have now scored 17 goals in their last three Premier League games and by full-time the realities of life in the Premier League had bitten Leicester hard.
City manager Pep Guardiola has spoken passionately recently about the excessive demands he believes are placed on modern players but deep down he knows what we all know. City have the deepest squad in the land and if anyone can cope with the demands created by the current Covid-19 landscape they can.
Here, despite Leicester’s remarkable efforts early in the second half, was the evidence.
The truth is that City would have beaten any team Leicester fielded here. In possession the champions were razor sharp. What a joy to watch them when they move the ball as quickly and as intelligently as this and when they play with such hunger and desire.
But it is also true that City’s task here was made easier by the way that injuries have decimated Leicester’s squad. Already missing key players this winter, last Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat at Liverpool cost them three more, one of them Jamie Vardy.
When that happens to a team like City, it hurts but they can cope. They almost have two teams. When it happens to a club like Leicester, it changes everything and here, in part, was proof.
City were superb during an opening half hour that effectively won them the game. From the very first moments, Guardiola’s players were smothering their opponents’ penalty area like as huge sky blue blanket. It was clear from then that this was a day when they would not be denied. Guardiola said last Thursday that players in England may consider going on strike in order to force the football fixture planners to think seriously about the way the season is currently set-up. At times this looked like a reply from his team. Let us play.
City were pushing at an open door, however. Leicester did not seem to have the legs for the job. Nobody takes anything from a visit to City without running further and harder than they have before and on this occasion they were not up to it. Tomorrow night Rodgers’ players host Liverpool at the King Power and it is hard not to fear for them.
City, on the other hand, are at Brentford on Wednesday and Arsenal on Saturday. If they do not take maximum points from those games it will be a surprise and with Chelsea and Liverpool playing each other in London on Sunday, City’s lead at the top of the Premier League could look rather ominous a week from today.
Crucially, City will be able to gently rotate players through the next seven days. Nothing dramatic but just enough to retain some semblance of freshness. On the bench for this game, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden were joined by Gabriel Jesus and Nathan Ake. For Guardiola, the options are there.
The Spaniard will have loved what he saw here, in the first half at least. In the second period, not so much. City’s use of the ball – their players’ awareness of space, angles and options – was superb. Raheem Sterling was probably the pick of the creative players but Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin de Bruyne and Riyah Mahrez were all operating at a similarly exalted level. At one stage, just after City had scored their fourth goal in the 24th minute, City had recorded an astonishing 15 goals in their previous 196 minutes of league football.
The first of this prime collection arrived in only the fifth minute and, as strange as it sounds, it had already been coming. City spent almost the entire opening passages in Leicester territory and bamboozled their opponents with an exchange of passes from deep that saw De Bruyne pull down a lofted all from Fernandinho inside the penalty area. Leicester had players in the vicinity but none were able to get close enough and, with central defender Jan Vestergaard particularly disorientated, De Bruyne had the time to steady himself and score left footed from 14 yards.
Already it seemed a long way back for Leicester and by the time the first half was properly underway, the game was largely done and dusted.
City’s second and fourth goals were penalties, both conceded by the Belgian Youri Tielemans. The first was awarded after a VAR check for a tug at a corner on Aymeric Laporte and was despatched by Mahrez. The second was for a trip on Sterling and the England player tucked that one away himself.
In between those, in the 21st minute, was a super team goal. Silva had the patience and confidence to hold possession on the right until the correct pass was on and when he shifted it to De Bruyne a first time pass released Joao Cancelo in to space. The low cross was palmed out by Kasper Schmeichel but fell straight to Gundogan who smashed the loose ball in to the net.
Rodgers looked exasperated on the touchline and understandably so. Had Schmeichel not interfered with the cross then a defender standing behind him would have cleared the ball. Equally, both penalties were cheap.
But City’s dominance was such that had they not scored that way they would have done in so in other ways. Sterling, for example, was denied by Schmeichel after a breathtaking volleyed pass from Silva while Mahrez missed a good chance.
James Maddison had forced City goalkeeper Ederson to push a free-kick on to the bar with the score at 2-0 and actually broke away to score after Laporte slipped in the 54th minute. It was this moment that triggered an astonishing eleven minutes that very briefly threatened to change everything.
Had Laporte not slipped then it is almost certain that the game would have meandered to a conclusion. Rodgers had changed to a three-man defence at half-time but the pattern of the game had not greatly shifted.
But when Maddison broke again four minutes later to play in Ademola Lookman for Leicester’s second, something stirred inside the visitors’ hearts. At this point a genuine come back still felt unlikely but nobody had told Maddison. His shot from 25 yards in the 65th minute could only be pushed upwards by Ederson and when the ball dropped to earth, Kelechi Iheanacho turned to score from close in.
Now, suddenly, something special did feel possible. What a story that could have been. But the truth is that when City needed another gear, a response, they found it easily. Laporte atoned in part for his earlier error by heading in from a corner in the 68th minute and then Sterling scored from another set piece right at the end.
At the flick of an invisible switch, City had reverted from conceding bad goals to once again scoring easy ones. Tired? There is not a single sign of it.
Daily Mail
Liverpool beat Leicester on penalties to win Carabao Cup ¼ Final
Liverpool mounted a stunning last-minute comeback before beating Leicester on penalties after a 3-3 draw to reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup at Anfield.
The Reds, with 10 changes from the side which drew at Tottenham on Sunday, were cut apart at will before half-time with Jamie Vardy on target twice in four minutes (9, 13) and denied a hat-trick by the width of the post.
An Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain strike kept Liverpool in the game early on (19) before James Maddison's 25-yard stunner restored the Foxes' two-goal advantage (33).
Three half-time changes turned the balance of the game in the hosts' favour with Diogo Jota, James Milner and Ibrahima Konate introduced, and midway through the second period Jota's smart finish gave the Reds hope from Takumi Minamino's perfect tee-up.
Another 20 minutes of incessant Liverpool pressure appeared insufficient to keep their cup dream alive - until Minamino pulled them level in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time to take the tie to penalties.
Image:Takumi Minamino is the first Liverpool player to score in three successive League Cup games since Vladimir Smicer in 2003After six perfect spot-kicks, Luke Thomas' tame effort was kept out by Caoimhin Kelleher, but with the chance to send the Reds through Minamino blasted the hosts' fifth penalty against the bar.
After Kelleher again leapt to deny Ryan Bertrand, Jota made no mistake in sudden death, sending Liverpool into the last four to face Arsenal and leaving Leicester to ponder how victory slipped from their grasp.
Despite a young Liverpool side, including Tyler Morton, Neco Williams, Billy Koumetio and Conor Bradley, looking comfortable early on, the hosts found themselves 2-0 down in the blink of an eye with a pair of goals which owed something to youthful naivety.
First, Koumetio left Vardy space on the right of the box to fire in from a narrow angle past Kelleher's despairing dive, then Bradley was caught up the pitch as Leicester countered down the left, with Thomas' ball finding Patson Daka, whose cross was buried by the veteran forward.
A breathless opening continued as Oxlade-Chamberlain buried Roberto Firmino's clever lay-off, but the hopes of a recovery took a dent when Maddison fired a wonderful 25-yard effort into the top of the net which was past Kelleher before he had time to react.
Moments later Vardy could have put the result beyond doubt from a Leicester counter following a poor Joe Gomez pass into midfield, but he struck the base of the far post with Kelleher again beaten.
Image:Leicester top scorer Jamie Vardy added another double to his collection at AnfieldJurgen Klopp's half-time trio of changes had the desired effect from the restart as Liverpool upped the tempo and, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's 20-yard curler aside, were untroubled at the back after the break.
It took 22 minutes for them to find a way back into the match when Minamino turned Wilfred Ndidi and found Jota to fire past Kasper Schmeichel from just inside the area, and though the pressure continued, it appeared any hope of a leveller may be beyond the hosts.
That was until the fifth of six minutes of second-half injury-time - when Ndidi allowed Milner's ball to bounce over him and reach Minamino, who controlled it well before his composed finish sent the tie to penalties.
Thomas' poor spot-kick appeared to be the moment which would finally seal the turnaround in Liverpool's favour when Kelleher dived to deny him, but Minamino then shot against the woodwork from 12 yards to deny himself the plaudits for the second time on the night.
Bertrand gave Liverpool a second chance to seal their progression with another poor penalty and this time Jota took full advantage, burying the ball in the far corner to set up a semi-final date with Arsenal in the new year.
Sky Sports
Liverpool mounted a stunning last-minute comeback before beating Leicester on penalties after a 3-3 draw to reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup at Anfield.
The Reds, with 10 changes from the side which drew at Tottenham on Sunday, were cut apart at will before half-time with Jamie Vardy on target twice in four minutes (9, 13) and denied a hat-trick by the width of the post.
An Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain strike kept Liverpool in the game early on (19) before James Maddison's 25-yard stunner restored the Foxes' two-goal advantage (33).
Three half-time changes turned the balance of the game in the hosts' favour with Diogo Jota, James Milner and Ibrahima Konate introduced, and midway through the second period Jota's smart finish gave the Reds hope from Takumi Minamino's perfect tee-up.
Another 20 minutes of incessant Liverpool pressure appeared insufficient to keep their cup dream alive - until Minamino pulled them level in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time to take the tie to penalties.
Image:Takumi Minamino is the first Liverpool player to score in three successive League Cup games since Vladimir Smicer in 2003After six perfect spot-kicks, Luke Thomas' tame effort was kept out by Caoimhin Kelleher, but with the chance to send the Reds through Minamino blasted the hosts' fifth penalty against the bar.
After Kelleher again leapt to deny Ryan Bertrand, Jota made no mistake in sudden death, sending Liverpool into the last four to face Arsenal and leaving Leicester to ponder how victory slipped from their grasp.
Despite a young Liverpool side, including Tyler Morton, Neco Williams, Billy Koumetio and Conor Bradley, looking comfortable early on, the hosts found themselves 2-0 down in the blink of an eye with a pair of goals which owed something to youthful naivety.
First, Koumetio left Vardy space on the right of the box to fire in from a narrow angle past Kelleher's despairing dive, then Bradley was caught up the pitch as Leicester countered down the left, with Thomas' ball finding Patson Daka, whose cross was buried by the veteran forward.
A breathless opening continued as Oxlade-Chamberlain buried Roberto Firmino's clever lay-off, but the hopes of a recovery took a dent when Maddison fired a wonderful 25-yard effort into the top of the net which was past Kelleher before he had time to react.
Moments later Vardy could have put the result beyond doubt from a Leicester counter following a poor Joe Gomez pass into midfield, but he struck the base of the far post with Kelleher again beaten.
Image:Leicester top scorer Jamie Vardy added another double to his collection at AnfieldJurgen Klopp's half-time trio of changes had the desired effect from the restart as Liverpool upped the tempo and, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's 20-yard curler aside, were untroubled at the back after the break.
It took 22 minutes for them to find a way back into the match when Minamino turned Wilfred Ndidi and found Jota to fire past Kasper Schmeichel from just inside the area, and though the pressure continued, it appeared any hope of a leveller may be beyond the hosts.
That was until the fifth of six minutes of second-half injury-time - when Ndidi allowed Milner's ball to bounce over him and reach Minamino, who controlled it well before his composed finish sent the tie to penalties.
Thomas' poor spot-kick appeared to be the moment which would finally seal the turnaround in Liverpool's favour when Kelleher dived to deny him, but Minamino then shot against the woodwork from 12 yards to deny himself the plaudits for the second time on the night.
Bertrand gave Liverpool a second chance to seal their progression with another poor penalty and this time Jota took full advantage, burying the ball in the far corner to set up a semi-final date with Arsenal in the new year.
Sky Sports
Premier League: Clubs to fulfil fixture list despite Covid-19 disruption
Premier League clubs have chosen to fulfil festive fixtures despite ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19 cases.
The league's 20 clubs met on Monday to discuss how they could deal with the challenges faced after six fixtures were postponed because of Covid-19 numbers over the weekend
The postponement of a round of games over Christmas was a possibility.
No vote took place and so two rounds of fixtures are in place across five days from 26 December.
It had been expected that game week 20, starting on 28 December, would be postponed in order to ease the pressure on Premier League squads.
Instead, clubs have been advised if they have 13 fit players, plus a goalkeeper, they should fulfil their games.
There are however talks between clubs and authorities to scrap FA Cup replays in rounds three and four, and to reduce EFL Cup semi-final ties to one-leg matches.
Last week, Premier League players returned 42 positive Covid-19 tests in a seven-day period, the highest number since the start of the pandemic. Updated figures for the most recent seven-day period are expected later on Monday.
In Sunday's Premier League fixtures, Chelsea named just six substitutes for their draw at Wolves and Liverpool drew at Tottenham without a number of first-team names.
Five of Saturday's six fixtures were called off. Chelsea tried to get Sunday's fixture at Wolves postponed and boss Thomas Tuchel said his players were put at "huge risk... not just because of Covid but also physically".
It is understood Liverpool were among a group of clubs who pushed for the postponement of game week 20.
After Sunday's draw at Spurs, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said playing on 26 and 28 December was not feasible.
"It's impossible, we don't have the players," Klopp said. "We have to think we will get an extra case or two. We cannot just push it all through. The 26th and 28th, that's not possible. We would prefer to play but we need help with the fixtures."
The seven Premier League teams still in the Carabao Cup face ties on 21 and 22 December and will play three Premier League fixtures between then and 2 January.
BBC
Premier League clubs have chosen to fulfil festive fixtures despite ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19 cases.
The league's 20 clubs met on Monday to discuss how they could deal with the challenges faced after six fixtures were postponed because of Covid-19 numbers over the weekend
The postponement of a round of games over Christmas was a possibility.
No vote took place and so two rounds of fixtures are in place across five days from 26 December.
It had been expected that game week 20, starting on 28 December, would be postponed in order to ease the pressure on Premier League squads.
Instead, clubs have been advised if they have 13 fit players, plus a goalkeeper, they should fulfil their games.
There are however talks between clubs and authorities to scrap FA Cup replays in rounds three and four, and to reduce EFL Cup semi-final ties to one-leg matches.
Last week, Premier League players returned 42 positive Covid-19 tests in a seven-day period, the highest number since the start of the pandemic. Updated figures for the most recent seven-day period are expected later on Monday.
In Sunday's Premier League fixtures, Chelsea named just six substitutes for their draw at Wolves and Liverpool drew at Tottenham without a number of first-team names.
Five of Saturday's six fixtures were called off. Chelsea tried to get Sunday's fixture at Wolves postponed and boss Thomas Tuchel said his players were put at "huge risk... not just because of Covid but also physically".
It is understood Liverpool were among a group of clubs who pushed for the postponement of game week 20.
After Sunday's draw at Spurs, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said playing on 26 and 28 December was not feasible.
"It's impossible, we don't have the players," Klopp said. "We have to think we will get an extra case or two. We cannot just push it all through. The 26th and 28th, that's not possible. We would prefer to play but we need help with the fixtures."
The seven Premier League teams still in the Carabao Cup face ties on 21 and 22 December and will play three Premier League fixtures between then and 2 January.
BBC
Leicester City handed Europa Conference League boost after UEFA ruling
Leicester City are among the favourites to win the competition after being knocked out of the UEFA Europa League
Leicester City are the only English team left in the UEFA Conference League.
It comes after Tottenham Hotspur were expelled from the competition by UEFA.
Having had their Conference League match against Rennes postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak, Tottenham were looking for options to get the match played.
They tried to push for their Premier League match against Leicester last Thursday to be postponed so they could place against Rennes that day instead.
That attempt was blocked by the Premier League, though the Leicester match was eventually postponed on the day of the match.
UEFA have now ruled that Tottenham "forfeited" their match against Rennes and the French side have been handed a 3-0 victory.
It now means Tottenham are out of the competition, though they are "considering their response to the decision, according to our sister title football.london.
Leicester will be boosted by the outcome as the two clubs were favourites to win the competition.
UEFA's statement on the matter reads: "Following several positive cases of COVID-19 that were identified from players and staff of Tottenham Hotspur FC, the 2021/22 UEFA Europa Conference League group stage match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Stade Rennais FC - scheduled to be played on 9 December 2021 in London, United Kingdom – could not be played.
"The matter was submitted to the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body, for a decision to be taken in accordance with Annex J of the Regulations of the UEFA Europa Conference League (2021/22 Season). Based on the Article 30 (4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations and given the urgent circumstances of the matter, the ad-hoc chairman of the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body referred the case to the Appeals Body.
"The Chairman of the UEFA Appeals Body took the following decision: To declare the 2021/22 UEFA Europa Conference League group stage match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Stade Rennais FC, that was initially scheduled to be played on 9 December 2021, as forfeited by Tottenham Hotspur FC, who is therefore deemed to have lost the match 0-3 in accordance with Annex J.3.1 to the Regulations of the UEFA Europa Conference League (2021/22 Season)."
Leicester Mercury
Leicester City are among the favourites to win the competition after being knocked out of the UEFA Europa League
Leicester City are the only English team left in the UEFA Conference League.
It comes after Tottenham Hotspur were expelled from the competition by UEFA.
Having had their Conference League match against Rennes postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak, Tottenham were looking for options to get the match played.
They tried to push for their Premier League match against Leicester last Thursday to be postponed so they could place against Rennes that day instead.
That attempt was blocked by the Premier League, though the Leicester match was eventually postponed on the day of the match.
UEFA have now ruled that Tottenham "forfeited" their match against Rennes and the French side have been handed a 3-0 victory.
It now means Tottenham are out of the competition, though they are "considering their response to the decision, according to our sister title football.london.
Leicester will be boosted by the outcome as the two clubs were favourites to win the competition.
UEFA's statement on the matter reads: "Following several positive cases of COVID-19 that were identified from players and staff of Tottenham Hotspur FC, the 2021/22 UEFA Europa Conference League group stage match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Stade Rennais FC - scheduled to be played on 9 December 2021 in London, United Kingdom – could not be played.
"The matter was submitted to the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body, for a decision to be taken in accordance with Annex J of the Regulations of the UEFA Europa Conference League (2021/22 Season). Based on the Article 30 (4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations and given the urgent circumstances of the matter, the ad-hoc chairman of the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body referred the case to the Appeals Body.
"The Chairman of the UEFA Appeals Body took the following decision: To declare the 2021/22 UEFA Europa Conference League group stage match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Stade Rennais FC, that was initially scheduled to be played on 9 December 2021, as forfeited by Tottenham Hotspur FC, who is therefore deemed to have lost the match 0-3 in accordance with Annex J.3.1 to the Regulations of the UEFA Europa Conference League (2021/22 Season)."
Leicester Mercury
Youri Tielemans' Leicester City future is in doubt but one thing is not
The Belgian midfielder has been named Fans' Footballer of the Year for 2021, but there are question marks over whether he will be around to be a nominee in 2022
In 12 months’ time, it is not clear if Youri Tielemans will be a Leicester City player.
So, supporters need to enjoy it while it lasts. Because he certainly is.
The City Fans’ Footballer of the Year for 2021 has been in contract talks at the King Power Stadium for pretty much the whole of the past 12 months. That it is not yet signed suggests he may never do so.
And then, come next summer, City may feel they have to sell him to make a bit of money, rather than losing him on a free transfer the following year.
But because of the lack of resolution to those contract talks, there are pockets of the fanbase that suggest, when he doesn’t quite hit the incredible standards he’s set for himself, that he doesn’t want to be at City, as if he produces below-par performances because his mind is elsewhere.
But watch him closely and his passion can not be doubted. The final 10 of the first half in City’s last outing, the 4-0 drubbing of Newcastle, proved that.
First, he won the penalty, and in more ways than one. He pressed hard and high to rob Jonjo Shelvey, and then when James Maddison went down under Jamaal Lascelles’ challenge, he cleverly stopped, forcing referee Peter Bankes to make a decision.
The decision was to point to the spot, and Tielemans slammed the penalty into the top corner. He celebrated with glee. There was no apathy towards adding a goal to his City tally – he was loving it.
Moments later, he was putting his body on the line, heading clear a set-piece as he was barged to the ground by one of Newcastle’s big men.
Just after that, he battled away in the corner to win a throw-in. When the assistant pointed the flag City’s way, he celebrated with a fist pump. Yes, just because he had won a throw-in.
They were not the actions of a player who wished to be wearing another club’s shirt.
The Newcastle match was also a reminder of how good he is, and how influential he is to the club’s success.
After a rare injury, Tielemans had been out of action for a month. There was so much City had missed. There’s the obvious stuff, like the passes between the lines, the vision to anticipate team-mates’ runs, the connecting of defence and attack, the unwavering focus on moving the ball into forward areas, no matter where and how he receives it.
Then there is more subtle play. There is the intelligence of knowing when to speed up the tempo and when to slow it down, there is the positioning to offer an outlet to team-mates who are under pressure, there are the instructions on when to press hard. He is Rodgers’ “coach on the pitch” after all.
He can add a spectacular goal or two as well. The strikes against Manchester United and Brentford were terrific and the FA Cup final goal, for many City fans, will be their favourite of their decades supporting the club.
He is a genuine world-class player. He is capable of playing in any midfield in the world, and will improve a lot of the clubs that are of a higher profile than City. Fans know that, he knows that, and the club knows that.
And so that’s why it’s important to enjoy what is left of his time at the King Power Stadium. It may be that 2021 is his last full year at the club. City will hope not. Supporters will hope they get to vote for him in the Fans’ Footballer of the Year for 2022.
But if not, they should be rest assured that he will play with the passion as he always has done for the next six months.
Leicester Mercury
The Belgian midfielder has been named Fans' Footballer of the Year for 2021, but there are question marks over whether he will be around to be a nominee in 2022
In 12 months’ time, it is not clear if Youri Tielemans will be a Leicester City player.
So, supporters need to enjoy it while it lasts. Because he certainly is.
The City Fans’ Footballer of the Year for 2021 has been in contract talks at the King Power Stadium for pretty much the whole of the past 12 months. That it is not yet signed suggests he may never do so.
And then, come next summer, City may feel they have to sell him to make a bit of money, rather than losing him on a free transfer the following year.
But because of the lack of resolution to those contract talks, there are pockets of the fanbase that suggest, when he doesn’t quite hit the incredible standards he’s set for himself, that he doesn’t want to be at City, as if he produces below-par performances because his mind is elsewhere.
But watch him closely and his passion can not be doubted. The final 10 of the first half in City’s last outing, the 4-0 drubbing of Newcastle, proved that.
First, he won the penalty, and in more ways than one. He pressed hard and high to rob Jonjo Shelvey, and then when James Maddison went down under Jamaal Lascelles’ challenge, he cleverly stopped, forcing referee Peter Bankes to make a decision.
The decision was to point to the spot, and Tielemans slammed the penalty into the top corner. He celebrated with glee. There was no apathy towards adding a goal to his City tally – he was loving it.
Moments later, he was putting his body on the line, heading clear a set-piece as he was barged to the ground by one of Newcastle’s big men.
Just after that, he battled away in the corner to win a throw-in. When the assistant pointed the flag City’s way, he celebrated with a fist pump. Yes, just because he had won a throw-in.
They were not the actions of a player who wished to be wearing another club’s shirt.
The Newcastle match was also a reminder of how good he is, and how influential he is to the club’s success.
After a rare injury, Tielemans had been out of action for a month. There was so much City had missed. There’s the obvious stuff, like the passes between the lines, the vision to anticipate team-mates’ runs, the connecting of defence and attack, the unwavering focus on moving the ball into forward areas, no matter where and how he receives it.
Then there is more subtle play. There is the intelligence of knowing when to speed up the tempo and when to slow it down, there is the positioning to offer an outlet to team-mates who are under pressure, there are the instructions on when to press hard. He is Rodgers’ “coach on the pitch” after all.
He can add a spectacular goal or two as well. The strikes against Manchester United and Brentford were terrific and the FA Cup final goal, for many City fans, will be their favourite of their decades supporting the club.
He is a genuine world-class player. He is capable of playing in any midfield in the world, and will improve a lot of the clubs that are of a higher profile than City. Fans know that, he knows that, and the club knows that.
And so that’s why it’s important to enjoy what is left of his time at the King Power Stadium. It may be that 2021 is his last full year at the club. City will hope not. Supporters will hope they get to vote for him in the Fans’ Footballer of the Year for 2022.
But if not, they should be rest assured that he will play with the passion as he always has done for the next six months.
Leicester Mercury
Leicester City player of 2021 revealed as supporters vote for star man
Leicester City supporters have been voting in their thousands to decide the club's best performer of this calendar year, with Jonny Evans, Kelechi Iheanacho, Youri Tielemans, and Jamie Vardy the nominees
He is the brain of Brendan Rodgers’ side, he is the key cog in Leicester City’s midfield, and he is fans’ footballer of the year for 2021.
Yes, Youri Tielemans received your votes to be named the top performer at the King Power Stadium this calendar year, beating off competition from Jamie Vardy, Jonny Evans, and Kelechi Iheanacho.
It has been a terrific 12 months for the Belgian, with the standout moment coming in the FA Cup final in May, a 25-yard arrow to the top corner earning City the prestigious trophy for the first time in their history, and ensuring Tielemans’ name will never be forgotten by the supporters there to witness his strike.
But he is so much more than one goal. In October, he scored two goal-of-the-season contenders in back-to-back matches, delicately floating a shot into the top corner against Manchester United, then hammering a bouncing ball into the net at Brentford.
Even this month, as he made his return to Premier League action after a month out with injury, he scored two more as his presence helped City to their biggest win of the season.
But it’s not the goals that City need him for, it’s the vision and the passing. There are few players in the league who can split the eye of a needle like Tielemans can.
He does it a few times a match to get City on the front foot, and occasionally carves open the defence to grab an assist, with the ball through to Iheanacho at Brighton in March the most memorable pass played by the 24-year-old.
These magic moments, combined with his influence on the pitch, saw him receive 48 per cent of the vote for City’s Fans’ Footballer of the Year.
Evergreen Vardy, who turned creator for Iheanacho in the first half of 2021 before firing in the goals more recently, was second with 32 per cent.
Defensive leader Evans and a rejuvenated Iheanacho both finished with 10 per cent, with the former receiving just three more votes to clinch third spot.
Leicester Mercury
Leicester City supporters have been voting in their thousands to decide the club's best performer of this calendar year, with Jonny Evans, Kelechi Iheanacho, Youri Tielemans, and Jamie Vardy the nominees
He is the brain of Brendan Rodgers’ side, he is the key cog in Leicester City’s midfield, and he is fans’ footballer of the year for 2021.
Yes, Youri Tielemans received your votes to be named the top performer at the King Power Stadium this calendar year, beating off competition from Jamie Vardy, Jonny Evans, and Kelechi Iheanacho.
It has been a terrific 12 months for the Belgian, with the standout moment coming in the FA Cup final in May, a 25-yard arrow to the top corner earning City the prestigious trophy for the first time in their history, and ensuring Tielemans’ name will never be forgotten by the supporters there to witness his strike.
But he is so much more than one goal. In October, he scored two goal-of-the-season contenders in back-to-back matches, delicately floating a shot into the top corner against Manchester United, then hammering a bouncing ball into the net at Brentford.
Even this month, as he made his return to Premier League action after a month out with injury, he scored two more as his presence helped City to their biggest win of the season.
But it’s not the goals that City need him for, it’s the vision and the passing. There are few players in the league who can split the eye of a needle like Tielemans can.
He does it a few times a match to get City on the front foot, and occasionally carves open the defence to grab an assist, with the ball through to Iheanacho at Brighton in March the most memorable pass played by the 24-year-old.
These magic moments, combined with his influence on the pitch, saw him receive 48 per cent of the vote for City’s Fans’ Footballer of the Year.
Evergreen Vardy, who turned creator for Iheanacho in the first half of 2021 before firing in the goals more recently, was second with 32 per cent.
Defensive leader Evans and a rejuvenated Iheanacho both finished with 10 per cent, with the former receiving just three more votes to clinch third spot.
Leicester Mercury
How Lee Congerton exit will affect Leicester City's January transfer window
The head of recruitment is expected to depart the King Power Stadium, and has been linked to Italian side Atalanta, less than two weeks before the winter market opens
Lee Congerton’s exit at Leicester City should not cause too much disruption to the club’s January transfer window.
The head of recruitment, who followed Brendan Rodgers to the King Power Stadium from Celtic in early 2019, is set to leave the club after nearly three years, with reports suggesting he will take over as general manager of Italian side Atalanta.
With less than a fortnight to go until the opening of the January transfer window, it does not seem like ideal timing as City consider their business in the winter market.
However, much of the work for January will already be completed. Rodgers, Congerton, and director of football Jon Rudkin hold regular transfer meetings, with the manager saying in November that he had been involved in some in preparation for January.
City’s general plan for transfer windows is to pick out the position where they feel they need to recruit, and then, using analytics and more traditional scouting methods, they will settle on a shortlist of three players who fit the bill. It is then up to Congerton and Rudkin to try to negotiate any deals.
But in terms of identifying the players that City will try to bring in, which is much of Congerton’s work in the recruitment team, that has already been done.
Before the summer, City were being linked to Patson Daka and Boubakary Soumare months before the window opened, with the duo identified well in advance of the market.
City also develop pipelines of players, so they know who they can turn to in the event that one of the current squad members departs.
Where Congerton’s exit may have an impact is if City have to change their plans for the window at short notice.
That happened in the summer, when Wesley Fofana broke his leg in the final pre-season game, forcing the club to go into the market for a new centre-back, with Jannik Vestergaard signed. City will hope to avoid such situations next month, but they cannot be ruled out.
Plus, it seems unlikely that City will be particularly busy in January. Rodgers has already cast doubt over the business the club might do by saying there’s no money to work with, and that they would “make do with what they have”.
Loan deals will not be out of the question though, especially if fringe players exit.
Some of those expected to go, like Papy Mendy, will not need replacing, but if Hamza Choudhury nears a move again, as was the case last January and in the summer, City may seek a stand-in.
Leicester Mercury
The head of recruitment is expected to depart the King Power Stadium, and has been linked to Italian side Atalanta, less than two weeks before the winter market opens
Lee Congerton’s exit at Leicester City should not cause too much disruption to the club’s January transfer window.
The head of recruitment, who followed Brendan Rodgers to the King Power Stadium from Celtic in early 2019, is set to leave the club after nearly three years, with reports suggesting he will take over as general manager of Italian side Atalanta.
With less than a fortnight to go until the opening of the January transfer window, it does not seem like ideal timing as City consider their business in the winter market.
However, much of the work for January will already be completed. Rodgers, Congerton, and director of football Jon Rudkin hold regular transfer meetings, with the manager saying in November that he had been involved in some in preparation for January.
City’s general plan for transfer windows is to pick out the position where they feel they need to recruit, and then, using analytics and more traditional scouting methods, they will settle on a shortlist of three players who fit the bill. It is then up to Congerton and Rudkin to try to negotiate any deals.
But in terms of identifying the players that City will try to bring in, which is much of Congerton’s work in the recruitment team, that has already been done.
Before the summer, City were being linked to Patson Daka and Boubakary Soumare months before the window opened, with the duo identified well in advance of the market.
City also develop pipelines of players, so they know who they can turn to in the event that one of the current squad members departs.
Where Congerton’s exit may have an impact is if City have to change their plans for the window at short notice.
That happened in the summer, when Wesley Fofana broke his leg in the final pre-season game, forcing the club to go into the market for a new centre-back, with Jannik Vestergaard signed. City will hope to avoid such situations next month, but they cannot be ruled out.
Plus, it seems unlikely that City will be particularly busy in January. Rodgers has already cast doubt over the business the club might do by saying there’s no money to work with, and that they would “make do with what they have”.
Loan deals will not be out of the question though, especially if fringe players exit.
Some of those expected to go, like Papy Mendy, will not need replacing, but if Hamza Choudhury nears a move again, as was the case last January and in the summer, City may seek a stand-in.
Leicester Mercury
Key Leicester City man set for shock Serie A switch
Congerton worked with Brendan Rodgers at Chelsea, Liverpool and Celtic before the duo reunited at Leicester City in 2019
Leicester City's head of recruitment Lee Congerton is reportedly on the verge of joining Atalanta.
Congerton, who worked with Brendan Rodgers at Chelsea, Liverpool and Celtic; looks set to join the Serie A side as their new General Manager.
That's according to The Athletic's David Ornstein, who reports that Congerton is "likely to exit imminently".
Atalanta, who play in Serie A, have qualified for the Champions League three years in a row and Congerton is being lined up for one of the most senior positions at the club.
Ornstein reports: "Congerton’s impending departure will catch many by surprise but it is thought to be amicable and — should everything go to plan — he is expected to become general manager at the Serie A side.
"However, sources close to Leicester insist no deal has been agreed yet and there has not been contact between the clubs."
He adds: "Barring any late hitches, Congerton will go with Leicester’s blessing".
City are used to losing their recruitment staff over the years, with many moving on to pastures new.
Two of the clubs' former heads of technical scouting, Rob Mackenzie and Ben Wrigglesworth, now have senior positions at Aston Villa and Wolves respectively.
Ollie Waldron, who was also head of technical scouting as well as senior scout co-ordinator, spent two years at Bordeaux and is now back in English football with Norwich City.
Leicester Mercury
Congerton worked with Brendan Rodgers at Chelsea, Liverpool and Celtic before the duo reunited at Leicester City in 2019
Leicester City's head of recruitment Lee Congerton is reportedly on the verge of joining Atalanta.
Congerton, who worked with Brendan Rodgers at Chelsea, Liverpool and Celtic; looks set to join the Serie A side as their new General Manager.
That's according to The Athletic's David Ornstein, who reports that Congerton is "likely to exit imminently".
Atalanta, who play in Serie A, have qualified for the Champions League three years in a row and Congerton is being lined up for one of the most senior positions at the club.
Ornstein reports: "Congerton’s impending departure will catch many by surprise but it is thought to be amicable and — should everything go to plan — he is expected to become general manager at the Serie A side.
"However, sources close to Leicester insist no deal has been agreed yet and there has not been contact between the clubs."
He adds: "Barring any late hitches, Congerton will go with Leicester’s blessing".
City are used to losing their recruitment staff over the years, with many moving on to pastures new.
Two of the clubs' former heads of technical scouting, Rob Mackenzie and Ben Wrigglesworth, now have senior positions at Aston Villa and Wolves respectively.
Ollie Waldron, who was also head of technical scouting as well as senior scout co-ordinator, spent two years at Bordeaux and is now back in English football with Norwich City.
Leicester Mercury
Leicester vs Tottenham & Everton v Leicester
Premier League fixture postponed following Covid-19 outbreak
Tottenham are facing mounting fixture congestion after a third consecutive postponement; Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers said on Wednesday that the Premier League had rejected a request for the game to be postponed
Tottenham's Premier League match against Leicester on Thursday has been postponed due to Covid-19 outbreaks, Sky Sports News has been told.
It is the third consecutive postponement involving Tottenham, after their Europa Conference League match against Rennes and last weekend's Premier League game against Brighton were also called off.
Those postponements came after a total of eight players and five members of staff tested positive at the north London club had tested positive for Covid-19. Leicester are also dealing with a coronavirus outbreak, with manager Brendan Rodgers having said on Wednesday that he was "disappointed" the Premier League had rejected a request from the Foxes for the fixture to be postponed.
The postponement comes hours after Brentford head coach Thomas Frank called on the Premier League to suspend this weekend's round of fixtures, with several top-flight clubs struggling to contain Covid-19 outbreaks.
Leicester City Football Club can also confirm that Sunday’s Premier League visit to Everton has now been postponed after a meeting of the Premier League Board.
The decision, which follows the postponement of Thursday evening’s fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, was again taken with guidance from medical advisors in light of further positive tests for COVID-19 within Leicester City’s First Team Squad over the last 24 hours.
First Team operations at Seagrave remain closed for a period of 48 hours to reduce the risk of further infection.
What are the Premier League rules around postponements?
The 2021/22 Premier League handbook includes Covid protocols, and states the Premier League board will "only permit the rearrangement or postponement of a league match in exceptional circumstances".
The board make calls on a case-by-case basis, and by way of guidance, the Premier League says permission for a postponement will not be granted if a club have 14 or more players from their squad list available.
In a statement, the Premier League added it would "assess a number of factors, including the ability of a club to field a team; the status, severity and potential impact of the Covid-19 outbreak at the club; and the ability of the players to safely prepare for and play the match.
"The Board must also consider the wider risks to the opposition and other people the club may come into contact with."
Sky Sports / LCFC.Com
Premier League fixture postponed following Covid-19 outbreak
Tottenham are facing mounting fixture congestion after a third consecutive postponement; Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers said on Wednesday that the Premier League had rejected a request for the game to be postponed
Tottenham's Premier League match against Leicester on Thursday has been postponed due to Covid-19 outbreaks, Sky Sports News has been told.
It is the third consecutive postponement involving Tottenham, after their Europa Conference League match against Rennes and last weekend's Premier League game against Brighton were also called off.
Those postponements came after a total of eight players and five members of staff tested positive at the north London club had tested positive for Covid-19. Leicester are also dealing with a coronavirus outbreak, with manager Brendan Rodgers having said on Wednesday that he was "disappointed" the Premier League had rejected a request from the Foxes for the fixture to be postponed.
The postponement comes hours after Brentford head coach Thomas Frank called on the Premier League to suspend this weekend's round of fixtures, with several top-flight clubs struggling to contain Covid-19 outbreaks.
Leicester City Football Club can also confirm that Sunday’s Premier League visit to Everton has now been postponed after a meeting of the Premier League Board.
The decision, which follows the postponement of Thursday evening’s fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, was again taken with guidance from medical advisors in light of further positive tests for COVID-19 within Leicester City’s First Team Squad over the last 24 hours.
First Team operations at Seagrave remain closed for a period of 48 hours to reduce the risk of further infection.
What are the Premier League rules around postponements?
The 2021/22 Premier League handbook includes Covid protocols, and states the Premier League board will "only permit the rearrangement or postponement of a league match in exceptional circumstances".
The board make calls on a case-by-case basis, and by way of guidance, the Premier League says permission for a postponement will not be granted if a club have 14 or more players from their squad list available.
In a statement, the Premier League added it would "assess a number of factors, including the ability of a club to field a team; the status, severity and potential impact of the Covid-19 outbreak at the club; and the ability of the players to safely prepare for and play the match.
"The Board must also consider the wider risks to the opposition and other people the club may come into contact with."
Sky Sports / LCFC.Com
Leicester City 4-0 Newcastle
4 goals and a clean sheet for only the 2nd time in the League this season but Evans again replaced due to injury
Youri Tielemans scored twice as Leicester City bounced back from their Europa League exit to earn an emphatic Premier League victory over Newcastle United at the King Power Stadium.
Making his first Premier League start since 7 November following a calf injury, Tielemans converted a 38th-minute penalty after Jamaal Lascelles was adjudged to have brought down James Maddison.
A quality attacking move, initiated by Maddison's sublime pass for Harvey Barnes using the outside of his boot, resulted in a simple finish for Patson Daka as the Foxes moved out of sight in the second half.
After Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel did brilliantly to sprint back and prevent a Timothy Castagne own-goal, Tielemans was set up by Maddison for his second before the England midfielder got the goal his impressive performance deserved with five minutes remaining.
Brendan Rodgers' side - eliminated from the Europa League group stage with a 3-2 defeat by Napoli on Thursday - move up to eighth in the table after only a second victory in seven league games.
Newcastle, meanwhile, remain in the relegation places and three points from safety.
While there is plenty of time for Rodgers to discover what the Europa Conference League is following their midweek European disappointment, the immediate concern was to address his side's porous defence after a week in which the Leicester boss was once again left to rue defensive "naivety".
A squad already depleted by illness was dealt an immediate blow in that regard, as centre-back Jonny Evans was forced off with a hamstring injury six minutes into his 100th Premier League appearance for the club - leaving Wilfred Ndidi to assume the role of makeshift centre-back.
Despite that setback the Foxes registered a first clean sheet in 17 matches in all competitions against a Newcastle side which managed just three shots on target, though Castagne was indebted to Schmeichel's heroic goal-saving clearance.
In the absence of top scorer Jamie Vardy, rested after playing the full 90 minutes in Naples, it was Maddison who made the difference for the hosts in attack.
Though Newcastle will feel aggrieved over the penalty - awarded after Maddison darted into the box and connected with Lascelles' outstretched leg - the visitors' defence was left helpless by slick Leicester play in the second half.
Leicester 4-0 Newcastle: Scoreline 'really harsh' says Magpies manager HoweThe Foxes, whose aspirations of improving on consecutive fifth-place finishes had begun to fade following an inconsistent start, appeared back to their ruthless best as they produced three quality goals to move within six points of the top four.
Maddison followed up his pivotal role in Daka's goal by unselfishly teeing up Tielemans for the Belgian's second, before exchanging passes with Daka to score late on.
Relieved to see the end of their 14-game winless start against fellow bottom-three side Burnley last weekend, a Newcastle side keen to maintain momentum initially harried an uncertain Leicester defence but Miguel Almiron fired into the side netting and the Paraguayan again failed to capitalise after robbing Caglar Soyuncu of possession early on.
That first win appears of even greater significance when placed in the context of the fixtures awaiting Eddie Howe's side before the end of the year - with matches against Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United to follow this heavy defeat.
BBC
4 goals and a clean sheet for only the 2nd time in the League this season but Evans again replaced due to injury
Youri Tielemans scored twice as Leicester City bounced back from their Europa League exit to earn an emphatic Premier League victory over Newcastle United at the King Power Stadium.
Making his first Premier League start since 7 November following a calf injury, Tielemans converted a 38th-minute penalty after Jamaal Lascelles was adjudged to have brought down James Maddison.
A quality attacking move, initiated by Maddison's sublime pass for Harvey Barnes using the outside of his boot, resulted in a simple finish for Patson Daka as the Foxes moved out of sight in the second half.
After Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel did brilliantly to sprint back and prevent a Timothy Castagne own-goal, Tielemans was set up by Maddison for his second before the England midfielder got the goal his impressive performance deserved with five minutes remaining.
Brendan Rodgers' side - eliminated from the Europa League group stage with a 3-2 defeat by Napoli on Thursday - move up to eighth in the table after only a second victory in seven league games.
Newcastle, meanwhile, remain in the relegation places and three points from safety.
While there is plenty of time for Rodgers to discover what the Europa Conference League is following their midweek European disappointment, the immediate concern was to address his side's porous defence after a week in which the Leicester boss was once again left to rue defensive "naivety".
A squad already depleted by illness was dealt an immediate blow in that regard, as centre-back Jonny Evans was forced off with a hamstring injury six minutes into his 100th Premier League appearance for the club - leaving Wilfred Ndidi to assume the role of makeshift centre-back.
Despite that setback the Foxes registered a first clean sheet in 17 matches in all competitions against a Newcastle side which managed just three shots on target, though Castagne was indebted to Schmeichel's heroic goal-saving clearance.
In the absence of top scorer Jamie Vardy, rested after playing the full 90 minutes in Naples, it was Maddison who made the difference for the hosts in attack.
Though Newcastle will feel aggrieved over the penalty - awarded after Maddison darted into the box and connected with Lascelles' outstretched leg - the visitors' defence was left helpless by slick Leicester play in the second half.
Leicester 4-0 Newcastle: Scoreline 'really harsh' says Magpies manager HoweThe Foxes, whose aspirations of improving on consecutive fifth-place finishes had begun to fade following an inconsistent start, appeared back to their ruthless best as they produced three quality goals to move within six points of the top four.
Maddison followed up his pivotal role in Daka's goal by unselfishly teeing up Tielemans for the Belgian's second, before exchanging passes with Daka to score late on.
Relieved to see the end of their 14-game winless start against fellow bottom-three side Burnley last weekend, a Newcastle side keen to maintain momentum initially harried an uncertain Leicester defence but Miguel Almiron fired into the side netting and the Paraguayan again failed to capitalise after robbing Caglar Soyuncu of possession early on.
That first win appears of even greater significance when placed in the context of the fixtures awaiting Eddie Howe's side before the end of the year - with matches against Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United to follow this heavy defeat.
BBC
Napoli 3-2 Leicester City
Goals from Evans & Dewsbury Hall prove insufficient as the Foxes lose in Italy and drop into the Europa Conference League
NAPOLI dumped wasteful Leicester into a Europa Conference League play-off with a dramatic win.
But the Foxes would still have made the Europa League KO stages above Spartak Moscow if Legia Warsaw had not missed a 98TH MINUTE penalty in their 1-0 defeat in Russia.
Leicester City were made to pay for their slack defending as hosts Napoli advanced in the Europa League at their expense.
The Foxes had started the evening in pole position to advance from Group C but will now drop into the Europa Conference League knockout play-offs in February.
Adam Ounas' early goal set the tone for an error-strewn display from Brendan Rodgers' side, with Caglar Soyuncu's ill-advised pass contributing heavily to Algeria winger Ounas scoring his first goal for Napoli since April 2019.
Ryan Bertrand was at fault as Luciano Spalletti's side extended their lead, playing Andrea Petagna onside, with the forward in turn squaring for Eljif Elmas to tap home. But the Foxes responded in superb fashion with Jonny Evans driving in an immediate response after a free-kick was only partially cleared and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall levelling matters with a superb left-foot volley from the edge of the penalty area.
However, another defensive lapse, from a Leicester side whose last clean sheet came on the opening day of the Premier League season, proved decisive.
Bertrand, Harvey Barnes and Timothy Castagne were all guilty of not marking tightly enough as Giovanni di Lorenzo picked out Elmas, who allowed the ball to run across his body before driving it into the bottom right corner.
The Sun/BBC
Goals from Evans & Dewsbury Hall prove insufficient as the Foxes lose in Italy and drop into the Europa Conference League
NAPOLI dumped wasteful Leicester into a Europa Conference League play-off with a dramatic win.
But the Foxes would still have made the Europa League KO stages above Spartak Moscow if Legia Warsaw had not missed a 98TH MINUTE penalty in their 1-0 defeat in Russia.
Leicester City were made to pay for their slack defending as hosts Napoli advanced in the Europa League at their expense.
The Foxes had started the evening in pole position to advance from Group C but will now drop into the Europa Conference League knockout play-offs in February.
Adam Ounas' early goal set the tone for an error-strewn display from Brendan Rodgers' side, with Caglar Soyuncu's ill-advised pass contributing heavily to Algeria winger Ounas scoring his first goal for Napoli since April 2019.
Ryan Bertrand was at fault as Luciano Spalletti's side extended their lead, playing Andrea Petagna onside, with the forward in turn squaring for Eljif Elmas to tap home. But the Foxes responded in superb fashion with Jonny Evans driving in an immediate response after a free-kick was only partially cleared and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall levelling matters with a superb left-foot volley from the edge of the penalty area.
However, another defensive lapse, from a Leicester side whose last clean sheet came on the opening day of the Premier League season, proved decisive.
Bertrand, Harvey Barnes and Timothy Castagne were all guilty of not marking tightly enough as Giovanni di Lorenzo picked out Elmas, who allowed the ball to run across his body before driving it into the bottom right corner.
The Sun/BBC
Leicester City without seven players through coronavirus or illness for Europa League game against Napoli
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers also confirms three members of staff are absent for the match in Naples; victory against their Serie A opponents will ensure they finish top of the group and progress to the knockout stages
Leicester City will be without seven players for Thursday's Europa League game against Napoli due to a combination of Covid-19 cases and illness in the squad.
Manager Brendan Rodgers also confirmed three members of staff are absent for the match in Naples.
Leicester know a win against their Serie A opponents will ensure they finish top of the group and progress through to the last 16 of the tournament.
"We've had a number of people, staff and players, who haven't travelled," Rodgers said.
"We've had some positive [COVID-19] cases, some are generally not well, so we haven't taken the risk."
Youri Tielemans will be available for the match after a calf injury has kept him absent since November, while Ryan Bertrand has also travelled and is in contention to return from an injury absence of his own."The players who were unwell who we could have maybe given 24 hours to feel better, we couldn't take any risk with those, so we've kept them at home along with the other guys who were deemed positive," Rodgers added.
The Foxes host Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday, before a visit to Tottenham on December 16.
Earlier on Wednesday, Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte said he was "scared" and the club faced a "serious" situation after eight players and five members of staff tested positive for Covid-19.
Rodgers added: "In general, you're starting to see a few more cases and, for us, it's always about the health of our players.
"Travelling to a foreign country, we have to respect travelling into Italy. We still have a strong squad here, but unfortunately it's not a fully fit squad."
Sky Sports
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers also confirms three members of staff are absent for the match in Naples; victory against their Serie A opponents will ensure they finish top of the group and progress to the knockout stages
Leicester City will be without seven players for Thursday's Europa League game against Napoli due to a combination of Covid-19 cases and illness in the squad.
Manager Brendan Rodgers also confirmed three members of staff are absent for the match in Naples.
Leicester know a win against their Serie A opponents will ensure they finish top of the group and progress through to the last 16 of the tournament.
"We've had a number of people, staff and players, who haven't travelled," Rodgers said.
"We've had some positive [COVID-19] cases, some are generally not well, so we haven't taken the risk."
Youri Tielemans will be available for the match after a calf injury has kept him absent since November, while Ryan Bertrand has also travelled and is in contention to return from an injury absence of his own."The players who were unwell who we could have maybe given 24 hours to feel better, we couldn't take any risk with those, so we've kept them at home along with the other guys who were deemed positive," Rodgers added.
The Foxes host Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday, before a visit to Tottenham on December 16.
Earlier on Wednesday, Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte said he was "scared" and the club faced a "serious" situation after eight players and five members of staff tested positive for Covid-19.
Rodgers added: "In general, you're starting to see a few more cases and, for us, it's always about the health of our players.
"Travelling to a foreign country, we have to respect travelling into Italy. We still have a strong squad here, but unfortunately it's not a fully fit squad."
Sky Sports
Aston Villa 2-1 Leicester City
Steven Gerrard secures win against his former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers
Steven Gerrard came out on top against his former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers as Aston Villa secured a 2-1 victory over Leicester City at Villa Park.
It was Leicester who took the lead when Harvey Barnes struck after 14 minutes, but Aston Villa found an immediate response as Ezri Konsa got the final touch on Emi Buendia's header to bring the scores level.
The hosts thought they had grabbed the lead in stoppage time at the end of the first half when Jacob Ramsey swept the ball home from close range, but, after a VAR check, referee Michael Oliver ruled the goal out for a foul on Kasper Schmeichel, who the referee deemed to have control of the ball.
Villa did grab the lead nine minutes after the break, however, when Konsa capitalised on some poor Leicester defending at a set-piece to squeeze a header past Schmeichel at his near post.
Ollie Watkins and Ramsey had chances to extend Villa's lead, but the misses did not prove costly as Gerrard's men, who needed a stunning late save from Emiliano Martinez to keep out Barnes' header, held on for a victory which moves them above Leicester and into the top half of the table on goal difference.
Gerrard has now led Villa, who are 10th, to three wins from his opening four games in charge at Villa Park, while Rodgers' perfect record at the ground was ended as Leicester drop a place to 11th.
Sky Sports
Steven Gerrard secures win against his former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers
Steven Gerrard came out on top against his former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers as Aston Villa secured a 2-1 victory over Leicester City at Villa Park.
It was Leicester who took the lead when Harvey Barnes struck after 14 minutes, but Aston Villa found an immediate response as Ezri Konsa got the final touch on Emi Buendia's header to bring the scores level.
The hosts thought they had grabbed the lead in stoppage time at the end of the first half when Jacob Ramsey swept the ball home from close range, but, after a VAR check, referee Michael Oliver ruled the goal out for a foul on Kasper Schmeichel, who the referee deemed to have control of the ball.
Villa did grab the lead nine minutes after the break, however, when Konsa capitalised on some poor Leicester defending at a set-piece to squeeze a header past Schmeichel at his near post.
Ollie Watkins and Ramsey had chances to extend Villa's lead, but the misses did not prove costly as Gerrard's men, who needed a stunning late save from Emiliano Martinez to keep out Barnes' header, held on for a victory which moves them above Leicester and into the top half of the table on goal difference.
Gerrard has now led Villa, who are 10th, to three wins from his opening four games in charge at Villa Park, while Rodgers' perfect record at the ground was ended as Leicester drop a place to 11th.
Sky Sports
Southampton 2-2 Leicester City
James Maddison scored for a third successive game as Leicester City twice came from behind to earn a Premier League point against Southampton at St Mary's.
The better side in the first half, Saints were rewarded for their positive start with a third-minute opener as defender Jan Bednarek reacted quickest when Mohammed Salisu's shot was saved after a corner.
Centre-back Jonny Evans drew Leicester level when he followed up Wilfred Ndidi's saved attempt, but Che Adams headed in Nathan Redmond's cross to restore the hosts' advantage before half-time.
Following a lengthy delay caused by a medical emergency in the stands, Leicester restored parity once more four minutes after the restart through Maddison - the midfielder cutting back onto his right foot and finishing neatly into the bottom corner.
Alex McCarthy produced an excellent save to deny Harvey Barnes and Jamie Vardy fired over after pouncing on an error by Kyle Walker-Peters as the much-improved visitors pressed for a winner. Although it did not arrive, the point was enough to move Leicester up to eighth in the table, while Southampton sit 16th, five points above the bottom three.
Ralph Hasenhuttl called on his Saints side to hit the "reset button" on Wednesday in an attempt to rediscover their early season form.
Bednarek's far-post finish in the aftermath of Nathan Tella's short-corner routine suggested his players were up to the challenge following Saturday's 4-0 humbling by Liverpool at Anfield.
Among three changes as Saints reverted to a back four at St Mary's, 22-year-old midfielder Tella impressed with his work rate, and the energetic hosts deserved their lead at the break.
Although Brendan Rodgers felt his team had "probably settled" following an inconsistent start to the campaign - Sunday's entertaining 4-2 win over Watford on Sunday was only their third in 10 in the league - the visitors were punished for a lethargic start.
The Foxes have failed to keep a Premier League clean sheet since the opening day and they were unable to build on Evans' leveller as Adams drifted in to meet Redmond's cross unchallenged.
Vardy touched the ball fewer times than any team-mate as Leicester initially struggled for fluency in attack and it was Maddison, continuing his return to form with a fourth goal in six starts across all competitions, who provided the spark for a Foxes revival.
The midfielder admitted to struggling with confidence prior to his recent run, but he looked back to his best as he drove his side forward before collecting Luke Thomas' pass, beating his marker and rolling into the corner.
Excellent chances for Barnes and Vardy will leave Leicester feeling they could have taken more but it was a hard-earned point to begin a relentless run of nine matches in 28 days before the end of the year.
BBC Sport
James Maddison scored for a third successive game as Leicester City twice came from behind to earn a Premier League point against Southampton at St Mary's.
The better side in the first half, Saints were rewarded for their positive start with a third-minute opener as defender Jan Bednarek reacted quickest when Mohammed Salisu's shot was saved after a corner.
Centre-back Jonny Evans drew Leicester level when he followed up Wilfred Ndidi's saved attempt, but Che Adams headed in Nathan Redmond's cross to restore the hosts' advantage before half-time.
Following a lengthy delay caused by a medical emergency in the stands, Leicester restored parity once more four minutes after the restart through Maddison - the midfielder cutting back onto his right foot and finishing neatly into the bottom corner.
Alex McCarthy produced an excellent save to deny Harvey Barnes and Jamie Vardy fired over after pouncing on an error by Kyle Walker-Peters as the much-improved visitors pressed for a winner. Although it did not arrive, the point was enough to move Leicester up to eighth in the table, while Southampton sit 16th, five points above the bottom three.
Ralph Hasenhuttl called on his Saints side to hit the "reset button" on Wednesday in an attempt to rediscover their early season form.
Bednarek's far-post finish in the aftermath of Nathan Tella's short-corner routine suggested his players were up to the challenge following Saturday's 4-0 humbling by Liverpool at Anfield.
Among three changes as Saints reverted to a back four at St Mary's, 22-year-old midfielder Tella impressed with his work rate, and the energetic hosts deserved their lead at the break.
Although Brendan Rodgers felt his team had "probably settled" following an inconsistent start to the campaign - Sunday's entertaining 4-2 win over Watford on Sunday was only their third in 10 in the league - the visitors were punished for a lethargic start.
The Foxes have failed to keep a Premier League clean sheet since the opening day and they were unable to build on Evans' leveller as Adams drifted in to meet Redmond's cross unchallenged.
Vardy touched the ball fewer times than any team-mate as Leicester initially struggled for fluency in attack and it was Maddison, continuing his return to form with a fourth goal in six starts across all competitions, who provided the spark for a Foxes revival.
The midfielder admitted to struggling with confidence prior to his recent run, but he looked back to his best as he drove his side forward before collecting Luke Thomas' pass, beating his marker and rolling into the corner.
Excellent chances for Barnes and Vardy will leave Leicester feeling they could have taken more but it was a hard-earned point to begin a relentless run of nine matches in 28 days before the end of the year.
BBC Sport
Leicester City 4-2 Watford
Jamie Vardy scored twice as Leicester beat Watford in a hugely entertaining match to ruin Claudio Ranieri's return to the King Power Stadium.
Ranieri was in the opponents' dugout for the first time since guiding the Foxes to the 2015-16 Premier League title and received a great reception from the home fans.
But in a chaotic and thrilling game played in blizzard conditions, his current side played a big part in their own downfall.
There looked to be no danger when Jonny Evans launched a free-kick forward, but William Ekong ducked under the ball and that allowed James Maddison to fire the 16th-minute opener past Daniel Bachmann.
Watford were gifted a chance to equalise in the 30th minute when Wilfred Ndidi clumsily chopped down Emmanuel Dennis and Joshua King fired his penalty into the top corner.
But the hosts retook the lead four minutes later with an unmarked Vardy glancing a header in from Maddison's corner. The pair combined again just before half-time with Vardy lifting a fine finish for his second and Leicester's third goal.
Dennis then dispossessed Timothy Castagne and calmly finished to make it 3-2 in the 61st minute, but the hosts quickly restored their two-goal advantage when Harvey Barnes set up Ademola Lookman for a close-range tap-in.
The victory takes Leicester up from 13th into ninth, while Watford remain 16th, four points above the relegation zone.
BBC
Jamie Vardy scored twice as Leicester beat Watford in a hugely entertaining match to ruin Claudio Ranieri's return to the King Power Stadium.
Ranieri was in the opponents' dugout for the first time since guiding the Foxes to the 2015-16 Premier League title and received a great reception from the home fans.
But in a chaotic and thrilling game played in blizzard conditions, his current side played a big part in their own downfall.
There looked to be no danger when Jonny Evans launched a free-kick forward, but William Ekong ducked under the ball and that allowed James Maddison to fire the 16th-minute opener past Daniel Bachmann.
Watford were gifted a chance to equalise in the 30th minute when Wilfred Ndidi clumsily chopped down Emmanuel Dennis and Joshua King fired his penalty into the top corner.
But the hosts retook the lead four minutes later with an unmarked Vardy glancing a header in from Maddison's corner. The pair combined again just before half-time with Vardy lifting a fine finish for his second and Leicester's third goal.
Dennis then dispossessed Timothy Castagne and calmly finished to make it 3-2 in the 61st minute, but the hosts quickly restored their two-goal advantage when Harvey Barnes set up Ademola Lookman for a close-range tap-in.
The victory takes Leicester up from 13th into ninth, while Watford remain 16th, four points above the relegation zone.
BBC
Leicester city 3-1 Legia Warsaw
Leicester City saw off Legia Warsaw to leap to the top of Group C and put themselves in pole position to reach the Europa League knockout stage with one game remaining.
The Foxes, who began the day bottom of the group, had the job done by the break at King Power Stadium, leading 3-1 after an open and entertaining first half.
Patson Daka and James Maddison put the hosts in charge before Filip Mladenovic responded after Kasper Schmeichel saved Mahir Emreli's penalty.
Wilfred Ndidi then headed in from a corner to re-establish the home side's advantage before a goalless second half.
Leicester lead the group on eight points, one above Spartak Moscow and Napoli after the Russian side won their meeting 2-1 on Wednesday.
Leicester's progress under Brendan Rodgers has stalled this season with some inconsistent results, though victory means they now lead the group with a trip to Napoli still to come.
The Foxes arrived on a four-game winless run since beating Brighton on penalties in the Carabao Cup, but their flowing attack was enough to cover up any defensive frailties after losing Jonny Evans in the warm-up to a muscle injury.
Daka got the hosts off to a quick start, finishing smartly after an aggressive run from Harvey Barnes saw the ball deflect into the Zambian's path inside the penalty area.
Maddison was then allowed time to turn inside the box and pick his spot to double the hosts' lead 10 minutes later, scoring his second goal of the season.
Group C has been unpredictable throughout and Legia sparked hopes of unlikely turnaround when Mladenovic tapped in after Schmeichel got down to keep out Emreli's spot kick.
Ndidi, whose handball gave away the penalty, made amends soon after by heading in from Maddison's corner and that put the game beyond the visitors.
Barnes went through in what proved a tighter second half under a haze of smoke from the flares released by visiting fans, but could not beat Legia goalkeeper Cezary Miszta.
Those flares set off from the away end were followed by clashes between Legia fans and police.
But on the pitch Leicester dominated without really threatening to add to the advantage as they saw out a comfortable victory.
BBC
Leicester City saw off Legia Warsaw to leap to the top of Group C and put themselves in pole position to reach the Europa League knockout stage with one game remaining.
The Foxes, who began the day bottom of the group, had the job done by the break at King Power Stadium, leading 3-1 after an open and entertaining first half.
Patson Daka and James Maddison put the hosts in charge before Filip Mladenovic responded after Kasper Schmeichel saved Mahir Emreli's penalty.
Wilfred Ndidi then headed in from a corner to re-establish the home side's advantage before a goalless second half.
Leicester lead the group on eight points, one above Spartak Moscow and Napoli after the Russian side won their meeting 2-1 on Wednesday.
Leicester's progress under Brendan Rodgers has stalled this season with some inconsistent results, though victory means they now lead the group with a trip to Napoli still to come.
The Foxes arrived on a four-game winless run since beating Brighton on penalties in the Carabao Cup, but their flowing attack was enough to cover up any defensive frailties after losing Jonny Evans in the warm-up to a muscle injury.
Daka got the hosts off to a quick start, finishing smartly after an aggressive run from Harvey Barnes saw the ball deflect into the Zambian's path inside the penalty area.
Maddison was then allowed time to turn inside the box and pick his spot to double the hosts' lead 10 minutes later, scoring his second goal of the season.
Group C has been unpredictable throughout and Legia sparked hopes of unlikely turnaround when Mladenovic tapped in after Schmeichel got down to keep out Emreli's spot kick.
Ndidi, whose handball gave away the penalty, made amends soon after by heading in from Maddison's corner and that put the game beyond the visitors.
Barnes went through in what proved a tighter second half under a haze of smoke from the flares released by visiting fans, but could not beat Legia goalkeeper Cezary Miszta.
Those flares set off from the away end were followed by clashes between Legia fans and police.
But on the pitch Leicester dominated without really threatening to add to the advantage as they saw out a comfortable victory.
BBC
Leicester City 0-3 Chelsea
Rudiger, Kante and Pulisic all score as Blues lay down Premier League title gauntlet
THOMAS TUCHEL can insist it is a marathon until he is blue in the face, but his Chelsea hot-shots clearly plan to sprint every yard of it. Tuchel has demanded his early-season pacesetters prove they can stick it out for the full course, after flying out of the traps.
Well if their King Power caning is any indication, they’ll need binoculars to pick out the chasing pack before long, as they turned a tricky-looking trip into a stroll. Goals from Antonio Rudiger and Foxes old boy N’Golo Kante had the points in the bag long, long before Christian Pulisic’s late third.
As for the Foxes? At times they played like a team which knows their manager won’t be there for long. And if the 'Brendan Rodgers for Old Trafford' talk has any substance, they could well be right. Not that this was exactly the finest example of the Leicester manager’s credentials to become the next Manchester United gaffer.Mind you, he isn’t the first whose team has been put to the sword by a Chelsea side which is edging closer to the finished article every week under Tuchel.
Although the way the German was springing around, windmilling his arms and screaming at his players at times here, you’d never have guessed it. And don’t forget, this is the Tuchel who has claimed he has calmed down a lot from his days at Borussia Dortmund and PSG. Hmmmm! To be truthful, there was precious little for him to be worked up about at the King Power… yet he still managed it.
Maybe it was the fact it took his side as long as 13 minutes to break through. Perhaps it was because they were only two in front by the break, when it could have been half a dozen. It can’t have been that the result was ever in doubt… it never looked so for a single minute, even before Rudiger’s opener.
That came when Wilfred Ndidi got under a Ben Chilwell corner, Timothy Castagne couldn’t get across to it in time, and Rudiger planted a header into the far top corner.
It was a sweet assist for Chilwell, who Leicester fans have never forgiven for his comments when he left them for Stamford Bridge a year or so ago.And boy, didn’t they let him know when an even earlier chance – courtesy of a stunning crossfield free kick by Jorginho – saw him rattling the crossbar.
If that was a nip on the Foxes fingers from one old boy, it wasn’t long before another was taking a hefty chomp at the hand which used to feed him as well. Kante’s departure down the same path Chilwell subsequently followed has never stopped Foxes fans giving him anything but a great reception whenever paths have crossed since.
So when he effectively wrapped up the points on 28 minutes, there was more stunned silence than spitting fury from the home fans.
To be fair, they were probably gobsmacked at the fizzing left-foot rocket Kante had sent arrowing into the corner. The Frenchman has many strings to his midfield bow. Goalscoring, though, most definitely isn’t one of them. Only once in nearly two years had he previously found the target, but if this was an example of his shooting, clearly he should have a pop more often.
Admittedly Leicester didn’t help themselves by all but laying down the 'this way to goal' signs as he strolled forwards, and Jonny Evans maybe should have come out to close him down. But once he let fly, Kasper Schmeichel wasn’t going to get close to keeping out his strike, and that was that. Game over.
Kante has been given the chance to roam further forward now that Jorginho is the stylish, snarling minder in front of the backline. And how effortless he makes it look, as well – although not half as much as Thiago Silva does at the centre of that back three. Whenever Leicester did get forward, he swatted away danger and picked out passes like a man mildly annoyed at being interrupted from reading the paper and having a cuppa.
What better way to put the Foxes back in their box, then, than adding a third…which Chelsea duly did 18 minutes from the end. Trevoh Chalobah sent substitute Hakim Ziyech haring down the right, and fellow arrival from the bench Christian Pulisic all but walked it into the net. Even time, too, for THREE disallowed goals from Callum Hudson-Odoi, Pulisic and Reece James.
All of them were the right decision, although had each stood, it would have been a more accurate reflection of Chelsea’s dominance. That’s how good they were… and that’s the almighty challenge for the rest. You can’t see Tuchel’s men running out of puff any time soon.
The Sun
Rudiger, Kante and Pulisic all score as Blues lay down Premier League title gauntlet
THOMAS TUCHEL can insist it is a marathon until he is blue in the face, but his Chelsea hot-shots clearly plan to sprint every yard of it. Tuchel has demanded his early-season pacesetters prove they can stick it out for the full course, after flying out of the traps.
Well if their King Power caning is any indication, they’ll need binoculars to pick out the chasing pack before long, as they turned a tricky-looking trip into a stroll. Goals from Antonio Rudiger and Foxes old boy N’Golo Kante had the points in the bag long, long before Christian Pulisic’s late third.
As for the Foxes? At times they played like a team which knows their manager won’t be there for long. And if the 'Brendan Rodgers for Old Trafford' talk has any substance, they could well be right. Not that this was exactly the finest example of the Leicester manager’s credentials to become the next Manchester United gaffer.Mind you, he isn’t the first whose team has been put to the sword by a Chelsea side which is edging closer to the finished article every week under Tuchel.
Although the way the German was springing around, windmilling his arms and screaming at his players at times here, you’d never have guessed it. And don’t forget, this is the Tuchel who has claimed he has calmed down a lot from his days at Borussia Dortmund and PSG. Hmmmm! To be truthful, there was precious little for him to be worked up about at the King Power… yet he still managed it.
Maybe it was the fact it took his side as long as 13 minutes to break through. Perhaps it was because they were only two in front by the break, when it could have been half a dozen. It can’t have been that the result was ever in doubt… it never looked so for a single minute, even before Rudiger’s opener.
That came when Wilfred Ndidi got under a Ben Chilwell corner, Timothy Castagne couldn’t get across to it in time, and Rudiger planted a header into the far top corner.
It was a sweet assist for Chilwell, who Leicester fans have never forgiven for his comments when he left them for Stamford Bridge a year or so ago.And boy, didn’t they let him know when an even earlier chance – courtesy of a stunning crossfield free kick by Jorginho – saw him rattling the crossbar.
If that was a nip on the Foxes fingers from one old boy, it wasn’t long before another was taking a hefty chomp at the hand which used to feed him as well. Kante’s departure down the same path Chilwell subsequently followed has never stopped Foxes fans giving him anything but a great reception whenever paths have crossed since.
So when he effectively wrapped up the points on 28 minutes, there was more stunned silence than spitting fury from the home fans.
To be fair, they were probably gobsmacked at the fizzing left-foot rocket Kante had sent arrowing into the corner. The Frenchman has many strings to his midfield bow. Goalscoring, though, most definitely isn’t one of them. Only once in nearly two years had he previously found the target, but if this was an example of his shooting, clearly he should have a pop more often.
Admittedly Leicester didn’t help themselves by all but laying down the 'this way to goal' signs as he strolled forwards, and Jonny Evans maybe should have come out to close him down. But once he let fly, Kasper Schmeichel wasn’t going to get close to keeping out his strike, and that was that. Game over.
Kante has been given the chance to roam further forward now that Jorginho is the stylish, snarling minder in front of the backline. And how effortless he makes it look, as well – although not half as much as Thiago Silva does at the centre of that back three. Whenever Leicester did get forward, he swatted away danger and picked out passes like a man mildly annoyed at being interrupted from reading the paper and having a cuppa.
What better way to put the Foxes back in their box, then, than adding a third…which Chelsea duly did 18 minutes from the end. Trevoh Chalobah sent substitute Hakim Ziyech haring down the right, and fellow arrival from the bench Christian Pulisic all but walked it into the net. Even time, too, for THREE disallowed goals from Callum Hudson-Odoi, Pulisic and Reece James.
All of them were the right decision, although had each stood, it would have been a more accurate reflection of Chelsea’s dominance. That’s how good they were… and that’s the almighty challenge for the rest. You can’t see Tuchel’s men running out of puff any time soon.
The Sun
Leeds United 1-1 Leicester City
Var rules out Lookman winner for Leicester
VAR ruled out a second-half Leicester goal as the Foxes shared the points with Leeds in an entertaining Premier League game at Elland Road.
Ademola Lookman thought he had poked home the winner midway through the second period, but was standing in an offside position when Jamie Vardy had flicked on a Youri Tielemans corner.
Leeds forward Raphinha had put his side deservedly in front in the 26th minute when his free-kick from out wide caught out Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel at his far post.
But Leicester responded seconds after the resulting kick-off with Barnes curling a stunner into the top corner from a tight angle.
Both sides had chances to win the game late on as Marcelo Bielsa's team moved three points clear of the relegation zone, while Leicester stayed 12th.
Leicester have now gone four games without a win, leaving Brendon Rodgers' side as far behind from West Ham in fourth as they are above Aston Villa in 17th.
They were fortunate not to have been at least a goal down at half-time with Leeds unable to convert the numerous first-half chances they created.
Leicester's defending has been suspect on occasion this season; indeed this result ends a run of five straight league games where the Foxes have conceded at least twice.
But in attack they continued to look dangerous with Tielemans and defender Caglar Soyuncu going close to finding a winner in the second period.
Brazilian Raphinha continues to be a bright spark in a dim period for Leeds United.
The forward's fifth strike of the season means he has now scored more than 45% of Leeds' goals in the league this campaign.
Leeds boss Bielsa will be wishing the rest of his forwards were as prolific.
Winger Jack Harrison was unable to bundle home a corner from two yards out in the second half, a chance which looked easier to score than to miss.
Daniel James and Rodrigo also had late opportunities, both snatching at their chances, while the Whites had a penalty shout turned down after the ball appeared to strike Leicester defender Daniel Amartey on the arm in injury time.
Leeds have won just one of their past five matches and been victorious just once at home this season.
BBC Sport
Var rules out Lookman winner for Leicester
VAR ruled out a second-half Leicester goal as the Foxes shared the points with Leeds in an entertaining Premier League game at Elland Road.
Ademola Lookman thought he had poked home the winner midway through the second period, but was standing in an offside position when Jamie Vardy had flicked on a Youri Tielemans corner.
Leeds forward Raphinha had put his side deservedly in front in the 26th minute when his free-kick from out wide caught out Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel at his far post.
But Leicester responded seconds after the resulting kick-off with Barnes curling a stunner into the top corner from a tight angle.
Both sides had chances to win the game late on as Marcelo Bielsa's team moved three points clear of the relegation zone, while Leicester stayed 12th.
Leicester have now gone four games without a win, leaving Brendon Rodgers' side as far behind from West Ham in fourth as they are above Aston Villa in 17th.
They were fortunate not to have been at least a goal down at half-time with Leeds unable to convert the numerous first-half chances they created.
Leicester's defending has been suspect on occasion this season; indeed this result ends a run of five straight league games where the Foxes have conceded at least twice.
But in attack they continued to look dangerous with Tielemans and defender Caglar Soyuncu going close to finding a winner in the second period.
Brazilian Raphinha continues to be a bright spark in a dim period for Leeds United.
The forward's fifth strike of the season means he has now scored more than 45% of Leeds' goals in the league this campaign.
Leeds boss Bielsa will be wishing the rest of his forwards were as prolific.
Winger Jack Harrison was unable to bundle home a corner from two yards out in the second half, a chance which looked easier to score than to miss.
Daniel James and Rodrigo also had late opportunities, both snatching at their chances, while the Whites had a penalty shout turned down after the ball appeared to strike Leicester defender Daniel Amartey on the arm in injury time.
Leeds have won just one of their past five matches and been victorious just once at home this season.
BBC Sport
Leicester City 1-1 Spartak Moscow
Amartey from a corner | Vardy misses penalty
Substitute Jamie Vardy had a penalty saved as Leicester were held by Spartak Moscow in a draw that leaves their hopes of qualifying from Europa League Group C in the balance.
The Foxes are third in a tight group with two games remaining and Brendan Rodgers' side will rue a failure to take three points on Thursday.
The hosts had been completely dominant but it was the visitors who took a surprise lead when former Chelsea winger Victor Moses headed in unmarked following a swift attack.
That sparked more urgency in the Foxes and they hit back through Daniel Amartey, who met Ayoze Perez's flick-on with a firm header.
The experienced Moses then hauled down Ademola Lookman in the box but Vardy's spot kick was uncharacteristically timid and goalkeeper Aleksandr Selikhov got down comfortably to parry it away.
Leicester are two points behind group leaders Napoli, who have seven points after thumping second-placed Legia Warsaw 4-1 earlier.
BBC Sport
Amartey from a corner | Vardy misses penalty
Substitute Jamie Vardy had a penalty saved as Leicester were held by Spartak Moscow in a draw that leaves their hopes of qualifying from Europa League Group C in the balance.
The Foxes are third in a tight group with two games remaining and Brendan Rodgers' side will rue a failure to take three points on Thursday.
The hosts had been completely dominant but it was the visitors who took a surprise lead when former Chelsea winger Victor Moses headed in unmarked following a swift attack.
That sparked more urgency in the Foxes and they hit back through Daniel Amartey, who met Ayoze Perez's flick-on with a firm header.
The experienced Moses then hauled down Ademola Lookman in the box but Vardy's spot kick was uncharacteristically timid and goalkeeper Aleksandr Selikhov got down comfortably to parry it away.
Leicester are two points behind group leaders Napoli, who have seven points after thumping second-placed Legia Warsaw 4-1 earlier.
BBC Sport
Leicester City 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal continued their recent resurgence with a comfortable Premier League win over Leicester City at King Power Stadium.
Gabriel put the Gunners in front, climbing above several static Leicester defenders to head in from Bukayo Saka's corner, while Emile Smith Rowe picked his spot when the ball broke to him after good work from Saka and Alexandre Lacazette.
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale also produced several fine saves as Mikel Arteta's side showed defensive resolve to record a seventh league game without defeat.
They climb from 10th to fifth in the table, level on points with fourth-placed West Ham, before Saturday's other fixtures.
It was a disappointing afternoon for Leicester who remain in mid-table.
Brendan Rodgers' side were roared on by an enthusiastic home crowd but struggled to find the rhythm and poise that helped them to successive victories over Manchester United and Brentford.
James Maddison's curling free-kick just before the break brought an excellent save from Ramsdale but despite a significant improvement after the break they were unable to claw themselves back into the contest.
After starting the campaign with three consecutive defeats, which included a dismal display at Manchester City, Arsenal are beginning to look like a well-oiled machine.
Their fifth victory in seven matches has propelled them into the mix for European places and ensured any pressure on Arteta has eased.
This performance followed the template laid out against Aston Villa just over a week ago, with the Gunners setting a tempo that the hosts struggled to deal with early on.
Nuno Tavares charged forward from left-back while the likes of Saka, Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey largely controlled midfield.
England winger Saka was particularly impressive, dancing through the home defence within two minutes to almost lay on a chance for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and then contributing to both goals.
Arsenal's resilience is also likely to have pleased their Spanish boss, with Ramsdale key to that.
Aside from denying Maddison, the former Sheffield United player made a superb save from Foxes substitute Ademola Lookman - although credit should also go to Ben White and Gabriel for a series of important clearances as Leicester pressed forward.
Rodgers' side had all the momentum after the interval but Luke Thomas drove a good chance wide, while Jamie Vardy's missed header summed up their day.
BBC Sport
Arsenal continued their recent resurgence with a comfortable Premier League win over Leicester City at King Power Stadium.
Gabriel put the Gunners in front, climbing above several static Leicester defenders to head in from Bukayo Saka's corner, while Emile Smith Rowe picked his spot when the ball broke to him after good work from Saka and Alexandre Lacazette.
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale also produced several fine saves as Mikel Arteta's side showed defensive resolve to record a seventh league game without defeat.
They climb from 10th to fifth in the table, level on points with fourth-placed West Ham, before Saturday's other fixtures.
It was a disappointing afternoon for Leicester who remain in mid-table.
Brendan Rodgers' side were roared on by an enthusiastic home crowd but struggled to find the rhythm and poise that helped them to successive victories over Manchester United and Brentford.
James Maddison's curling free-kick just before the break brought an excellent save from Ramsdale but despite a significant improvement after the break they were unable to claw themselves back into the contest.
After starting the campaign with three consecutive defeats, which included a dismal display at Manchester City, Arsenal are beginning to look like a well-oiled machine.
Their fifth victory in seven matches has propelled them into the mix for European places and ensured any pressure on Arteta has eased.
This performance followed the template laid out against Aston Villa just over a week ago, with the Gunners setting a tempo that the hosts struggled to deal with early on.
Nuno Tavares charged forward from left-back while the likes of Saka, Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey largely controlled midfield.
England winger Saka was particularly impressive, dancing through the home defence within two minutes to almost lay on a chance for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and then contributing to both goals.
Arsenal's resilience is also likely to have pleased their Spanish boss, with Ramsdale key to that.
Aside from denying Maddison, the former Sheffield United player made a superb save from Foxes substitute Ademola Lookman - although credit should also go to Ben White and Gabriel for a series of important clearances as Leicester pressed forward.
Rodgers' side had all the momentum after the interval but Luke Thomas drove a good chance wide, while Jamie Vardy's missed header summed up their day.
BBC Sport
Leicester City 2(4) - 2 (2) Brighton & Hove Albion
Leicester edged Brighton on penalties to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after an entertaining game finished 2-2 at the King Power Stadium.
Neal Maupay's penalty hit the crossbar and Enock Mwepu's effort was saved by Danny Ward to send the Foxes through.
Harvey Barnes had opened the scoring early on before a dramatic end to the first half saw two goals in added time.
Adam Webster poked in but Ademola Lookman put the Foxes back in front, before Mwepu levelled again on 71.
It was the midfielder's first goal for the Seagulls, as he looped a header into the corner - but the celebrations turned to disappointment after penalties.
Maupay was the first to miss from the spot, hammering his effort against the bar, before Ward got down smartly to save Mwepu's low kick and book Leicester a spot in the last eight.
"When you get to this stage you want to get to the quarter-finals," said Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, who made 10 changes to his side.
"I am delighted with the mentality of the team, a lot of players who haven't played as much, we showed our quality to get the goals and composure at the end to go through."
A minute's silence took place before kick-off to mark the third anniversary of a helicopter crash that killed Foxes chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabh.
The draw for the quarter-finals will take place on Saturday.
BBC Sport
Leicester edged Brighton on penalties to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after an entertaining game finished 2-2 at the King Power Stadium.
Neal Maupay's penalty hit the crossbar and Enock Mwepu's effort was saved by Danny Ward to send the Foxes through.
Harvey Barnes had opened the scoring early on before a dramatic end to the first half saw two goals in added time.
Adam Webster poked in but Ademola Lookman put the Foxes back in front, before Mwepu levelled again on 71.
It was the midfielder's first goal for the Seagulls, as he looped a header into the corner - but the celebrations turned to disappointment after penalties.
Maupay was the first to miss from the spot, hammering his effort against the bar, before Ward got down smartly to save Mwepu's low kick and book Leicester a spot in the last eight.
"When you get to this stage you want to get to the quarter-finals," said Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, who made 10 changes to his side.
"I am delighted with the mentality of the team, a lot of players who haven't played as much, we showed our quality to get the goals and composure at the end to go through."
A minute's silence took place before kick-off to mark the third anniversary of a helicopter crash that killed Foxes chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabh.
The draw for the quarter-finals will take place on Saturday.
BBC Sport
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