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Leicester City 4-0 Fleetwood Town
Rachid Ghezzal strike caps off Foxes stroll
A stunning strike from Christian Fuchs put Leicester on course for a routine Carabao Cup win over Fleetwood.
The defender's fine half-volley, his first goal since March 2017, lit up an ordinary game as the Foxes beat the Cod Army 4-0.
Fuchs also teed up Vicente Iborra while Kelechi Iheanacho added a third and Rachid Ghezzal got a fine fourth as the Sky Bet League One visitors rolled over at the King Power Stadium.
Fleetwood, who made 11 changes, barely tested Leicester after Harrison Biggins' second-minute effort forced a save from debutant Danny Ward. The striker's effort was the visitors' only one on target and they found themselves behind after eight minutes. A corner was only half cleared to Fuchs and the defender unleashed a sumptuous strike which arched into the top corner.
It was the 32-year-old's first goal in 542 days, his last coming in a 3-1 win over Hull which came in the aftermath of Claudio Ranieri's sacking in 2017.He then almost turned provider with a lofted pass to Iheanacho but, after Paul Jones dithered, the striker drilled on to the post. Iheanacho had been handed another audition to prove he was the replacement for the suspended Jamie Vardy - who announced he was stepping away from international football on Tuesday - but lacked conviction in the first half.
Yet Leicester went into the break 2-0 up after grabbing a second in the 39th minute when Fuchs' cross invited Iborra to nod in his first goal of the season from eight yards. Shinji Okazaki was then denied a third by Jones' fine stop and Iheanacho struck the post before half-time.
But the former Manchester City forward did get his goal just 13 seconds after the break when he latched on to Marc Albrighton's deep pass to make it 3-0.
It was game over with Fleetwood hardly making it a contest and summer buy Ghezzal added a fourth with 19 minutes left, curling into the top corner from 20 yards.
Sky Sports
Rachid Ghezzal strike caps off Foxes stroll
A stunning strike from Christian Fuchs put Leicester on course for a routine Carabao Cup win over Fleetwood.
The defender's fine half-volley, his first goal since March 2017, lit up an ordinary game as the Foxes beat the Cod Army 4-0.
Fuchs also teed up Vicente Iborra while Kelechi Iheanacho added a third and Rachid Ghezzal got a fine fourth as the Sky Bet League One visitors rolled over at the King Power Stadium.
Fleetwood, who made 11 changes, barely tested Leicester after Harrison Biggins' second-minute effort forced a save from debutant Danny Ward. The striker's effort was the visitors' only one on target and they found themselves behind after eight minutes. A corner was only half cleared to Fuchs and the defender unleashed a sumptuous strike which arched into the top corner.
It was the 32-year-old's first goal in 542 days, his last coming in a 3-1 win over Hull which came in the aftermath of Claudio Ranieri's sacking in 2017.He then almost turned provider with a lofted pass to Iheanacho but, after Paul Jones dithered, the striker drilled on to the post. Iheanacho had been handed another audition to prove he was the replacement for the suspended Jamie Vardy - who announced he was stepping away from international football on Tuesday - but lacked conviction in the first half.
Yet Leicester went into the break 2-0 up after grabbing a second in the 39th minute when Fuchs' cross invited Iborra to nod in his first goal of the season from eight yards. Shinji Okazaki was then denied a third by Jones' fine stop and Iheanacho struck the post before half-time.
But the former Manchester City forward did get his goal just 13 seconds after the break when he latched on to Marc Albrighton's deep pass to make it 3-0.
It was game over with Fleetwood hardly making it a contest and summer buy Ghezzal added a fourth with 19 minutes left, curling into the top corner from 20 yards.
Sky Sports
Southampton 1 Leicester 2
Demarai Gray nets first goal in 29 games as Leicester fight back to beat ten-man Saints
Saints took the lead through Nathan Redmond's brilliant strike but Gray fired back just four minutes later with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg sent off for a second yellow for diving
DEMARAI GRAY finally found a cure for Leicester’s travel sickness to hand Claude Puel another happy return to St.Mary’s. The struggling visitors looked to be heading for their fifth straight away defeat when they fell behind to Ryan Bertrand’s 52nd-minute thunderbolt.
But they were level within four minutes when Gray pounced on Cedric Soares’ dreadful header to fire beyond Saints keeper Alex McCarthy. It was Leicester’s first decent attempt on goal all afternoon as they struggled to adapt to the absence of the suspended Jamie Vardy.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg saw a second yellow card for diving and Harry Maguire let fly from distance in the second minute of injury time to secure the win for Puel's side. It will be even sweeter for the Leicester boss, who won 4-1 here last season against the club who fired him after a year in charge and immediately dropped down the Premier League table like a stone.
Gray’s first goal since December was a real kick in the teeth for Southampton manager Mark Hughes, whose team have managed just one home win all year. He was fuming with Cedric Soares’ lazy attempt to clear Ricardo Pereira’s cross sosoon after skipper Bertrand had fired them ahead with a magnificent strike from the edge of the box.
Yet no-one who sat through a dreadful first 45 minutes would have predicted anything but a goalless draw as they left for their half-time cuppa.The first shot on target did not arrive until first-half stoppage time when Danny Ings’ clever turn and low effort was saved by Kasper Schmeichel at full stretch.
The closest we had come to a goal before that was a powerful Jannik Vestergaard header which flew wide from Mohamed Elyounoussi’s 28th-minute corner. The best the visitors could manage was a low cross from Ben Chilwell which might have been turned into his own goal by Cedric until it was blocked by Leicester’s Gray.
Ings forced another decent save from Schmeichel before being replaced by Charlie Austin for the final 20 minutes but it wasn’t enough for Saints to force their first win of the season.
To add insult to injury, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was sent-off for a shocking 78th-minute dive after an earlier booking for a trip on James Maddison. The England centre-back then galloped forward in the closing minutes, receiving the ball on the left before cutting inside and striking into the bottom corner.
The Sun
Demarai Gray nets first goal in 29 games as Leicester fight back to beat ten-man Saints
Saints took the lead through Nathan Redmond's brilliant strike but Gray fired back just four minutes later with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg sent off for a second yellow for diving
DEMARAI GRAY finally found a cure for Leicester’s travel sickness to hand Claude Puel another happy return to St.Mary’s. The struggling visitors looked to be heading for their fifth straight away defeat when they fell behind to Ryan Bertrand’s 52nd-minute thunderbolt.
But they were level within four minutes when Gray pounced on Cedric Soares’ dreadful header to fire beyond Saints keeper Alex McCarthy. It was Leicester’s first decent attempt on goal all afternoon as they struggled to adapt to the absence of the suspended Jamie Vardy.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg saw a second yellow card for diving and Harry Maguire let fly from distance in the second minute of injury time to secure the win for Puel's side. It will be even sweeter for the Leicester boss, who won 4-1 here last season against the club who fired him after a year in charge and immediately dropped down the Premier League table like a stone.
Gray’s first goal since December was a real kick in the teeth for Southampton manager Mark Hughes, whose team have managed just one home win all year. He was fuming with Cedric Soares’ lazy attempt to clear Ricardo Pereira’s cross sosoon after skipper Bertrand had fired them ahead with a magnificent strike from the edge of the box.
Yet no-one who sat through a dreadful first 45 minutes would have predicted anything but a goalless draw as they left for their half-time cuppa.The first shot on target did not arrive until first-half stoppage time when Danny Ings’ clever turn and low effort was saved by Kasper Schmeichel at full stretch.
The closest we had come to a goal before that was a powerful Jannik Vestergaard header which flew wide from Mohamed Elyounoussi’s 28th-minute corner. The best the visitors could manage was a low cross from Ben Chilwell which might have been turned into his own goal by Cedric until it was blocked by Leicester’s Gray.
Ings forced another decent save from Schmeichel before being replaced by Charlie Austin for the final 20 minutes but it wasn’t enough for Saints to force their first win of the season.
To add insult to injury, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was sent-off for a shocking 78th-minute dive after an earlier booking for a trip on James Maddison. The England centre-back then galloped forward in the closing minutes, receiving the ball on the left before cutting inside and striking into the bottom corner.
The Sun
Wilfred Ndidi Signs New Six-Year Contract With LCFC
Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm that Wilfred Ndidi has signed a new contract, keeping him at King Power Stadium until June 2024.
In the 18 months since his arrival from Belgian side Genk, the 21-year-old has developed into one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents as well as a key member of Leicester City’s first team squad.
The Nigeria international, who represented his country at this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia, has played over 60 times for the Foxes and has been named the Club’s Young Player of the Year in each of the last two campaigns.
A tough tackling and combative midfielder, Ndidi’s quality on and off the ball has quickly made him an integral part of Leicester City’s team and with his long-term future now secure, Foxes fans can look forward to watching him develop even further with the Football Club.
Speaking to LCFC.com, Ndidi said: “I’m very happy to sign this contract with Leicester City. I have enjoyed every moment of my time with the Football Club, so I’m thrilled to be here for six more years. Together with my team-mates and our wonderful supporters, I hope we can look forward to many more fantastic moments.”
Ndidi began his career with Nathaniel Boys in the Nigerian city of Lagos, before moving to Europe to join Belgian side, Genk. The midfielder impressed with his performances in the Belgian First Division A and UEFA Europa League before the Foxes swooped to secure his services in January 2017.
Just two days after joining Leicester City, Ndidi made his debut away at Everton in a 2-1 victory for the Foxes at Goodison Park. In a sensational first campaign, the fan favourite was named Young Player of the Year after just four months with the Football Club, as well as representing the team in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.
The following season Ndidi enjoyed another impressive campaign in which he made 33 appearances in the Premier League. He won more tackles than any other player in the division and was once again given the Club’s Young Player of the Year Award as they team earned a ninth-place finish.
At international level, Ndidi represented Nigeria at Under-17 and Under-20 level, before earning his first senior call-up in October 2015. He has since been capped 19 times for his country including three times at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia as the Super Eagles finished third in Group D.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm that Wilfred Ndidi has signed a new contract, keeping him at King Power Stadium until June 2024.
In the 18 months since his arrival from Belgian side Genk, the 21-year-old has developed into one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents as well as a key member of Leicester City’s first team squad.
The Nigeria international, who represented his country at this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia, has played over 60 times for the Foxes and has been named the Club’s Young Player of the Year in each of the last two campaigns.
A tough tackling and combative midfielder, Ndidi’s quality on and off the ball has quickly made him an integral part of Leicester City’s team and with his long-term future now secure, Foxes fans can look forward to watching him develop even further with the Football Club.
Speaking to LCFC.com, Ndidi said: “I’m very happy to sign this contract with Leicester City. I have enjoyed every moment of my time with the Football Club, so I’m thrilled to be here for six more years. Together with my team-mates and our wonderful supporters, I hope we can look forward to many more fantastic moments.”
Ndidi began his career with Nathaniel Boys in the Nigerian city of Lagos, before moving to Europe to join Belgian side, Genk. The midfielder impressed with his performances in the Belgian First Division A and UEFA Europa League before the Foxes swooped to secure his services in January 2017.
Just two days after joining Leicester City, Ndidi made his debut away at Everton in a 2-1 victory for the Foxes at Goodison Park. In a sensational first campaign, the fan favourite was named Young Player of the Year after just four months with the Football Club, as well as representing the team in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.
The following season Ndidi enjoyed another impressive campaign in which he made 33 appearances in the Premier League. He won more tackles than any other player in the division and was once again given the Club’s Young Player of the Year Award as they team earned a ninth-place finish.
At international level, Ndidi represented Nigeria at Under-17 and Under-20 level, before earning his first senior call-up in October 2015. He has since been capped 19 times for his country including three times at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia as the Super Eagles finished third in Group D.
LCFC.COM
Vardy sees Red as Leicester beat Wolves in first home game of Season
Leicester City held on with 10 men to beat Wolves after striker Jamie Vardy was sent off - and manager Claude Puel said they were "lucky" to win 2-0.
Vardy, who started the game after scoring as a substitute in the Foxes' Premier League opener against Manchester United, was dismissed on 66 minutes for a reckless challenge on Matt Doherty.
Leicester already led by two goals at that point - Doherty inadvertently setting them on their way with an own goal he knew little about as he headed home a Marc Albrighton cross which took a flick off Conor Coady.
James Maddison, a £20m signing from Norwich, scored the second on his home debut on the stroke of half-time with a well-placed finish from the edge of the area after referee Mike Dean allowed play to continue following a foul on Ricardo Pereira.
Wolves had started the game strongly but failed to make the most of their opportunities, Joao Moutinho striking the crossbar with Kasper Schmeichel beaten and Raul Jimenez hitting the post following a sharp turn.
And Nuno Espirito Santo's side, for whom club record signing Adama Traore came on at half-time, could not capitalise on their extra man after Vardy's dismissal as their wait for a first Premier League victory since February 2012 goes on.
"I think perhaps Wolves deserve a result," said Puel.
"Congratulations to them because they played well. They are difficult to read, they cause a lot of difficulty. It is difficult to defend against them.
"We were lucky. My players kept a good attitude and mentality. It was important to have the right attitude."
BBC Sport
Leicester City held on with 10 men to beat Wolves after striker Jamie Vardy was sent off - and manager Claude Puel said they were "lucky" to win 2-0.
Vardy, who started the game after scoring as a substitute in the Foxes' Premier League opener against Manchester United, was dismissed on 66 minutes for a reckless challenge on Matt Doherty.
Leicester already led by two goals at that point - Doherty inadvertently setting them on their way with an own goal he knew little about as he headed home a Marc Albrighton cross which took a flick off Conor Coady.
James Maddison, a £20m signing from Norwich, scored the second on his home debut on the stroke of half-time with a well-placed finish from the edge of the area after referee Mike Dean allowed play to continue following a foul on Ricardo Pereira.
Wolves had started the game strongly but failed to make the most of their opportunities, Joao Moutinho striking the crossbar with Kasper Schmeichel beaten and Raul Jimenez hitting the post following a sharp turn.
And Nuno Espirito Santo's side, for whom club record signing Adama Traore came on at half-time, could not capitalise on their extra man after Vardy's dismissal as their wait for a first Premier League victory since February 2012 goes on.
"I think perhaps Wolves deserve a result," said Puel.
"Congratulations to them because they played well. They are difficult to read, they cause a lot of difficulty. It is difficult to defend against them.
"We were lucky. My players kept a good attitude and mentality. It was important to have the right attitude."
BBC Sport
Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City
Harry Maguire travelled to Manchester with his Leicester City team-mates to kick off the 2018/19 Premier League campaign.
He returned to the King Power stadium empty-handed as the Red Devils recorded a 2-1 victory.
José Mourinho gave Fred his debut and made Paul Pogba his captain while Claude Puel gave starts to summer signings Ricardo Pereira and James Maddison with Rachid Ghezzal, Jonny Evans and Danny Ward having to be content with a place on the bench.
The match got off to a flyer. The home side were awarded a penalty after just 75 seconds. Luke Shaw found Alexis Sánchez in the area. Pinball in the box ended with the ball striking Daniel Amartey’s arm. Paul Pogba stepped up and after a purposely delayed run-up, he slotted the ball home.
United had their lead and should have had momentum on their side. But it was the Foxes who dominated the opening 45 minutes and made Mourinho’s men look like the away side. They edged possession, 53 per cent to 47, had two more shots and six more corners.
Maddison was the hub for those in blue with everything good going through the former Norwich City man. Leicester’s best chance fell to their new No.10 but David de Gea, like the majority of the time, was equal to his effort.
As expected, the second half was a bit more rushed with both teams needlessly sacrifiing possession on a number of occasions. The more stretched the game became, the more chances United seemed to create.
Romelu Lukaku came off of the bench and saw an effort from eight yards saved by Kasper Schmeichel but the home side weren’t undeterred by this. Not long after the chance, Luke Shaw brilliantly controlled a delightful Juan Mata pass before poking the ball home.
Jamie Vardy scored a consolation in added time bit Leicester couldn’t find that all important equaliser.
It wasn’t pretty but it didn’t have to be. Mourinho’s men opened their season with a win. Here are five things we learned.
Leicester could challenge for a European spotIt went somewhat under the radar but the Foxes recruited well this summer. Riyad Mahrez may have departed from the King Power stadium but the signings of Maddison and Ghezzal go someway to replacing the creativity and unpredictability of their former No.26.
Evans helps solidify the Leicester backline in the immediate future while Çağlar Söyüncü and Filip Benković give the Foxes solid foundations for the future and Ward is a capable understudy to Schmeichel.
All in all, the 2015/16 Premier League champions are one of the most intriguing outfits in the English top flight and their performance tonight strengthens the belief they should be competing for a European place this season.
Football Whispers
Harry Maguire travelled to Manchester with his Leicester City team-mates to kick off the 2018/19 Premier League campaign.
He returned to the King Power stadium empty-handed as the Red Devils recorded a 2-1 victory.
José Mourinho gave Fred his debut and made Paul Pogba his captain while Claude Puel gave starts to summer signings Ricardo Pereira and James Maddison with Rachid Ghezzal, Jonny Evans and Danny Ward having to be content with a place on the bench.
The match got off to a flyer. The home side were awarded a penalty after just 75 seconds. Luke Shaw found Alexis Sánchez in the area. Pinball in the box ended with the ball striking Daniel Amartey’s arm. Paul Pogba stepped up and after a purposely delayed run-up, he slotted the ball home.
United had their lead and should have had momentum on their side. But it was the Foxes who dominated the opening 45 minutes and made Mourinho’s men look like the away side. They edged possession, 53 per cent to 47, had two more shots and six more corners.
Maddison was the hub for those in blue with everything good going through the former Norwich City man. Leicester’s best chance fell to their new No.10 but David de Gea, like the majority of the time, was equal to his effort.
As expected, the second half was a bit more rushed with both teams needlessly sacrifiing possession on a number of occasions. The more stretched the game became, the more chances United seemed to create.
Romelu Lukaku came off of the bench and saw an effort from eight yards saved by Kasper Schmeichel but the home side weren’t undeterred by this. Not long after the chance, Luke Shaw brilliantly controlled a delightful Juan Mata pass before poking the ball home.
Jamie Vardy scored a consolation in added time bit Leicester couldn’t find that all important equaliser.
It wasn’t pretty but it didn’t have to be. Mourinho’s men opened their season with a win. Here are five things we learned.
Leicester could challenge for a European spotIt went somewhat under the radar but the Foxes recruited well this summer. Riyad Mahrez may have departed from the King Power stadium but the signings of Maddison and Ghezzal go someway to replacing the creativity and unpredictability of their former No.26.
Evans helps solidify the Leicester backline in the immediate future while Çağlar Söyüncü and Filip Benković give the Foxes solid foundations for the future and Ward is a capable understudy to Schmeichel.
All in all, the 2015/16 Premier League champions are one of the most intriguing outfits in the English top flight and their performance tonight strengthens the belief they should be competing for a European place this season.
Football Whispers
Jamie Vardy Signs New Four-Year Contract With Leicester City
Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm that Jamie Vardy has signed a new contract, keeping him at the Club until June 2022.
Jamie, 31, signs on the eve of his seventh season with the Foxes, having taken his goal tally to 88 in Leicester blue with 20 during the 2017/18 Premier League campaign – form that secured his place in the England squad that reached the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Since signing from then non-league Fleetwood Town in 2012, Vardy has completed an impressive rise to the top of the English game, firmly establishing himself as one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
Speaking to LCFC.com, Vardy said: “Everybody knows how I feel about playing for this Football Club and it’s a great feeling to know that I can look forward to another four years as a Leicester City player.
“The journey that me, the team and the Club have been on in the past few years has been incredible. Going into the new season, it’s an exciting time for Leicester City and I’m delighted to be part of it.”
During his Leicester City career, Vardy has featured 233 times, scoring 88 goals in all competitions, and is now the 10th all-time top goal-scorer for the Football Club.
The Sheffield-born forward was a key figure in Leicester’s promotion to the Premier League in 2013/14, scoring 16 goals, and also played an important role in City’s historic escape from possible relegation upon their return to the top-flight.
LCFC .COM
Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm that Jamie Vardy has signed a new contract, keeping him at the Club until June 2022.
Jamie, 31, signs on the eve of his seventh season with the Foxes, having taken his goal tally to 88 in Leicester blue with 20 during the 2017/18 Premier League campaign – form that secured his place in the England squad that reached the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Since signing from then non-league Fleetwood Town in 2012, Vardy has completed an impressive rise to the top of the English game, firmly establishing himself as one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
Speaking to LCFC.com, Vardy said: “Everybody knows how I feel about playing for this Football Club and it’s a great feeling to know that I can look forward to another four years as a Leicester City player.
“The journey that me, the team and the Club have been on in the past few years has been incredible. Going into the new season, it’s an exciting time for Leicester City and I’m delighted to be part of it.”
During his Leicester City career, Vardy has featured 233 times, scoring 88 goals in all competitions, and is now the 10th all-time top goal-scorer for the Football Club.
The Sheffield-born forward was a key figure in Leicester’s promotion to the Premier League in 2013/14, scoring 16 goals, and also played an important role in City’s historic escape from possible relegation upon their return to the top-flight.
LCFC .COM
Leicester City Agree Çağlar Söyüncü Transfer
Leicester City Football Club can confirm that an agreement has been reached with SC Freiburg for the transfer of defender Çağlar Söyüncü.
The 22-year-old has agreed personal terms, undergone a medical and signed a five-year contract at King Power Stadium, subject to a work permit being granted.
A Turkish international, Söyüncü made his senior debut for his national side at just 19 years old against Sweden in March 2016 and has since been capped a further 14 times.
Last season, the defender played 30 times for SC Freiburg as his side finished 15th in the Bundesliga, reached the last 16 of the DFB-Pokal and the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City Football Club can confirm that an agreement has been reached with SC Freiburg for the transfer of defender Çağlar Söyüncü.
The 22-year-old has agreed personal terms, undergone a medical and signed a five-year contract at King Power Stadium, subject to a work permit being granted.
A Turkish international, Söyüncü made his senior debut for his national side at just 19 years old against Sweden in March 2016 and has since been capped a further 14 times.
Last season, the defender played 30 times for SC Freiburg as his side finished 15th in the Bundesliga, reached the last 16 of the DFB-Pokal and the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.
LCFC.COM
Leicester finalise £13m Filip Benkovic signing from Dinamo Zagreb
Leicester City have finalised the signing of defender Filip Benkovic from Dinamo Zagreb.
The 21-year-old has signed a five-year deal at the King Power Stadium. Sky sources understand the fee is £13m.
Speaking to the club website, Benkovic said: "I will give all my heart to this club, to all the fans, to everybody.
"Hopefully we'll have a very good result this season. The ambitions of Leicester City are so big.
"I like the club very much and I think it's a very good step for me to the next level. I'm very happy to be here."
Benkovic, who plays at centre-back, has five caps for Croatia U21s.
Sky Sports
Leicester City have finalised the signing of defender Filip Benkovic from Dinamo Zagreb.
The 21-year-old has signed a five-year deal at the King Power Stadium. Sky sources understand the fee is £13m.
Speaking to the club website, Benkovic said: "I will give all my heart to this club, to all the fans, to everybody.
"Hopefully we'll have a very good result this season. The ambitions of Leicester City are so big.
"I like the club very much and I think it's a very good step for me to the next level. I'm very happy to be here."
Benkovic, who plays at centre-back, has five caps for Croatia U21s.
Sky Sports
Leicester City sign Algeria winger Rachid Ghezzal from Monaco
Leicester City have signed Algeria winger Rachid Ghezzal from Monaco for a reported £10m fee.
The 26-year-old has joined the Foxes on a four-year contract following the sale of compatriot Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City earlier this summer.
Ghezzal began his career at Lyon before moving to fellow Ligue 1 side Monaco at the start of last season.
He made 33 appearances in 2017-18, including four in the Champions League, and scored two goals.
Ghezzal is Leicester manager Claude Puel's fifth signing of the summer after the arrivals of goalkeeper Danny Ward, defenders Ricardo Pereira and Jonny Evans, and midfielder James Maddison.
"I'm very excited and very happy to be here," said Ghezzal. "I know the coach from Lyon and this is where I want to be.
"It is a good club and an ambitious one too. Leicester City has many great players and I hope we will have a great season."
Puel said: "He is an exciting addition to our group who will bring creativity and competition.
"I know his qualities from my time at Lyon, where he was in the academy, and I look forward to seeing him test himself in the Premier League."
BBC
Leicester City have signed Algeria winger Rachid Ghezzal from Monaco for a reported £10m fee.
The 26-year-old has joined the Foxes on a four-year contract following the sale of compatriot Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City earlier this summer.
Ghezzal began his career at Lyon before moving to fellow Ligue 1 side Monaco at the start of last season.
He made 33 appearances in 2017-18, including four in the Champions League, and scored two goals.
Ghezzal is Leicester manager Claude Puel's fifth signing of the summer after the arrivals of goalkeeper Danny Ward, defenders Ricardo Pereira and Jonny Evans, and midfielder James Maddison.
"I'm very excited and very happy to be here," said Ghezzal. "I know the coach from Lyon and this is where I want to be.
"It is a good club and an ambitious one too. Leicester City has many great players and I hope we will have a great season."
Puel said: "He is an exciting addition to our group who will bring creativity and competition.
"I know his qualities from my time at Lyon, where he was in the academy, and I look forward to seeing him test himself in the Premier League."
BBC
Tottenham 5-4 Leicester: Spurs Conclude Premier League Season In Stunning Fashion Against Foxes
Pochettino's men found themselves 3-1 down early on the second half but a miraculous second half display saw them finish off the Premier League campaign in style.
The game got off to an enthralling start, with a goal just three minutes into the tie as Jamie Vardy got across his man to connect with Riyad Mahrez's cross and head the ball into the bottom corner at the near post.
However, their lead lasted less than three minutes when Lucas Moura won the ball high up the field from Danny Simpson and fed in Harry Kane, who slotted the ball past Eldin Jakupović in the Leicester net.
Leicester did not let their heads slip after the equaliser and found themselves regaining the lead just ten minutes later, when Riyad Mahrez found the bottom corner with a lovely finish from the edge of the box. The Algerian will be grateful to Kelechi Iheancho, Adrien Silva and Jamie Vardy for their lovely football in the build up to his strike.
Tottenham had dominated the possession in the first half, but Leicester were more productive with the ball in the final third. Demarai Gray looked close to extending the lead when he forced a fine save from Hugo Lloris after some superb football from Leicester.
The sides went in level at the break and Leicester came out with their tales up and, two minutes into the second half, made it 3-1 when he picked the ball up centrally, drove to the edge of the box and fired the ball into the top right corner past a helpless Lloris. Spurs scored a second goal in a matter of minutes to make it 3-3. Maguire got his feet caught underneath him and allowed Lamela to nip in and see his shot deflected off Christian Fuchs, and into the net for an own goal.
On the hour, Lamela scored another by slotting past Jakupović to give Spurs a 4-3 lead in stunning fashion after initially being 3-1 down. Kane looked like extending Spurs' lead when he showed his threat in front of goal but was denied by Wes Morgan. Leicester countered and Vardy latched onto a long ball from Mahrez, and the England striker showed some excellent centre forward play before he rifled the ball into the top of the net for his 20th Premier League goal of the season.
Game over? No. Harry Kane had other ideas. With fifteen minutes to play, Kane fired a right footed shot neatly into the corner to give his side a stunning lead in their final league game at Wembley and wrap up three all three points for Spurs, leaving them on 77 points in third place. The visitors, meanwhile, finish 9th.
90min
Pochettino's men found themselves 3-1 down early on the second half but a miraculous second half display saw them finish off the Premier League campaign in style.
The game got off to an enthralling start, with a goal just three minutes into the tie as Jamie Vardy got across his man to connect with Riyad Mahrez's cross and head the ball into the bottom corner at the near post.
However, their lead lasted less than three minutes when Lucas Moura won the ball high up the field from Danny Simpson and fed in Harry Kane, who slotted the ball past Eldin Jakupović in the Leicester net.
Leicester did not let their heads slip after the equaliser and found themselves regaining the lead just ten minutes later, when Riyad Mahrez found the bottom corner with a lovely finish from the edge of the box. The Algerian will be grateful to Kelechi Iheancho, Adrien Silva and Jamie Vardy for their lovely football in the build up to his strike.
Tottenham had dominated the possession in the first half, but Leicester were more productive with the ball in the final third. Demarai Gray looked close to extending the lead when he forced a fine save from Hugo Lloris after some superb football from Leicester.
The sides went in level at the break and Leicester came out with their tales up and, two minutes into the second half, made it 3-1 when he picked the ball up centrally, drove to the edge of the box and fired the ball into the top right corner past a helpless Lloris. Spurs scored a second goal in a matter of minutes to make it 3-3. Maguire got his feet caught underneath him and allowed Lamela to nip in and see his shot deflected off Christian Fuchs, and into the net for an own goal.
On the hour, Lamela scored another by slotting past Jakupović to give Spurs a 4-3 lead in stunning fashion after initially being 3-1 down. Kane looked like extending Spurs' lead when he showed his threat in front of goal but was denied by Wes Morgan. Leicester countered and Vardy latched onto a long ball from Mahrez, and the England striker showed some excellent centre forward play before he rifled the ball into the top of the net for his 20th Premier League goal of the season.
Game over? No. Harry Kane had other ideas. With fifteen minutes to play, Kane fired a right footed shot neatly into the corner to give his side a stunning lead in their final league game at Wembley and wrap up three all three points for Spurs, leaving them on 77 points in third place. The visitors, meanwhile, finish 9th.
90min
Leicester 3-1 Arsenal: Fantastic Foxes Secure 1st Premier League Victory Against Gunners Since 1994
Second half goals from Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez earned a much-improved Leicester City a deserved win over Arsenal at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday.
The hosts took the lead early on through former Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho and should have extended their lead heading into the half time break after working Petr Čech hard in the Arsenal goal.
Former Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the equaliser with his second bite of the cherry just before the hour mark. However, Leicester replied with less than 15 minutes to play when Vardy converted his penalty after Demarai Gray was fouled by Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the box.
At the end of the second half, Riyad Mahrez shaped the ball onto his right foot, dummied inside and finished beautifully to seal all three points for Leicester. Arsenal showed brief glimpses of danger in the opening stages, but could not create any chances as Leicester looked lazy in defence.
The Foxes sprung to life on 12 minutes when Adrien Silva played in Jamie Vardy, who replicated his famous runs in-behind of years gone by and produced a good save from Petr Čech. From the resulting corner, Leicester took the lead when Fousseni Diabaté knocked a header down to Iheanacho, who let the ball run across his body and smashed home from close range.
Things very quickly turned from bad to worse for Leicester as Konstantinos Mavrapanos saw red for bringing down Kelechi Iheanacho, who was clean through on goal with no other defenders to beat. Due to the red card, Arsenal sacrificed Danny Welbeck - who was replaced by Skhodran Mustafi between good chances for Harry Maguire and Kelechi Iheanacho.
The latter was particularly impressive having stepped in to replace the injured Shinji Okazaki. He showed great energy, enthusiasm and confidence in an impressive display, particularly in the early stages of the game.
Arsenal had a rare chance to equalise ten minutes before the break, when Leicester goalkeeper Eldin Jakupović made a good save down to his right to deny Henrikh Mkhitaryan, before stopping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's rebound. Arsenal showed another brief glimpse of a threat despite only having ten men.
Leicester closed the half with good momentum going forward and would have been disappointed not to add to their tally before the half time whistle. The Foxes had Petr Čech working very hard throughout the first half.
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Iheanacho created a glorious chance to extend their lead in stoppage time in the first half, when he won the ball in midfield and has a fantastic chance to play through Vardy. However, the Nigerian youngster tried an audacious effort from 45 yards and his reaction showed that he instantly regretted his decision. The Gunners were lucky not to go 2-0 down just three minutes into the second half when Vardy played in Diabaté, but Mustafi recovered to clear the youngster's effort off the line.
Arsenal drew themselves level shortly afterwards as Aubameyang produced a good save from Jakupović but turned the ball in from close range to salvage an equaliser for the visitors. The goal was the Gabon international's 22nd goal of the season across all competitions and has now started to justify his hefty price tag.
Arsenal could have gone on to score a winner when Sead Kolašinac played a raking pass to Mkhitaryan, but the Armenian fired his effort over the crossbar. Wenger's men slowly built momentum through the second half, with some promising attacking moves, but could not create too many strong chances as they desperately searched for a winner.
The game turned on its head once again soon after, when Mkhitaryan was adjudged to have fouled Demarai Gray in the box and referee Graham Scott did not hesitate in pointing to the spot. England striker Jamie Vardy stepped up to calmly stroke the ball into the top left corner and restore the Foxes' lead. Leicester were seeing the game out in style, when Riyad Mahrez sent Calum Chambers for a burger as he turned inside and fired home to ensure a much needed win after a week of speculation around Claude Puel's future.
The Foxes have picked up their first victory against Arsenal in 23 attempts and will now travel to Wembley on Sunday as they take on Tottenham Hotspur. Meanwhile, Arsenal will travel to Yorkshire as they face Huddersfield Town.
90min.com
Second half goals from Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez earned a much-improved Leicester City a deserved win over Arsenal at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday.
The hosts took the lead early on through former Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho and should have extended their lead heading into the half time break after working Petr Čech hard in the Arsenal goal.
Former Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the equaliser with his second bite of the cherry just before the hour mark. However, Leicester replied with less than 15 minutes to play when Vardy converted his penalty after Demarai Gray was fouled by Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the box.
At the end of the second half, Riyad Mahrez shaped the ball onto his right foot, dummied inside and finished beautifully to seal all three points for Leicester. Arsenal showed brief glimpses of danger in the opening stages, but could not create any chances as Leicester looked lazy in defence.
The Foxes sprung to life on 12 minutes when Adrien Silva played in Jamie Vardy, who replicated his famous runs in-behind of years gone by and produced a good save from Petr Čech. From the resulting corner, Leicester took the lead when Fousseni Diabaté knocked a header down to Iheanacho, who let the ball run across his body and smashed home from close range.
Things very quickly turned from bad to worse for Leicester as Konstantinos Mavrapanos saw red for bringing down Kelechi Iheanacho, who was clean through on goal with no other defenders to beat. Due to the red card, Arsenal sacrificed Danny Welbeck - who was replaced by Skhodran Mustafi between good chances for Harry Maguire and Kelechi Iheanacho.
The latter was particularly impressive having stepped in to replace the injured Shinji Okazaki. He showed great energy, enthusiasm and confidence in an impressive display, particularly in the early stages of the game.
Arsenal had a rare chance to equalise ten minutes before the break, when Leicester goalkeeper Eldin Jakupović made a good save down to his right to deny Henrikh Mkhitaryan, before stopping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's rebound. Arsenal showed another brief glimpse of a threat despite only having ten men.
Leicester closed the half with good momentum going forward and would have been disappointed not to add to their tally before the half time whistle. The Foxes had Petr Čech working very hard throughout the first half.
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Iheanacho created a glorious chance to extend their lead in stoppage time in the first half, when he won the ball in midfield and has a fantastic chance to play through Vardy. However, the Nigerian youngster tried an audacious effort from 45 yards and his reaction showed that he instantly regretted his decision. The Gunners were lucky not to go 2-0 down just three minutes into the second half when Vardy played in Diabaté, but Mustafi recovered to clear the youngster's effort off the line.
Arsenal drew themselves level shortly afterwards as Aubameyang produced a good save from Jakupović but turned the ball in from close range to salvage an equaliser for the visitors. The goal was the Gabon international's 22nd goal of the season across all competitions and has now started to justify his hefty price tag.
Arsenal could have gone on to score a winner when Sead Kolašinac played a raking pass to Mkhitaryan, but the Armenian fired his effort over the crossbar. Wenger's men slowly built momentum through the second half, with some promising attacking moves, but could not create too many strong chances as they desperately searched for a winner.
The game turned on its head once again soon after, when Mkhitaryan was adjudged to have fouled Demarai Gray in the box and referee Graham Scott did not hesitate in pointing to the spot. England striker Jamie Vardy stepped up to calmly stroke the ball into the top left corner and restore the Foxes' lead. Leicester were seeing the game out in style, when Riyad Mahrez sent Calum Chambers for a burger as he turned inside and fired home to ensure a much needed win after a week of speculation around Claude Puel's future.
The Foxes have picked up their first victory against Arsenal in 23 attempts and will now travel to Wembley on Sunday as they take on Tottenham Hotspur. Meanwhile, Arsenal will travel to Yorkshire as they face Huddersfield Town.
90min.com
Leicester City 0 - 2 West Ham United
Mark Noble's second-half volley helps West Ham end winless run at Leicester
West Ham United took a giant leap towards securing their Premier League survival and piled more pressure on Leicester City boss Claude Puel with a 2-0 victory at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester went into the match having won just twice in their last 11 Premier League games but Puel received the dreaded vote of confidence from club's owners this week. His cause was not helped on Saturday by the absence of nine players through injury and suspension but Leicester's performance, on a hot afternoon, was lukewarm at best.
West Ham inflicted a fourth Leicester loss in five Premier League matches through goals in each half from Joao Mario and Mark Noble, with the captain scoring a possible goal-of-the-season contender. The win moved West Ham six points clear of the bottom three and put a three-point cushion between Swansea City and Huddersfield Town immediately below them.
Leicester looked disjointed early on, perhaps as a result of Puel having to make five changes, and struggled to settle. West Ham tried to take advantage and Manuel Lanzini saw two goalbound efforts blocked -- the second inadvertently by teammate Marko Arnautovic. The game was played almost exclusively in the Leicester half until the hosts finally found their feet and put together their best passage of play as the half-hour mark approached. Although, it must be said, without troubling Adrian in the West Ham goal.
West Ham's best spell immediately followed, during which they took the lead. Arnautovic fired a couple of warning shots across Leicester's bow. First, he forced Ben Hamer to save with his legs following a swift break down the left by Lanzini before his shot on the turn struck the crossbar.
The opening goal came after 34 minutes when Arthur Masuaku's far-post cross from the left was controlled and knocked back into the six-yard box, where Joao Mario simply tapped the ball home.
West Ham should have extended their lead early in the second half. Joao Mario's pass put Arnautovic through on goal down the right side of the penalty area but he dawdled and allowed Christian Fuchs to make a block when he did eventually shoot. Puel, who had brought Aleksandar Dragovic on for Vicente Iborra at half-time, made his two remaining substitutions after 61 minutes with Demarai Gray and Kelechi Iheanacho replacing Hamza Choudhury and Fousseni Diabate.
Harry Maguire, in central midfield, went close with a half-volley from the edge of the area. The centre-half showed good technique but his shot was always rising.
West Ham scored their second goal in the 64th minute and it was a strike worthy of settling any match. Joao Mario's free-kick was cleared by Dragovic as far as Noble, who struck the ball first time from 25 yards out and his shot flew into the bottom corner of the net.
The closest Leicester came to a reply was when Yohan Benalouane's late header was pushed away by Adrian.
ESPN
Mark Noble's second-half volley helps West Ham end winless run at Leicester
West Ham United took a giant leap towards securing their Premier League survival and piled more pressure on Leicester City boss Claude Puel with a 2-0 victory at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester went into the match having won just twice in their last 11 Premier League games but Puel received the dreaded vote of confidence from club's owners this week. His cause was not helped on Saturday by the absence of nine players through injury and suspension but Leicester's performance, on a hot afternoon, was lukewarm at best.
West Ham inflicted a fourth Leicester loss in five Premier League matches through goals in each half from Joao Mario and Mark Noble, with the captain scoring a possible goal-of-the-season contender. The win moved West Ham six points clear of the bottom three and put a three-point cushion between Swansea City and Huddersfield Town immediately below them.
Leicester looked disjointed early on, perhaps as a result of Puel having to make five changes, and struggled to settle. West Ham tried to take advantage and Manuel Lanzini saw two goalbound efforts blocked -- the second inadvertently by teammate Marko Arnautovic. The game was played almost exclusively in the Leicester half until the hosts finally found their feet and put together their best passage of play as the half-hour mark approached. Although, it must be said, without troubling Adrian in the West Ham goal.
West Ham's best spell immediately followed, during which they took the lead. Arnautovic fired a couple of warning shots across Leicester's bow. First, he forced Ben Hamer to save with his legs following a swift break down the left by Lanzini before his shot on the turn struck the crossbar.
The opening goal came after 34 minutes when Arthur Masuaku's far-post cross from the left was controlled and knocked back into the six-yard box, where Joao Mario simply tapped the ball home.
West Ham should have extended their lead early in the second half. Joao Mario's pass put Arnautovic through on goal down the right side of the penalty area but he dawdled and allowed Christian Fuchs to make a block when he did eventually shoot. Puel, who had brought Aleksandar Dragovic on for Vicente Iborra at half-time, made his two remaining substitutions after 61 minutes with Demarai Gray and Kelechi Iheanacho replacing Hamza Choudhury and Fousseni Diabate.
Harry Maguire, in central midfield, went close with a half-volley from the edge of the area. The centre-half showed good technique but his shot was always rising.
West Ham scored their second goal in the 64th minute and it was a strike worthy of settling any match. Joao Mario's free-kick was cleared by Dragovic as far as Noble, who struck the ball first time from 25 yards out and his shot flew into the bottom corner of the net.
The closest Leicester came to a reply was when Yohan Benalouane's late header was pushed away by Adrian.
ESPN
Crystal Palace 5-0 Leicester City
Eagles Thrash Lacklustre Foxes & Effectively Secure Survival
Crystal Palace all but secured their Premier League survival with a comfortable win over a Leicester side who look like they are already on their holidays on Saturday.
Both sides named full strength line ups for the game and would have both been hoping to get three points to help finish the season strongly. Palace came into the game with the added incentive that their Premier League status could be confirmed with a win. Leicester, meanwhile, have seen their form falter of late and this has led to suggestions that Claude Puel may be fighting for his managerial life at the King Power, with the board reportedly not pleased with finishing ninth after such a promising mid season.
The game started as many would have expected. An open, free flowing affair made for a great first half and it was not long before the first chances for both sides went begging. James Tomkins had a header cleared off the line after a dodgy Ben Hamer punch before moments later clearing off his own line, preventing Jamie Vardy bagging his 18th league goal of the season.
It did not take long for the deadlock to be broken after this and in the 16th minute, a wonderfully worked Palace move was finished off by the instrumental Wilfried Zaha. The Ivorian has been crucial for the Eagles since returning from injury and was heavily involved in Palace's second goal in the 37th minute.
He played a clever ball across the box which allowed McArthur the space to swivel and finish sublimely into the bottom corner to double the lead. Leicester made a double change at half time in an attempt to change the game and were forced into a third change just after half time Wilfred Ndidi was forced off. Although Leicester posed more of a threat after this, any hope of a comeback looked to go when Marc Albrighton was sent off in the 56th minute.
A long pass over the top sent Zaha galloping through before he was pulled down by the Leicester midfielder and after consulting with his assistant, referee Mike Dean gave Albrighton his marching orders. Much of the game's pace seemed to dwindle after the sending off, and it seemed that if any more goals were to be scored they would go to Palace and this was the case.
Their second half dominance paid dividends in the 81st minute, when Mamadou Sakho played a beautifully threaded ball to release Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who did well to go round Hamer and slot into an empty net. Just minutes later, Patrick van Aanholt added a fourth for Palace when a Hamer block fell to him just outside of the area and he provided a curled finish into the bottom corner to put the game well beyond Leicester.
It got even worse for Leicester with just two minutes to go when Harry Maguire sent Christian Benteke crashing to the floor and a penalty was awarded. Benteke was given the honours and tucked it away to give Palace their biggest ever Premier League victory.
The win means Palace need just one point to secure their Premier League status for next season. Leicester and Claude Puel however are in for an uncertain future after an embarrassing afternoon at Selhurst Park.
90min.com
Eagles Thrash Lacklustre Foxes & Effectively Secure Survival
Crystal Palace all but secured their Premier League survival with a comfortable win over a Leicester side who look like they are already on their holidays on Saturday.
Both sides named full strength line ups for the game and would have both been hoping to get three points to help finish the season strongly. Palace came into the game with the added incentive that their Premier League status could be confirmed with a win. Leicester, meanwhile, have seen their form falter of late and this has led to suggestions that Claude Puel may be fighting for his managerial life at the King Power, with the board reportedly not pleased with finishing ninth after such a promising mid season.
The game started as many would have expected. An open, free flowing affair made for a great first half and it was not long before the first chances for both sides went begging. James Tomkins had a header cleared off the line after a dodgy Ben Hamer punch before moments later clearing off his own line, preventing Jamie Vardy bagging his 18th league goal of the season.
It did not take long for the deadlock to be broken after this and in the 16th minute, a wonderfully worked Palace move was finished off by the instrumental Wilfried Zaha. The Ivorian has been crucial for the Eagles since returning from injury and was heavily involved in Palace's second goal in the 37th minute.
He played a clever ball across the box which allowed McArthur the space to swivel and finish sublimely into the bottom corner to double the lead. Leicester made a double change at half time in an attempt to change the game and were forced into a third change just after half time Wilfred Ndidi was forced off. Although Leicester posed more of a threat after this, any hope of a comeback looked to go when Marc Albrighton was sent off in the 56th minute.
A long pass over the top sent Zaha galloping through before he was pulled down by the Leicester midfielder and after consulting with his assistant, referee Mike Dean gave Albrighton his marching orders. Much of the game's pace seemed to dwindle after the sending off, and it seemed that if any more goals were to be scored they would go to Palace and this was the case.
Their second half dominance paid dividends in the 81st minute, when Mamadou Sakho played a beautifully threaded ball to release Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who did well to go round Hamer and slot into an empty net. Just minutes later, Patrick van Aanholt added a fourth for Palace when a Hamer block fell to him just outside of the area and he provided a curled finish into the bottom corner to put the game well beyond Leicester.
It got even worse for Leicester with just two minutes to go when Harry Maguire sent Christian Benteke crashing to the floor and a penalty was awarded. Benteke was given the honours and tucked it away to give Palace their biggest ever Premier League victory.
The win means Palace need just one point to secure their Premier League status for next season. Leicester and Claude Puel however are in for an uncertain future after an embarrassing afternoon at Selhurst Park.
90min.com
Leicester City 0-0 Southampton
Southampton take a point at Leicester but remain in deep trouble
Southampton halted their losing run but a goalless draw at Leicester does little for their Premier League survival hopes.
Saints arrived at the King Power Stadium five points adrift of safety with five matches remaining, following four straight league defeats. It is not exactly mission impossible for Mark Hughes' team as club's have survived from the position they are in, or worse, on four occasions in Premier League history.
Whether Southampton can join Bradford (1999/00), West Ham (2006/07), Fulham (2007/08) and Sunderland (2013/14) remains to be seen. The stalemate also halted back-to-back losses for Leicester, who remain without a home win in the league since January 20.
Foxes boss Claude Puel, against his former club, made five changes following the defeat at Burnley. Captain Wes Morgan and Danny Simpson dropped down to the bench as Aleksander Dragovic and Marc Albrighton were preferred at centre-half and right-back respectively.
Injuries to Kasper Schmeichel and Shinji Okzaki meant opportunities for Ben Hamer and Kelechi Iheanacho, while midfielder Wilfred Ndidi returned from suspension at the expense of Hamza Choudhury.
Southampton were unchanged from the team that lost to Chelsea, despite an FA Cup semi-final against the same opponents just three days away.
Leicester threatened twice inside the opening quarter hour. Riyad Mahrez, Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy, given the armband in Morgan's absence, moved the ball quickly on the edge of the penalty area before Mahrez's low shot was smothered by Alex McCarthy. Some more lovely one-touch football then saw Iheanacho curl an effort narrowly wide, with McCarthy rooted to the spot, after his initial scuffed shot was blocked.
Southampton's first opening came shortly afterwards when Dusan Tadic's half-volley flew just past the post, this time it was Hamer's turn to just watch and hope. Much of Leicester's attacking play under Puel has been based around patient passing football but the long pass over the top remains a useful weapon in their armoury with Vardy and Demarai Gray on the prowl.
On a couple of occasions Mahrez tried to turn the Saints backline but each time the final ball was not quite right.
Southampton should have done better with two chances late in the first half. Cedric Soares missed the target with a volley from Shane Long's far-post cross before Long failed to make the most of a potential two-on-one opportunity, misplacing his pass to Tadic. Much to the annoyance of manager Hughes on the touchline.
Long left his manager wondering what might have been again after 57 minutes. The striker seized on a loose ball seven yards out but his shot on the turn was blocked at point-blank range by Hamer. It was the best chance of the game so far.
Midway through the second half Leicester got one of those long passes over the top right. Albrighton found Vardy just inside the penalty area and his deft flick on the volley forced McCarthy to tip the ball over the crossbar with his fingertips.
Southampton survived some intense late pressure from the hosts but Leicester were unable to find a breakthrough and Saints held on. Time will tell if a point is enough for them to stay up.
ESPN
Southampton take a point at Leicester but remain in deep trouble
Southampton halted their losing run but a goalless draw at Leicester does little for their Premier League survival hopes.
Saints arrived at the King Power Stadium five points adrift of safety with five matches remaining, following four straight league defeats. It is not exactly mission impossible for Mark Hughes' team as club's have survived from the position they are in, or worse, on four occasions in Premier League history.
Whether Southampton can join Bradford (1999/00), West Ham (2006/07), Fulham (2007/08) and Sunderland (2013/14) remains to be seen. The stalemate also halted back-to-back losses for Leicester, who remain without a home win in the league since January 20.
Foxes boss Claude Puel, against his former club, made five changes following the defeat at Burnley. Captain Wes Morgan and Danny Simpson dropped down to the bench as Aleksander Dragovic and Marc Albrighton were preferred at centre-half and right-back respectively.
Injuries to Kasper Schmeichel and Shinji Okzaki meant opportunities for Ben Hamer and Kelechi Iheanacho, while midfielder Wilfred Ndidi returned from suspension at the expense of Hamza Choudhury.
Southampton were unchanged from the team that lost to Chelsea, despite an FA Cup semi-final against the same opponents just three days away.
Leicester threatened twice inside the opening quarter hour. Riyad Mahrez, Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy, given the armband in Morgan's absence, moved the ball quickly on the edge of the penalty area before Mahrez's low shot was smothered by Alex McCarthy. Some more lovely one-touch football then saw Iheanacho curl an effort narrowly wide, with McCarthy rooted to the spot, after his initial scuffed shot was blocked.
Southampton's first opening came shortly afterwards when Dusan Tadic's half-volley flew just past the post, this time it was Hamer's turn to just watch and hope. Much of Leicester's attacking play under Puel has been based around patient passing football but the long pass over the top remains a useful weapon in their armoury with Vardy and Demarai Gray on the prowl.
On a couple of occasions Mahrez tried to turn the Saints backline but each time the final ball was not quite right.
Southampton should have done better with two chances late in the first half. Cedric Soares missed the target with a volley from Shane Long's far-post cross before Long failed to make the most of a potential two-on-one opportunity, misplacing his pass to Tadic. Much to the annoyance of manager Hughes on the touchline.
Long left his manager wondering what might have been again after 57 minutes. The striker seized on a loose ball seven yards out but his shot on the turn was blocked at point-blank range by Hamer. It was the best chance of the game so far.
Midway through the second half Leicester got one of those long passes over the top right. Albrighton found Vardy just inside the penalty area and his deft flick on the volley forced McCarthy to tip the ball over the crossbar with his fingertips.
Southampton survived some intense late pressure from the hosts but Leicester were unable to find a breakthrough and Saints held on. Time will tell if a point is enough for them to stay up.
ESPN
Burnley 2-1 Leicester City
Burnley Edge Closer to European Football With Narrow Foxes Win
Burnley got a step closer to securing European football next season with an impressive 2-1 win against Leicester City.
Chris Wood put the hosts 1-0 up early on when he raced onto a Barnes through ball. It was 2-0 minutes later when Long headed home Gudmundsson's corner. Leicester fought back and halved the deficit with 18 minutes left when Vardy beat Pope from close range. The Foxes piled on the pressure late on, but Burnley held on for three massive points.
Burnley had the better of the early exchanges, and they took the lead within five minutes. Wes Morgan gave the ball away to Ashley Barnes who put Chris Wood through on goal and the 26-year-old scored at the second attempt after his first shot was saved by Kasper Schmeichel. It got even better for Sean Dyche's side as three minutes later they doubled their lead. Kevin Long met Gudmundsson's corner to put Burnley 2-0 up, and Leicester looked stunned.
The hosts kept piling on the pressure, and they should've made it 3-0. Lowton's superb cross almost found Wood, but Simpson just about intervened in time. However, Leicester had a chance to half the deficit. Chilwell's cross found Vardy, but his tame header went past the post. Leicester had an even better chance 10 minutes before half-time. Riyad Mahrez got on the end of a clever Demarai Gray cross, but the former's header was kept out expertly by Nick Pope.
Burnley started to sit back and invite pressure. However, the Foxes weren't clinical enough and missed another chance to get back into the game. Vardy found himself with a free header, but once again Pope kept him out with ease. The last chance of the half fell to the visitors. Mahrez's well hit free kick just went wide of the post, and Burnley went into the half-time interval 2-0 up.
Burnley had the first chance of the second half. Gudmundsson's audacious strike went over the bar as Burnley looked to kill the game off. Just after the hour mark, Pope was forced to make another great save. Vardy was once again denied by the young keeper as he got down low to keep out his close-range effort.
The hosts then had two penalty appeals turned down within seconds. Burnley players thought Chilwell handled the ball in the area, and then Iheanacho went in hard on Lennon, but both appeals were turned down by referee Martin Atkinson. Minutes later Leicester pulled one back courtesy of Vardy. Iheanacho sent through Vardy who finally got the better of Pope to set up a nervy 18 minutes for Burnley.
It could've easily been 2-2 soon after. Diabate's cross looked destined for Vardy who would've been able to score a tap in but Long just about did enough to divert the ball away from the striker. To add to Leicester's problems Schmeical was forced off with an injury following a collision with Barnes.
In the end, Burnley held on for what could prove to be a massive three points come the end of the season.
ESPN
Burnley Edge Closer to European Football With Narrow Foxes Win
Burnley got a step closer to securing European football next season with an impressive 2-1 win against Leicester City.
Chris Wood put the hosts 1-0 up early on when he raced onto a Barnes through ball. It was 2-0 minutes later when Long headed home Gudmundsson's corner. Leicester fought back and halved the deficit with 18 minutes left when Vardy beat Pope from close range. The Foxes piled on the pressure late on, but Burnley held on for three massive points.
Burnley had the better of the early exchanges, and they took the lead within five minutes. Wes Morgan gave the ball away to Ashley Barnes who put Chris Wood through on goal and the 26-year-old scored at the second attempt after his first shot was saved by Kasper Schmeichel. It got even better for Sean Dyche's side as three minutes later they doubled their lead. Kevin Long met Gudmundsson's corner to put Burnley 2-0 up, and Leicester looked stunned.
The hosts kept piling on the pressure, and they should've made it 3-0. Lowton's superb cross almost found Wood, but Simpson just about intervened in time. However, Leicester had a chance to half the deficit. Chilwell's cross found Vardy, but his tame header went past the post. Leicester had an even better chance 10 minutes before half-time. Riyad Mahrez got on the end of a clever Demarai Gray cross, but the former's header was kept out expertly by Nick Pope.
Burnley started to sit back and invite pressure. However, the Foxes weren't clinical enough and missed another chance to get back into the game. Vardy found himself with a free header, but once again Pope kept him out with ease. The last chance of the half fell to the visitors. Mahrez's well hit free kick just went wide of the post, and Burnley went into the half-time interval 2-0 up.
Burnley had the first chance of the second half. Gudmundsson's audacious strike went over the bar as Burnley looked to kill the game off. Just after the hour mark, Pope was forced to make another great save. Vardy was once again denied by the young keeper as he got down low to keep out his close-range effort.
The hosts then had two penalty appeals turned down within seconds. Burnley players thought Chilwell handled the ball in the area, and then Iheanacho went in hard on Lennon, but both appeals were turned down by referee Martin Atkinson. Minutes later Leicester pulled one back courtesy of Vardy. Iheanacho sent through Vardy who finally got the better of Pope to set up a nervy 18 minutes for Burnley.
It could've easily been 2-2 soon after. Diabate's cross looked destined for Vardy who would've been able to score a tap in but Long just about did enough to divert the ball away from the striker. To add to Leicester's problems Schmeical was forced off with an injury following a collision with Barnes.
In the end, Burnley held on for what could prove to be a massive three points come the end of the season.
ESPN
Leicester City 1-2 Newcastle United
Magpies Make it 3 Wins On the Bounce After Victory Over Dire Foxes
Newcastle United's resurgence continued after winning their third successive Premier League game, convincingly beating Leicester 1-2 at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
Jonjo Shelvey silenced an atmospheric King Power Stadium when he calmly slotted the ball past a helpless Kasper Schmeichel inside the opening 20 minutes. Ayoze Perez deservedly doubled Newcastle's lead 15 minutes from time after capitalizing on a defensive mix up by Leicester. The Spaniard expertly caught Schmeichel out and lobbed him from 25-yards.
Leicester managed to pull a goal back through Jamie Vardy, who struck home from close range to make it an interesting finale. Leicester, who started the day three points behind Burnley, sat eighth in the table, and they'd be looking to finish as high as possible with seven games of the season remaining.
Rafa Benitez's men traveled to the King Power Stadium with confidence after climbing to 12th in the table. The Toon found themselves seven points clear of the relegation zone after last Saturday's 1-0 home win over Huddersfield.Newcastle had never won at the King Power Stadium in all competitions, scoring just one goal in their five previous visits to the ground.
The opening exchanges of the game were end to end, with both teams sloppy in possession, and neither side able to create any periods of sustained pressure.However, the away side took the lead inside 17 minutes after the Magpies upped the intensity and executed a counter attack to the highest order.
Ayoze Perez was in possession at the edge of the box and squared the ball to Jonjo Shelvey. The former Liverpool man coolly slotted the ball into the bottom right hand corner, leaving Kasper Schmeichel with no chance. The home side tried to respond after going behind, but they couldn't move the ball quick enough and didn't look like mustering any sort of attacking chance to threaten the Newcastle goal.
Frustration around the ground was ever-increasing, especially when Leicester wanted a penalty after Riyad Mahrez was brought down by Paul Dummett. However, the referee was adamant that there wasn't enough contact for there to be a penalty Newcastle went into the break with a deserved lead as the Foxes struggled to get going in the first 45 minutes, managing no shots on target.
The first chance of the second half fell Newcastle's way after they caught the Foxes on the break. Kenedy was heavily involved after making a surging run down the field, he found Matt Richie, who drilled a low cross in the box looking for Kenedy who was waiting for a tap-in, but it was well blocked.After the hour-mark, the home side finally had a foothold in the game, dominating possession and covering every blade of grass. Their passing was sharper and they were constantly penning the Newcastle back in their own half, but they were still lacking that bit of quality to test Martin Dubravka in the Toon goal.
It was Newcastle who got the second goal after shocking defending from Wes Morgan and Harry Maguire - with neither player able to control a hopeful ball over the top. The Spaniard capitalized on the mix up and caught out by lobbing him from 25 yards out. Vardy pulled a goal back with six minutes to play after the England international smashed the ball into the back of the net just a yard from goal.
Benitez's side dealt with the home side's pressure in the final few minutes and held on to claim all three points. This win sends Newcastle up to 10th in the Premier League table, 10 points clear of the relegation places.
Leicester remain in eighth position on 43 points but are now six points behind seventh placed Burnley.
90min.com
Magpies Make it 3 Wins On the Bounce After Victory Over Dire Foxes
Newcastle United's resurgence continued after winning their third successive Premier League game, convincingly beating Leicester 1-2 at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
Jonjo Shelvey silenced an atmospheric King Power Stadium when he calmly slotted the ball past a helpless Kasper Schmeichel inside the opening 20 minutes. Ayoze Perez deservedly doubled Newcastle's lead 15 minutes from time after capitalizing on a defensive mix up by Leicester. The Spaniard expertly caught Schmeichel out and lobbed him from 25-yards.
Leicester managed to pull a goal back through Jamie Vardy, who struck home from close range to make it an interesting finale. Leicester, who started the day three points behind Burnley, sat eighth in the table, and they'd be looking to finish as high as possible with seven games of the season remaining.
Rafa Benitez's men traveled to the King Power Stadium with confidence after climbing to 12th in the table. The Toon found themselves seven points clear of the relegation zone after last Saturday's 1-0 home win over Huddersfield.Newcastle had never won at the King Power Stadium in all competitions, scoring just one goal in their five previous visits to the ground.
The opening exchanges of the game were end to end, with both teams sloppy in possession, and neither side able to create any periods of sustained pressure.However, the away side took the lead inside 17 minutes after the Magpies upped the intensity and executed a counter attack to the highest order.
Ayoze Perez was in possession at the edge of the box and squared the ball to Jonjo Shelvey. The former Liverpool man coolly slotted the ball into the bottom right hand corner, leaving Kasper Schmeichel with no chance. The home side tried to respond after going behind, but they couldn't move the ball quick enough and didn't look like mustering any sort of attacking chance to threaten the Newcastle goal.
Frustration around the ground was ever-increasing, especially when Leicester wanted a penalty after Riyad Mahrez was brought down by Paul Dummett. However, the referee was adamant that there wasn't enough contact for there to be a penalty Newcastle went into the break with a deserved lead as the Foxes struggled to get going in the first 45 minutes, managing no shots on target.
The first chance of the second half fell Newcastle's way after they caught the Foxes on the break. Kenedy was heavily involved after making a surging run down the field, he found Matt Richie, who drilled a low cross in the box looking for Kenedy who was waiting for a tap-in, but it was well blocked.After the hour-mark, the home side finally had a foothold in the game, dominating possession and covering every blade of grass. Their passing was sharper and they were constantly penning the Newcastle back in their own half, but they were still lacking that bit of quality to test Martin Dubravka in the Toon goal.
It was Newcastle who got the second goal after shocking defending from Wes Morgan and Harry Maguire - with neither player able to control a hopeful ball over the top. The Spaniard capitalized on the mix up and caught out by lobbing him from 25 yards out. Vardy pulled a goal back with six minutes to play after the England international smashed the ball into the back of the net just a yard from goal.
Benitez's side dealt with the home side's pressure in the final few minutes and held on to claim all three points. This win sends Newcastle up to 10th in the Premier League table, 10 points clear of the relegation places.
Leicester remain in eighth position on 43 points but are now six points behind seventh placed Burnley.
90min.com
Brighton 0 - 2 Leicester
Leicester leave it late through Vicente Iborra and Jamie Vardy to see off Brighton
Vicente Iborra and Jamie Vardy scored late goals as Leicester dented Brighton's Premier League survival hopes with a 2-0 win at the Amex Stadium.
Spanish midfielder Iborra nodded the ball into the bottom right corner in the 83rd minute before England striker Vardy tapped home the second in stoppage time. Seagulls striker Glenn Murray had seen a 77th-minute penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel, while Leicester ended the game with 10 men after Wilfred Ndidi was dismissed for a second yellow card with the score 1-0.
Albion edged the majority of the game but remain just six points clear of danger with seven games remaining following the late drama. Claude Puel's Foxes, meanwhile, boosted their chances of Europa League qualification and stay three points behind seventh-placed Burnley. Both teams went into the game on the back of being eliminated from the FA Cup quarter-finals before the international break.
While Leicester had almost certainly guaranteed their top-flight status for next season ahead of kick-off, Albion still had work to do. The scrappy first half was almost entirely forgettable with both sides struggling to find any sort of rhythm and having an equal share of possession. Chances were extremely limited, although Albion top scorer Murray should really have given the hosts the lead with 37 minutes played.
The veteran striker, recalled after being a substitute in the cup defeat at Manchester United, was slipped in on goal by Pascal Gross but somehow fired wide with Schmeichel rooted to the spot. Murray had earlier flashed a shot over, while Iborra and Riyad Mahrez drew routine saves from Mathew Ryan at the other end. Brighton began the second period with renewed purpose and creative midfielder Gross immediately threatened with a shot from range which was tipped behind by Schmeichel.
Harry Maguire, who missed England's midweek friendly draw with Italy due to cramp, was fit enough to feature and he then had to be alert to block Jose Izquierdo's path to goal. Foxes manager Puel reacted to the pressure by withdrawing the ineffective Shinji Okazaki and tightening his midfield with the introduction of Malian Fousseni Diabate.
Little was being created by either side but their cause was not helped by a series of yellow cards for cynical fouls.
All of Leicester's back four ended the game in referee Chris Kavanagh's book, alongside midfielder Ndidi and Albion's Beram Kayal and Gaetan Bong. Albion were presented with a golden chance to break the deadlock when Colombia winger Izquierdo was brought down in the box but Schmeichel produced a superb save to keep out Murray's spot-kick.
The hosts were made to pay for Murray's miss and Iborra soon nodded home the opener following a superb Ben Chilwell delivery. Ndidi was then dismissed following a foul on Shane Duffy, before Brighton defender Bong narrowly failed to find an equaliser from Solly March's corner.
Vardy, starved of service for much of the match, sealed the away side's success six minutes into added time, tapping home his 15th league goal of the season at the back post after a right-wing cross from substitute Demarai Gray.
ESPN
Leicester leave it late through Vicente Iborra and Jamie Vardy to see off Brighton
Vicente Iborra and Jamie Vardy scored late goals as Leicester dented Brighton's Premier League survival hopes with a 2-0 win at the Amex Stadium.
Spanish midfielder Iborra nodded the ball into the bottom right corner in the 83rd minute before England striker Vardy tapped home the second in stoppage time. Seagulls striker Glenn Murray had seen a 77th-minute penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel, while Leicester ended the game with 10 men after Wilfred Ndidi was dismissed for a second yellow card with the score 1-0.
Albion edged the majority of the game but remain just six points clear of danger with seven games remaining following the late drama. Claude Puel's Foxes, meanwhile, boosted their chances of Europa League qualification and stay three points behind seventh-placed Burnley. Both teams went into the game on the back of being eliminated from the FA Cup quarter-finals before the international break.
While Leicester had almost certainly guaranteed their top-flight status for next season ahead of kick-off, Albion still had work to do. The scrappy first half was almost entirely forgettable with both sides struggling to find any sort of rhythm and having an equal share of possession. Chances were extremely limited, although Albion top scorer Murray should really have given the hosts the lead with 37 minutes played.
The veteran striker, recalled after being a substitute in the cup defeat at Manchester United, was slipped in on goal by Pascal Gross but somehow fired wide with Schmeichel rooted to the spot. Murray had earlier flashed a shot over, while Iborra and Riyad Mahrez drew routine saves from Mathew Ryan at the other end. Brighton began the second period with renewed purpose and creative midfielder Gross immediately threatened with a shot from range which was tipped behind by Schmeichel.
Harry Maguire, who missed England's midweek friendly draw with Italy due to cramp, was fit enough to feature and he then had to be alert to block Jose Izquierdo's path to goal. Foxes manager Puel reacted to the pressure by withdrawing the ineffective Shinji Okazaki and tightening his midfield with the introduction of Malian Fousseni Diabate.
Little was being created by either side but their cause was not helped by a series of yellow cards for cynical fouls.
All of Leicester's back four ended the game in referee Chris Kavanagh's book, alongside midfielder Ndidi and Albion's Beram Kayal and Gaetan Bong. Albion were presented with a golden chance to break the deadlock when Colombia winger Izquierdo was brought down in the box but Schmeichel produced a superb save to keep out Murray's spot-kick.
The hosts were made to pay for Murray's miss and Iborra soon nodded home the opener following a superb Ben Chilwell delivery. Ndidi was then dismissed following a foul on Shane Duffy, before Brighton defender Bong narrowly failed to find an equaliser from Solly March's corner.
Vardy, starved of service for much of the match, sealed the away side's success six minutes into added time, tapping home his 15th league goal of the season at the back post after a right-wing cross from substitute Demarai Gray.
ESPN
Leicester City 1-2 Chelsea
Pedro's extra-time strike lifts Chelsea past Leicester City, into FA Cup semis
Pedro scored in extra time as Chelsea advanced to the semifinals of the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
It will be the second appearance at that stage in as many seasons for Chelsea, who lost to Arsenal on penalties in the final last year.
Pedro, who came on in added time for Willian, put Chelsea ahead in the 105th minute. A precise chip into the area from N'Golo Kante found Pedro in stride, and he headed home over Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel for his seventh goal in all competitions.
Chelsea nearly added another in the 110th when Pedro's cross ended up at Kante's feet, but the midfielder had his attempt blocked by Marc Albrighton.
The visitors were on the board first through Morata, who had not scored since Dec. 26 -- a run of 13 appearances in all competitions. Making his first start in three weeks,
Morata broke through in the 42nd minute as Willian led the counter-attack and found him with a through ball. Morata, one-on-one with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, slotted home with a right-foot finish into the far side to give Chelsea the lead.
Jamie Vardy nearly equalised with a header in the 53rd minute before drawing the hosts level.
A cross from Riyad Mahrez from the right corner led to a scramble in the box, and although Vardy's first chance was blocked by Cesar Azpilicueta -- and Vicente Iborra's attempt was blocked by Andreas Christensen before Willy Caballero saved the rebound -- Vardy finished over a diving Caballero for his 17th goal in all competitions.
Morata twice nearly scored the winner in the 87th minute, but Schmeichel denied him the first time and then held onto the rebound.
Gary Cahill came on for Christiansen in the 101st minute with the defender appearing to leave the game through injury.
Leicester were seeking their first appearance in the semifinals since 1982, when they competed in the English second tier.
ESPN
Pedro's extra-time strike lifts Chelsea past Leicester City, into FA Cup semis
Pedro scored in extra time as Chelsea advanced to the semifinals of the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
It will be the second appearance at that stage in as many seasons for Chelsea, who lost to Arsenal on penalties in the final last year.
Pedro, who came on in added time for Willian, put Chelsea ahead in the 105th minute. A precise chip into the area from N'Golo Kante found Pedro in stride, and he headed home over Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel for his seventh goal in all competitions.
Chelsea nearly added another in the 110th when Pedro's cross ended up at Kante's feet, but the midfielder had his attempt blocked by Marc Albrighton.
The visitors were on the board first through Morata, who had not scored since Dec. 26 -- a run of 13 appearances in all competitions. Making his first start in three weeks,
Morata broke through in the 42nd minute as Willian led the counter-attack and found him with a through ball. Morata, one-on-one with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, slotted home with a right-foot finish into the far side to give Chelsea the lead.
Jamie Vardy nearly equalised with a header in the 53rd minute before drawing the hosts level.
A cross from Riyad Mahrez from the right corner led to a scramble in the box, and although Vardy's first chance was blocked by Cesar Azpilicueta -- and Vicente Iborra's attempt was blocked by Andreas Christensen before Willy Caballero saved the rebound -- Vardy finished over a diving Caballero for his 17th goal in all competitions.
Morata twice nearly scored the winner in the 87th minute, but Schmeichel denied him the first time and then held onto the rebound.
Gary Cahill came on for Christiansen in the 101st minute with the defender appearing to leave the game through injury.
Leicester were seeking their first appearance in the semifinals since 1982, when they competed in the English second tier.
ESPN
West Brom 1 - 4 Leicester City
Vardy, Mahrez, Iheanacho & Iborra net for Foxes who stay in hunt for 7th place
Alan Pardew is on the brink at West Brom after the Baggies capitulated to a damaging 4-1 defeat to Leicester.
Jamie Vardy netted a stunning volley before Riyad Mahrez, Kelechi Iheanacho and Vicente Iborra sunk the Baggies. They cancelled out Salomon Rondon's early opener for the hosts. It was Albion's seventh straight defeat in all competitions and they remain bottom, eight points from the Premier League safety line, as the Foxes sit eighth on 40 points.
Boss Pardew's job is in the balance with the managerial situation now a fluid one at The Hawthorns. It is expected to be reviewed after another damaging defeat with the former Crystal Palace boss having won just once in 16 league games since taking over in November. That there are no stand-out candidates to replace him has helped his cause but his position is becoming increasingly unstable.
Pardew earned a reprieve following an improved performance in last week's 1-0 defeat at Watford and Albion did at least offer more early spark against the Foxes. There was enough to suggest they will go down fighting but it is now surely an impossible task to survive.
Rondon's eighth-minute opener did give them brief hope but they collapsed following Vardy's leveller.
Ben Chilwell was caught napping to allow Burke to tease in a cross for Rondon and the striker got across Wes Morgan to poke past Kasper Schmeichel from six yards.
Leicester responded and Vardy almost connected with Mahrez's teasing centre but the Baggies controlled the early stages. Chris Brunt dragged a shot wide before Grzegorz Krychowiak's deflected effort was tipped onto the bar by Schmeichel. There was a buzz about Albion and they were comfortable until the Foxes levelled after 21 minutes with a goal of brilliance and simplicity.
Mahrez launched a ball over the top from deep in his own half and it dropped over Vardy's shoulder on the edge of the area. The England striker took it first time and buried a stunning volley into the bottom corner with Foster rooted to the spot. It sucked the life out of the hosts and they escaped after 36 minutes when Vardy poked in from eight yards only to be correctly ruled offside.
Leicester had cashed in on Albion's lack of confidence but they were almost undone just before the break when Rondon's shot hit Morgan and deflected over. Yet that was the final threat from the Baggies as they fell apart in the second half. Krychowiak appeared to swap words with Pardew when he was substituted after 59 minutes and it got worse for the Baggies three minutes later.
Substitute Iheanacho picked out Mahrez, who was not tracked, and he coolly lobbed Foster. Iheanacho then grabbed his first Premier League goal for the Foxes with 14 minutes left, heading in Chilwell's cross. Iborra then got in on the act in stoppage time when he nodded in Marc Albrighton's corner
ESPN
Vardy, Mahrez, Iheanacho & Iborra net for Foxes who stay in hunt for 7th place
Alan Pardew is on the brink at West Brom after the Baggies capitulated to a damaging 4-1 defeat to Leicester.
Jamie Vardy netted a stunning volley before Riyad Mahrez, Kelechi Iheanacho and Vicente Iborra sunk the Baggies. They cancelled out Salomon Rondon's early opener for the hosts. It was Albion's seventh straight defeat in all competitions and they remain bottom, eight points from the Premier League safety line, as the Foxes sit eighth on 40 points.
Boss Pardew's job is in the balance with the managerial situation now a fluid one at The Hawthorns. It is expected to be reviewed after another damaging defeat with the former Crystal Palace boss having won just once in 16 league games since taking over in November. That there are no stand-out candidates to replace him has helped his cause but his position is becoming increasingly unstable.
Pardew earned a reprieve following an improved performance in last week's 1-0 defeat at Watford and Albion did at least offer more early spark against the Foxes. There was enough to suggest they will go down fighting but it is now surely an impossible task to survive.
Rondon's eighth-minute opener did give them brief hope but they collapsed following Vardy's leveller.
Ben Chilwell was caught napping to allow Burke to tease in a cross for Rondon and the striker got across Wes Morgan to poke past Kasper Schmeichel from six yards.
Leicester responded and Vardy almost connected with Mahrez's teasing centre but the Baggies controlled the early stages. Chris Brunt dragged a shot wide before Grzegorz Krychowiak's deflected effort was tipped onto the bar by Schmeichel. There was a buzz about Albion and they were comfortable until the Foxes levelled after 21 minutes with a goal of brilliance and simplicity.
Mahrez launched a ball over the top from deep in his own half and it dropped over Vardy's shoulder on the edge of the area. The England striker took it first time and buried a stunning volley into the bottom corner with Foster rooted to the spot. It sucked the life out of the hosts and they escaped after 36 minutes when Vardy poked in from eight yards only to be correctly ruled offside.
Leicester had cashed in on Albion's lack of confidence but they were almost undone just before the break when Rondon's shot hit Morgan and deflected over. Yet that was the final threat from the Baggies as they fell apart in the second half. Krychowiak appeared to swap words with Pardew when he was substituted after 59 minutes and it got worse for the Baggies three minutes later.
Substitute Iheanacho picked out Mahrez, who was not tracked, and he coolly lobbed Foster. Iheanacho then grabbed his first Premier League goal for the Foxes with 14 minutes left, heading in Chilwell's cross. Iborra then got in on the act in stoppage time when he nodded in Marc Albrighton's corner
ESPN
Leicester City 1 - 1 Stoke City
Mahrez Nets Last Gasp Equaliser in Entertaining Draw
Riyad Mahrez was Leicester City's hero once more after the forward netted a last-minute equaliser to break Bournemouth's hearts and earn a 1-1 draw.
Joshua King's 35th-minute penalty looked to have hauled the Cherries into the top half of the table after a dogged display against the Foxes but, in the 97th minute of the match, Mahrez curled home a delightful set piece to ensure a share of the spoils.
The free kick came in controversial circumstances after a further two minutes of injury time were played at the end of the contest, but the hosts won't care one jot as they were spared the ignominy of losing on home soil.
Asmir Begovic thwarted Riyad Mahrez with the game's first chance on 14 minutes - the Bosnian denying the Algerian at his near post after the latter had beaten the offside trap.
King and Junior Stanislas sent tame efforts well wide soon after before the pair linked up and allow the former to draw a routine stop from Kasper Schmeichel. Harry Maguire saw a header held by Begovic from a recycled free kick before Marc Albrighton's rush of blood to the head handed the Cherries a penalty 10 minutes before half-time.
The makeshift wing-back inexplicably sent King crashing to the turf right on the edge of the area with the latter facing away from goal and, after dusting himself down, the striker stroked the ball home to Schmeichel's left.
Albrighton's first half almost went from bad to worse with a slack back pass to the Foxes keeper, but Schmeichel was alert enough to beat the onrushing Calum Wilson to the ball.
The hosts were lucky not to concede a second penalty on 53 minutes after Wilfried Ndidi appeared to shove Charlie Daniels to the turf in the box - referee Lee Probert waving away Bournemouth protests to award them another spot kick.
Steve Cook deflected a fierce Adrien Silva drive over the bar while Wes Morgan crashed a header the wrong side of the upright as Claude Puel's men pressed for an equaliser. Puel chucked on Kelechi Iheanacho to try and bolster his forward line but the Foxes continued to be frustrated by the amount of fouls that Probert was letting go and their inability to carve glorious opportunities.
Gosling blocked a point blank range shot from Mahrez as the Midlands outfit threw the kitchen sink at the visitors late on, but there was nothing they could do to deny the 27-year-old from stealing the headlines as he fired home past Begovic with the last kick of the game.
90mion.com
Mahrez Nets Last Gasp Equaliser in Entertaining Draw
Riyad Mahrez was Leicester City's hero once more after the forward netted a last-minute equaliser to break Bournemouth's hearts and earn a 1-1 draw.
Joshua King's 35th-minute penalty looked to have hauled the Cherries into the top half of the table after a dogged display against the Foxes but, in the 97th minute of the match, Mahrez curled home a delightful set piece to ensure a share of the spoils.
The free kick came in controversial circumstances after a further two minutes of injury time were played at the end of the contest, but the hosts won't care one jot as they were spared the ignominy of losing on home soil.
Asmir Begovic thwarted Riyad Mahrez with the game's first chance on 14 minutes - the Bosnian denying the Algerian at his near post after the latter had beaten the offside trap.
King and Junior Stanislas sent tame efforts well wide soon after before the pair linked up and allow the former to draw a routine stop from Kasper Schmeichel. Harry Maguire saw a header held by Begovic from a recycled free kick before Marc Albrighton's rush of blood to the head handed the Cherries a penalty 10 minutes before half-time.
The makeshift wing-back inexplicably sent King crashing to the turf right on the edge of the area with the latter facing away from goal and, after dusting himself down, the striker stroked the ball home to Schmeichel's left.
Albrighton's first half almost went from bad to worse with a slack back pass to the Foxes keeper, but Schmeichel was alert enough to beat the onrushing Calum Wilson to the ball.
The hosts were lucky not to concede a second penalty on 53 minutes after Wilfried Ndidi appeared to shove Charlie Daniels to the turf in the box - referee Lee Probert waving away Bournemouth protests to award them another spot kick.
Steve Cook deflected a fierce Adrien Silva drive over the bar while Wes Morgan crashed a header the wrong side of the upright as Claude Puel's men pressed for an equaliser. Puel chucked on Kelechi Iheanacho to try and bolster his forward line but the Foxes continued to be frustrated by the amount of fouls that Probert was letting go and their inability to carve glorious opportunities.
Gosling blocked a point blank range shot from Mahrez as the Midlands outfit threw the kitchen sink at the visitors late on, but there was nothing they could do to deny the 27-year-old from stealing the headlines as he fired home past Begovic with the last kick of the game.
90mion.com
Leicester City 1 - 1 Stoke City
Jack Butland error gifts Leicester a point against Stoke
Stoke remain in the relegation zone after an error from goalkeeper Jack Butland meant they had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Leicester.
Paul Lambert's team looked set to climb out of the bottom three ahead of the afternoon Premier League fixtures after Xherdan Shaqiri's lovely first-half finish put them ahead. However, Butland gifted Leicester an equaliser with an own goal midway through the second half when he misjudged a Marc Albrighton cross.
Leicester had late opportunities to take all three points and hit the post twice but the early kick-off at the King Power Stadium finished all square.
The Foxes made a high-tempo start and put Stoke under some early pressure with a series of corners. The last of these presented Matty James with a shooting opportunity, but he was unable to keep his effort down.
Stoke were also full of energy early on as they pressed high up the pitch and, when Badou Ndiaye won possession on the edge of the Leicester penalty area after 12 minutes, his curling effort brought a decent save from Kasper Schmeichel.
The game became a little scrappy as the first half wore on, with both teams struggled to keep the ball, and one such instance allowed Stoke to strike two minutes before half-time. Wilfred Ndidi tried too hard to keep the ball in play on the touchline midway inside his own half and Joe Allen nipped in and got a pass infield to Shaqiri, who was in lots of space.
The Stoke forward advanced towards the penalty area before beating Schmeichel with a low curling effort from 22 yards. It was a blow for Leicester so close to the break but the hosts responded well at the beginning of the second half, putting Stoke under pressure once more.
But, just as at the start of the match, the visitors dealt with the danger. Stoke looked comfortable and Shaqiri almost embarrassed Schmeichel with a second goal just before the hour mark. The Leicester keeper took a free-kick from a wide position but his distribution was uncharacteristically poor and the ball went straight to Allen, who passed to Shaqiri. With the goalkeeper well out of position, Shaqiri shot from 40 yards out but his effort curled agonisingly wide as Schmeichel scrambled back.
The Dane survived his error but Butland was not so fortunate at the other end in the 70th minute. When Albrighton drilled in a cross from the right-hand side of the penalty area, it looked like a routine take into the midriff for Butland. However, the ball struck his body and went into the net.
He went some way to making amends shortly afterwards with a superb save to deny Riyad Mahrez and, when play developed from the rebound, Harry Maguire struck a post with a fierce shot. A last-ditch tackle from Kurt Zouma thwarted Mahrez once more and, from the resulting corner, James' header hit the same post Maguire had struck shortly before.
In the end Stoke were holding on, but Lambert may feel his team had done enough to earn a vital win.
ESPN
Jack Butland error gifts Leicester a point against Stoke
Stoke remain in the relegation zone after an error from goalkeeper Jack Butland meant they had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Leicester.
Paul Lambert's team looked set to climb out of the bottom three ahead of the afternoon Premier League fixtures after Xherdan Shaqiri's lovely first-half finish put them ahead. However, Butland gifted Leicester an equaliser with an own goal midway through the second half when he misjudged a Marc Albrighton cross.
Leicester had late opportunities to take all three points and hit the post twice but the early kick-off at the King Power Stadium finished all square.
The Foxes made a high-tempo start and put Stoke under some early pressure with a series of corners. The last of these presented Matty James with a shooting opportunity, but he was unable to keep his effort down.
Stoke were also full of energy early on as they pressed high up the pitch and, when Badou Ndiaye won possession on the edge of the Leicester penalty area after 12 minutes, his curling effort brought a decent save from Kasper Schmeichel.
The game became a little scrappy as the first half wore on, with both teams struggled to keep the ball, and one such instance allowed Stoke to strike two minutes before half-time. Wilfred Ndidi tried too hard to keep the ball in play on the touchline midway inside his own half and Joe Allen nipped in and got a pass infield to Shaqiri, who was in lots of space.
The Stoke forward advanced towards the penalty area before beating Schmeichel with a low curling effort from 22 yards. It was a blow for Leicester so close to the break but the hosts responded well at the beginning of the second half, putting Stoke under pressure once more.
But, just as at the start of the match, the visitors dealt with the danger. Stoke looked comfortable and Shaqiri almost embarrassed Schmeichel with a second goal just before the hour mark. The Leicester keeper took a free-kick from a wide position but his distribution was uncharacteristically poor and the ball went straight to Allen, who passed to Shaqiri. With the goalkeeper well out of position, Shaqiri shot from 40 yards out but his effort curled agonisingly wide as Schmeichel scrambled back.
The Dane survived his error but Butland was not so fortunate at the other end in the 70th minute. When Albrighton drilled in a cross from the right-hand side of the penalty area, it looked like a routine take into the midriff for Butland. However, the ball struck his body and went into the net.
He went some way to making amends shortly afterwards with a superb save to deny Riyad Mahrez and, when play developed from the rebound, Harry Maguire struck a post with a fierce shot. A last-ditch tackle from Kurt Zouma thwarted Mahrez once more and, from the resulting corner, James' header hit the same post Maguire had struck shortly before.
In the end Stoke were holding on, but Lambert may feel his team had done enough to earn a vital win.
ESPN
Foxes remain in the hunt for a European place.
Riyad Mahrez cut a forlorn figure on Saturday as he watched Man City run rings around his Leicester team en route to a thumping 5-1 victory. The Algerian international nearly joined the Man City party in the January transfer window as the league leaders reportedly bid around £50 million for his services.
Conflicted reports emerged, but most suggest that Leicester rebuffed the offers as they held out for more money, leading Mahrez to go AWOL when the moved collapsed. He was back on the bench for Saturday’s trip to The Etihad after clear the air talks with his teammates, and the Foxes were totally bamboozled by Man City’s marauding attack.
They have suffered injuries to Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus, hence the Mahrez bid, but a lack of firepower was not a problem for the hosts as Sergio Aguero put four past Kasper Schmeichel. Mahrez could be playing in a team cruising to the title, but instead he is stuck at Leicester, and the club are stuck with an unhappy player. Half the fans seem to have forgiven him, while the other half remain upset, but either way it is clear that Mahrez wants out and that can cause a toxic situation at a club. Just ask Arsenal fans still reeling from the Alexis Sanchez saga, or West Ham fans that think Dimitri Payet is a swear word.
But despite the problems off and on the field – Leicester have now taken just two points from their last three games – the Foxes remain very much in the hunt for a European place. Seventh placed Burnley have not won a game since December 12, and look set to fall down the table. Leicester are just one point behind them, and it could well develop into a two-horsed race between the Foxes and Everton. The bookmakers have Leicester in the driving seat. Check out these betting websites and you will see that Claude Puel’s men are the evens favourites to win the Premiership without the big six, which is another way of saying they will finish seventh and secure a Europa League place. Burnley are 9/4, while Everton are 9/2 and then there is a huge gap to Bournemouth at 16/1.
Burnley are fancied by the bookies to give Leicester a run for their money, but Everton look the more dangerous. They have lavished huge sums on the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Theo Walcott, Cenk Tosun, Michael Keane and Jordan Pickford as they bid to close the gap on the big six. It has not quite worked out for them, but they recorded a strong 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend and they are now just one point behind Leicester.
A return to European football would be a step in the right direction for the Foxes, who could do with a period of stability following a couple of relegation flirtations and managerial changes. However, there is not room for too many further slip ups and they probably need six or seven wins from their remaining 11 games. Their next three games are against Stoke, Bournemouth and West Brom, and Leicester would be favourites for all three. They have only two of the big six left to play, Arsenal and Spurs, and they could easily win the game against the Gunners as it is at the King Power and Arsene Wenger’s men have been dreadful on the road. There is a crunch game against Burnley on April 14, and most of Leicester’s games are certainly winnable, so there is every reason to think they can break into the top seven.
Jamie Vardy continues his excellent form in front of goal, and there is a solidity about Leicester – 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Man City aside. The wildcard is Mahrez, Leicester’s creator in chief. They have clung onto him for several consecutive transfer windows now and surely have to let him go in the summer, but if Puel can convince the Algerian to put himself in the shop window by firing Leicester into the European places it could spell a strong end to the season for the club.
16.02.18 (1yr)
Riyad Mahrez cut a forlorn figure on Saturday as he watched Man City run rings around his Leicester team en route to a thumping 5-1 victory. The Algerian international nearly joined the Man City party in the January transfer window as the league leaders reportedly bid around £50 million for his services.
Conflicted reports emerged, but most suggest that Leicester rebuffed the offers as they held out for more money, leading Mahrez to go AWOL when the moved collapsed. He was back on the bench for Saturday’s trip to The Etihad after clear the air talks with his teammates, and the Foxes were totally bamboozled by Man City’s marauding attack.
They have suffered injuries to Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus, hence the Mahrez bid, but a lack of firepower was not a problem for the hosts as Sergio Aguero put four past Kasper Schmeichel. Mahrez could be playing in a team cruising to the title, but instead he is stuck at Leicester, and the club are stuck with an unhappy player. Half the fans seem to have forgiven him, while the other half remain upset, but either way it is clear that Mahrez wants out and that can cause a toxic situation at a club. Just ask Arsenal fans still reeling from the Alexis Sanchez saga, or West Ham fans that think Dimitri Payet is a swear word.
But despite the problems off and on the field – Leicester have now taken just two points from their last three games – the Foxes remain very much in the hunt for a European place. Seventh placed Burnley have not won a game since December 12, and look set to fall down the table. Leicester are just one point behind them, and it could well develop into a two-horsed race between the Foxes and Everton. The bookmakers have Leicester in the driving seat. Check out these betting websites and you will see that Claude Puel’s men are the evens favourites to win the Premiership without the big six, which is another way of saying they will finish seventh and secure a Europa League place. Burnley are 9/4, while Everton are 9/2 and then there is a huge gap to Bournemouth at 16/1.
Burnley are fancied by the bookies to give Leicester a run for their money, but Everton look the more dangerous. They have lavished huge sums on the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Theo Walcott, Cenk Tosun, Michael Keane and Jordan Pickford as they bid to close the gap on the big six. It has not quite worked out for them, but they recorded a strong 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend and they are now just one point behind Leicester.
A return to European football would be a step in the right direction for the Foxes, who could do with a period of stability following a couple of relegation flirtations and managerial changes. However, there is not room for too many further slip ups and they probably need six or seven wins from their remaining 11 games. Their next three games are against Stoke, Bournemouth and West Brom, and Leicester would be favourites for all three. They have only two of the big six left to play, Arsenal and Spurs, and they could easily win the game against the Gunners as it is at the King Power and Arsene Wenger’s men have been dreadful on the road. There is a crunch game against Burnley on April 14, and most of Leicester’s games are certainly winnable, so there is every reason to think they can break into the top seven.
Jamie Vardy continues his excellent form in front of goal, and there is a solidity about Leicester – 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Man City aside. The wildcard is Mahrez, Leicester’s creator in chief. They have clung onto him for several consecutive transfer windows now and surely have to let him go in the summer, but if Puel can convince the Algerian to put himself in the shop window by firing Leicester into the European places it could spell a strong end to the season for the club.
16.02.18 (1yr)
Leicester 1-0 Sheffield United
Vardy's Header the Difference as Foxes Fly Into FA Cup Last 8
Leicester City sealed their place in the sixth round of the FA Cup on Friday night by beating Championship club Sheffield United by a solitary goal at the King Power Stadium.
Jamie Vardy's second half header was the difference between the two sides, who put on an entertaining contest to keep their respective cup dreams alive. Riyad Mahrez was making his first start for Leicester since January 20th, and was welcomed back into the fold despite disappearing on the club after they rejected a series of transfer bids from Man City last month. While he clearly has his sights set on leaving, Mahrez was imperious throughout the game, and it was his quality assist for Vardy which made the difference.
The hosts had the better of the first half, going close a couple of times through usual thorn-in-the-side-of-opposing-teams, Vardy. The England man flashed a shot just wide of the post after a quarter of an hour as Leicester looked for the breakthrough, but it was Wilfred Ndidi who would later put Jamal Blackman to work in the visitors' goal.
His tidy effort from outside the box came at a decent height for the Chelsea loanee, who was able to parry away, but it was Vardy once more who perhaps had the best chance of the first half ten minutes before the interval.
After breaking the Blades' offside trap and working himself some space, Vardy found himself through on goal and free down the left hand channel - played in by Mahrez. Blackman, however, was equal to the task and got down low to keep the match level. United's best chance of the first half came between Leicester's opportunities, but the Foxes had Harry Maguire - playing against his former club - to thank for not falling behind. It was his block of Enda Stevens' shot from close range which denied an almost certain goal, as Kasper Schmeichel scrambled.
Welsh international David Brooks was brought on at half time by Chris Wilder, in an attempt to change things in the final third for the Championship outfit. He wouldn't have wanted his side to alter how they were doing things at the back though, and right through until the hour mark, they certainly didn't give much away. United remained resolute as Leicester poked and scratched for the breakthrough, but they couldn't hold out any longer than the 66th minute. Vardy it was who got the goal, but he had Mahrez to thank for a wonderful assist.
The Algerian jinked for space on the right side and cut back onto his left foot, before curling a wonderful cross to the back post. Vardy met it - still with much to do - but he managed to loop his header back across goal, and over Blackman, to put the hosts in front. On reflection, it was deserved. Leicester ramped up the pressure in the minutes that followed, and Blackman had to be at his best again to tip Demarai Gray's low shot around the post.
Schmeichel too had to stay on his toes though, and he was called into action shortly after to deny George Baldock. He could only manage to put his effort into the centre of the Dane's goal, but Schmeichel himself did an outstanding job in putting the ball out for a corner.
Vardy saw a goal ruled out for offside as the game drew to a close, and despite a late surge from the Blades, Claude Puel's side held on for victory.
90min.com
Vardy's Header the Difference as Foxes Fly Into FA Cup Last 8
Leicester City sealed their place in the sixth round of the FA Cup on Friday night by beating Championship club Sheffield United by a solitary goal at the King Power Stadium.
Jamie Vardy's second half header was the difference between the two sides, who put on an entertaining contest to keep their respective cup dreams alive. Riyad Mahrez was making his first start for Leicester since January 20th, and was welcomed back into the fold despite disappearing on the club after they rejected a series of transfer bids from Man City last month. While he clearly has his sights set on leaving, Mahrez was imperious throughout the game, and it was his quality assist for Vardy which made the difference.
The hosts had the better of the first half, going close a couple of times through usual thorn-in-the-side-of-opposing-teams, Vardy. The England man flashed a shot just wide of the post after a quarter of an hour as Leicester looked for the breakthrough, but it was Wilfred Ndidi who would later put Jamal Blackman to work in the visitors' goal.
His tidy effort from outside the box came at a decent height for the Chelsea loanee, who was able to parry away, but it was Vardy once more who perhaps had the best chance of the first half ten minutes before the interval.
After breaking the Blades' offside trap and working himself some space, Vardy found himself through on goal and free down the left hand channel - played in by Mahrez. Blackman, however, was equal to the task and got down low to keep the match level. United's best chance of the first half came between Leicester's opportunities, but the Foxes had Harry Maguire - playing against his former club - to thank for not falling behind. It was his block of Enda Stevens' shot from close range which denied an almost certain goal, as Kasper Schmeichel scrambled.
Welsh international David Brooks was brought on at half time by Chris Wilder, in an attempt to change things in the final third for the Championship outfit. He wouldn't have wanted his side to alter how they were doing things at the back though, and right through until the hour mark, they certainly didn't give much away. United remained resolute as Leicester poked and scratched for the breakthrough, but they couldn't hold out any longer than the 66th minute. Vardy it was who got the goal, but he had Mahrez to thank for a wonderful assist.
The Algerian jinked for space on the right side and cut back onto his left foot, before curling a wonderful cross to the back post. Vardy met it - still with much to do - but he managed to loop his header back across goal, and over Blackman, to put the hosts in front. On reflection, it was deserved. Leicester ramped up the pressure in the minutes that followed, and Blackman had to be at his best again to tip Demarai Gray's low shot around the post.
Schmeichel too had to stay on his toes though, and he was called into action shortly after to deny George Baldock. He could only manage to put his effort into the centre of the Dane's goal, but Schmeichel himself did an outstanding job in putting the ball out for a corner.
Vardy saw a goal ruled out for offside as the game drew to a close, and despite a late surge from the Blades, Claude Puel's side held on for victory.
90min.com
Sergio Aguero scores four as Man City cruise to win over Leicester
Sergio Aguero scored four times as Manchester City extended their Premier League lead to 16 points with a 5-1 demolition of Leicester at the Etihad Stadium.
City were in front after only three minutes when Leicester's Ben Chilwell failed to clear and Kevin De Bruyne's fine cross was turned in at the far post by Raheem Sterling.
But Pep Guardiola's runaway league leaders failed to build on their blistering start, with Sergio Aguero just unable to reach another De Bruyne ball in soon afterwards.
And with 24 minutes gone they were pegged back as a loose pass by Nicolas Otamendi was intercepted by Jamie Vardy, who ran on and slotted the ball inside the far post with the aid of a slight deflection.
The setback stung City into life, and Kasper Schmeichel made a good stop to deny Bernardo Silva on the half-hour and then dealt with a powerful De Bruyne strike minutes later.
Four minutes from the interval, Sterling threatened again, Aleksandar Dragovic making a fine block as the winger tried to slide the ball home after getting around Schmeichel.
Leicester brought on Danny Simpson for Adrien Silva at the break, but three minutes into the second half the Foxes were behind for a second time, De Bruyne again the architect with a great ball in from the left that was tapped home by Aguero.
And after 53 minutes De Bruyne made it a hat trick of assists when his sharp pass to Aguero inside the area was thumped home by the striker to ensure another City win.
Shortly after an hour had been played, Leicester brought on Riyad Mahrez -- returning to the squad after his hopes of a move to City had been dashed -- and ex-City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, replacing Chilwell and Fousseni Diabate.
City then made a change of their own, with Danilo entering the fray in place of Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Bernardo Silva saw a floated effort drop just wide as City looked for a fourth, and soon afterwards Ilkay Gundogan was booked after bringing down Mahrez as he set off on a dangerous run towards the City area but the free kick came to nothing.
After 77 minutes Aguero completed his hat trick in style, chipping home after intercepting Schmeichel's disastrous attempt to pass the ball out of his own area, and then blasted home his fourth from the edge of the box in the final seconds.
ESPN
Sergio Aguero scored four times as Manchester City extended their Premier League lead to 16 points with a 5-1 demolition of Leicester at the Etihad Stadium.
City were in front after only three minutes when Leicester's Ben Chilwell failed to clear and Kevin De Bruyne's fine cross was turned in at the far post by Raheem Sterling.
But Pep Guardiola's runaway league leaders failed to build on their blistering start, with Sergio Aguero just unable to reach another De Bruyne ball in soon afterwards.
And with 24 minutes gone they were pegged back as a loose pass by Nicolas Otamendi was intercepted by Jamie Vardy, who ran on and slotted the ball inside the far post with the aid of a slight deflection.
The setback stung City into life, and Kasper Schmeichel made a good stop to deny Bernardo Silva on the half-hour and then dealt with a powerful De Bruyne strike minutes later.
Four minutes from the interval, Sterling threatened again, Aleksandar Dragovic making a fine block as the winger tried to slide the ball home after getting around Schmeichel.
Leicester brought on Danny Simpson for Adrien Silva at the break, but three minutes into the second half the Foxes were behind for a second time, De Bruyne again the architect with a great ball in from the left that was tapped home by Aguero.
And after 53 minutes De Bruyne made it a hat trick of assists when his sharp pass to Aguero inside the area was thumped home by the striker to ensure another City win.
Shortly after an hour had been played, Leicester brought on Riyad Mahrez -- returning to the squad after his hopes of a move to City had been dashed -- and ex-City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, replacing Chilwell and Fousseni Diabate.
City then made a change of their own, with Danilo entering the fray in place of Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Bernardo Silva saw a floated effort drop just wide as City looked for a fourth, and soon afterwards Ilkay Gundogan was booked after bringing down Mahrez as he set off on a dangerous run towards the City area but the free kick came to nothing.
After 77 minutes Aguero completed his hat trick in style, chipping home after intercepting Schmeichel's disastrous attempt to pass the ball out of his own area, and then blasted home his fourth from the edge of the box in the final seconds.
ESPN
Leicester 1-1 Swansea
Tale of Two Halves Sees Swans Steal a Point Against Wasteful Foxes
A tale of two halves saw Leicester City held to a 1-1 draw by relegation battlers Swansea on Saturday afternoon.
The Foxes had exploded from the starting blocks and had their efforts duly rewarded when Jamie Vardy opened the scoring following sublime build-up play, despite their first half domination they were left to rue their missed chances. Even though they looked second best for much of the first period Swansea emerged from the break with renewed intent, and they received their just deserts when Federico Fernández headed home an equaliser to secure a valuable point away from home.
Leicester headed into the clash with just one defeat in their last seven games but were under the cloud of Riyad Mahrez's transfer saga which dominated headlines in the days preceding the match. Swansea, on the other hand, came to the King Power on the back of consecutive confidence boosting league victories against Liverpool and Arsenal as their battle for Premier League safety continued.
Leicester had immediately looked to bring Swansea back to earth with a handful of hard-hitting challenges in the opening exchanges, an aggression which went unmatched by their opponents. The Swans laid-back approach was duly punished in the 17th minute after Harry Maguire's ball bypassed the visitors' midfield and allowed Kelechi Iheanacho to power to the edge of the penalty box, with a fortuitous touch pass finding an unmarked Vardy who calmly curled the ball into the back of the net.
After predominantly sitting back and attempting to absorb pressure, the goal appeared to have triggered Swansea into action, yet it was the home side who looked destined to land on the score-sheet next. The game then descended into confusion on the half hour mark when the rebound from Fousseni Diabaté's powerful strike found Iheanacho who had time to take a number of touches on the six-yard line, only for the ball to miraculously be blocked by Alfie Mawson from close range.
In the same breath Wilfred Ndidi thought for all money that his strike had doubled the Foxes lead, only for referee Anthony Taylor to rule out the effort having failed to acknowledge his assistant's offside flag in the build-up to the goal. Despite Leicester dominating the first half without giving the Swans a look-in at their goal, their slender lead ensured the visitors were given hope headed into the second period. A lifeline they did not take long to take advantage of.
A pinpoint corner delivery in the 53rd minute fell the way of Fernández who was allowed to freely head the ball down and beyond Kasper Schmeichel - converting the Swans' first shot on target to level the scores. As a result of the goal, roles of both sides adopted in the first half were reversed as Swansea looked to up the tempo and go toe-to-toe with Leicester, who appeared momentarily stunned by their opponents revival.
Swansea showed a stronger desire for more time on the ball for a large part of the second 45, which opened up opportunities for the Foxes to catch them on the break. It made for a more free-flowing half, yet clear-cut chances proved hard to come by for either side. The Foxes left it too late to ramp up the pressure on the Swans as the visitors held firm to see the spoils shared.
Leicester will be left to rue their missed chances and they will now face the challenge of heading to the Etihad Stadium next week to face league leaders Manchester City. Meanwhile, Swansea now have an FA Cup replay against Notts County to contend with before returning their focus to their fight for Premier League safety when they host Burnley next weekend.
90min.com
Tale of Two Halves Sees Swans Steal a Point Against Wasteful Foxes
A tale of two halves saw Leicester City held to a 1-1 draw by relegation battlers Swansea on Saturday afternoon.
The Foxes had exploded from the starting blocks and had their efforts duly rewarded when Jamie Vardy opened the scoring following sublime build-up play, despite their first half domination they were left to rue their missed chances. Even though they looked second best for much of the first period Swansea emerged from the break with renewed intent, and they received their just deserts when Federico Fernández headed home an equaliser to secure a valuable point away from home.
Leicester headed into the clash with just one defeat in their last seven games but were under the cloud of Riyad Mahrez's transfer saga which dominated headlines in the days preceding the match. Swansea, on the other hand, came to the King Power on the back of consecutive confidence boosting league victories against Liverpool and Arsenal as their battle for Premier League safety continued.
Leicester had immediately looked to bring Swansea back to earth with a handful of hard-hitting challenges in the opening exchanges, an aggression which went unmatched by their opponents. The Swans laid-back approach was duly punished in the 17th minute after Harry Maguire's ball bypassed the visitors' midfield and allowed Kelechi Iheanacho to power to the edge of the penalty box, with a fortuitous touch pass finding an unmarked Vardy who calmly curled the ball into the back of the net.
After predominantly sitting back and attempting to absorb pressure, the goal appeared to have triggered Swansea into action, yet it was the home side who looked destined to land on the score-sheet next. The game then descended into confusion on the half hour mark when the rebound from Fousseni Diabaté's powerful strike found Iheanacho who had time to take a number of touches on the six-yard line, only for the ball to miraculously be blocked by Alfie Mawson from close range.
In the same breath Wilfred Ndidi thought for all money that his strike had doubled the Foxes lead, only for referee Anthony Taylor to rule out the effort having failed to acknowledge his assistant's offside flag in the build-up to the goal. Despite Leicester dominating the first half without giving the Swans a look-in at their goal, their slender lead ensured the visitors were given hope headed into the second period. A lifeline they did not take long to take advantage of.
A pinpoint corner delivery in the 53rd minute fell the way of Fernández who was allowed to freely head the ball down and beyond Kasper Schmeichel - converting the Swans' first shot on target to level the scores. As a result of the goal, roles of both sides adopted in the first half were reversed as Swansea looked to up the tempo and go toe-to-toe with Leicester, who appeared momentarily stunned by their opponents revival.
Swansea showed a stronger desire for more time on the ball for a large part of the second 45, which opened up opportunities for the Foxes to catch them on the break. It made for a more free-flowing half, yet clear-cut chances proved hard to come by for either side. The Foxes left it too late to ramp up the pressure on the Swans as the visitors held firm to see the spoils shared.
Leicester will be left to rue their missed chances and they will now face the challenge of heading to the Etihad Stadium next week to face league leaders Manchester City. Meanwhile, Swansea now have an FA Cup replay against Notts County to contend with before returning their focus to their fight for Premier League safety when they host Burnley next weekend.
90min.com
Everton 2-1 Leicester City
Theo Walcott at the double as Everton overcome Leicester
Theo Walcott's maiden Everton goals secured a first win in eight matches as a 2-1 triumph over Leicester arrested their slide under Sam Allardyce.
The £20 million January signing became the first Toffees player to score twice in his maiden Premier League appearance at Goodison Park since Romelu Lukaku against Newcastle in September 2013 with a first-half double.
Jamie Vardy's penalty midway through the second half set up a nervous finish but Everton clung on to inflict the Foxes' first defeat of 2018 as they squandered the chance to close the gap on sixth-placed Arsenal. Despite saying a couple of weeks ago Wayne Rooney and Gylfi Sigurdsson could not play in the same side Allardyce picked both, opting to give the former a deeper role in midfield.
Offensively it worked with Walcott, a willing runner, a frequent beneficiary but it cannot be considered even a medium-term solution as there are too many questions posed when Everton are not in possession. Defender Seamus Coleman made his first appearance in an Everton shirt for 319 days after recovering from a double fracture of his leg while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland last March.
Allardyce still obviously has some concerns about the defence, however, and while this match was being played, a deal to sign Manchester City centre-back Eliaquim Mangala on loan was being thrashed out.
Conversely, the opposition were left to rue an absence as they were without Riyad Mahrez, for whom a move did not materialise for the second deadline day running after Manchester City did not follow up their interest after baulking at the Foxes' asking price.
At first it did not appear to impact Claude Puel's side as they dominated and almost took a 10th-minute lead when Wilfrid Ndidi's header bounced back off the crossbar. It was from another visitors' corner midway through the half that Everton took the lead with a counter-attack eventually leading to Cuco Martina dispossessing Ben Chilwell on the edge of the Leicester penalty area, allowing Sigurdsson to cut back for the onrushing Walcott.
His second was equally as clinical, six minutes before half-time, as he volleyed in from close range after Michael Keane had headed Rooney's pass back across goal, the first time he had scored twice in a league match since October 2016.
The same could not be said for Oumar Niasse with the Senegal international missing the target from 10 yards and then taking a heavy touch when clean through on goal after robbing Harry Maguire straight from the kick-off either side of Walcott's second.
For once Everton looked in control until the 72nd minute, when Rooney was penalised for tugging at Ndidi's shirt and Vardy converted from the spot, Leicester's first shot on target.
The hosts were rattled and so was the frame of the goal as Foxes substitute Kelechi Iheanacho hit the crossbar and then the post from a corner from a combined distance of five yards.
ESPN
Theo Walcott at the double as Everton overcome Leicester
Theo Walcott's maiden Everton goals secured a first win in eight matches as a 2-1 triumph over Leicester arrested their slide under Sam Allardyce.
The £20 million January signing became the first Toffees player to score twice in his maiden Premier League appearance at Goodison Park since Romelu Lukaku against Newcastle in September 2013 with a first-half double.
Jamie Vardy's penalty midway through the second half set up a nervous finish but Everton clung on to inflict the Foxes' first defeat of 2018 as they squandered the chance to close the gap on sixth-placed Arsenal. Despite saying a couple of weeks ago Wayne Rooney and Gylfi Sigurdsson could not play in the same side Allardyce picked both, opting to give the former a deeper role in midfield.
Offensively it worked with Walcott, a willing runner, a frequent beneficiary but it cannot be considered even a medium-term solution as there are too many questions posed when Everton are not in possession. Defender Seamus Coleman made his first appearance in an Everton shirt for 319 days after recovering from a double fracture of his leg while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland last March.
Allardyce still obviously has some concerns about the defence, however, and while this match was being played, a deal to sign Manchester City centre-back Eliaquim Mangala on loan was being thrashed out.
Conversely, the opposition were left to rue an absence as they were without Riyad Mahrez, for whom a move did not materialise for the second deadline day running after Manchester City did not follow up their interest after baulking at the Foxes' asking price.
At first it did not appear to impact Claude Puel's side as they dominated and almost took a 10th-minute lead when Wilfrid Ndidi's header bounced back off the crossbar. It was from another visitors' corner midway through the half that Everton took the lead with a counter-attack eventually leading to Cuco Martina dispossessing Ben Chilwell on the edge of the Leicester penalty area, allowing Sigurdsson to cut back for the onrushing Walcott.
His second was equally as clinical, six minutes before half-time, as he volleyed in from close range after Michael Keane had headed Rooney's pass back across goal, the first time he had scored twice in a league match since October 2016.
The same could not be said for Oumar Niasse with the Senegal international missing the target from 10 yards and then taking a heavy touch when clean through on goal after robbing Harry Maguire straight from the kick-off either side of Walcott's second.
For once Everton looked in control until the 72nd minute, when Rooney was penalised for tugging at Ndidi's shirt and Vardy converted from the spot, Leicester's first shot on target.
The hosts were rattled and so was the frame of the goal as Foxes substitute Kelechi Iheanacho hit the crossbar and then the post from a corner from a combined distance of five yards.
ESPN
Peterborough 1-5Leicester City
A brace each from Iheanacho & Diabate and a last kick goal from Ndidi see Foxes easily through in FA Cup
CLAUDE PUEL made 10 changes – but watched his Leicester team smash Posh in 29 first half minutes.
The French boss could have been accused of disrespecting the FA Cup after keeping Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez on the bench. But Puel’s team side had far too much class for the League One team who would have expected to put up a better fight before scoring when it was too late.
While it is to criticise Puel, he was proved right to make the changes. Equally, Leicester hardly fielded a team of kids.They included three Premier League winners in Danny Simpson, Christian Fuchs and Demarai Gray. Harry Maguire, who could start for England at the World Cup, kept his place while there were starts for £25million signing Kelechi Ihenacho, who scored twice, and £22m Adrien Silva – the player who missed the first half of the season because he completed a transfer from Sporting Lisbon 14 seconds after the FIFA deadline.
Fousseni Diabete, a £2million January arrival from French League side Ajaccio, took just nine minutes into his debut to score the opening goal while Iheanacho made it 2-0 three minutes later. Ihenacho, who scored the first ever VAR goal in the previous round against Fleetwood, made it 3-0 in the 29th minute in what was proving to be a tough day for Posh centre backs Steven Taylor and Ryan Tafazolli.
Peterborough boss Grant McCann was celebrating his 100th game in charge and named exactly the same team which won 3-1 at Aston Villa. But it turned out to be a day he would have wanted to forget. Peterborough had only beaten a top-flight side in this competition once and that Arsenal in 1965. By 30 minutes, that statistic looked safe.
Leicester started well, continued to press and their opening goal was no surprise. To complete an impressive move, Silva delivered a clever pass to Diabate who showed patience and skill and then toe-poked the ball into the far bottom corner. Iheancho’s goal, after Peterborough’s Chris Forrester lost possession, was even more impressive.
With the ball outside the box, it looked as though he should have passed but he was rewarded for being selfish and scored into the same corner as his team-mate. Iheanacho, who has now scored nine goals in five FA Cup starts, settled the tie and we did not even have 30 minutes on the clock.
He volleyed in a cross from Christian Fuchs. It was another goal of outstanding quality. Posh’s Jack Marriott and Danny Lloyd failed to turn in a decent cross from Leo Da Silva Lopes and unsurprisingly, there were groans at half-time.
At least the home side had a go in the second half and Andrew Hughes scrambled the ball through Ben Hamer’s legs in the 57th minute. Posk keeper Jonathan Bond did well with a one-handed save to keep out Diabte and sub Marc Albrighton fired a decent effort.
Diabate got his second late on following up Gray's shot palmed into his path by Bond. Wilfred N'Didi completed the rout in stoppage time from Diabate's cross to send the travelling 3999 Leicester City fans home happy.
The Sun
Leicester City FC
A brace each from Iheanacho & Diabate and a last kick goal from Ndidi see Foxes easily through in FA Cup
CLAUDE PUEL made 10 changes – but watched his Leicester team smash Posh in 29 first half minutes.
The French boss could have been accused of disrespecting the FA Cup after keeping Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez on the bench. But Puel’s team side had far too much class for the League One team who would have expected to put up a better fight before scoring when it was too late.
While it is to criticise Puel, he was proved right to make the changes. Equally, Leicester hardly fielded a team of kids.They included three Premier League winners in Danny Simpson, Christian Fuchs and Demarai Gray. Harry Maguire, who could start for England at the World Cup, kept his place while there were starts for £25million signing Kelechi Ihenacho, who scored twice, and £22m Adrien Silva – the player who missed the first half of the season because he completed a transfer from Sporting Lisbon 14 seconds after the FIFA deadline.
Fousseni Diabete, a £2million January arrival from French League side Ajaccio, took just nine minutes into his debut to score the opening goal while Iheanacho made it 2-0 three minutes later. Ihenacho, who scored the first ever VAR goal in the previous round against Fleetwood, made it 3-0 in the 29th minute in what was proving to be a tough day for Posh centre backs Steven Taylor and Ryan Tafazolli.
Peterborough boss Grant McCann was celebrating his 100th game in charge and named exactly the same team which won 3-1 at Aston Villa. But it turned out to be a day he would have wanted to forget. Peterborough had only beaten a top-flight side in this competition once and that Arsenal in 1965. By 30 minutes, that statistic looked safe.
Leicester started well, continued to press and their opening goal was no surprise. To complete an impressive move, Silva delivered a clever pass to Diabate who showed patience and skill and then toe-poked the ball into the far bottom corner. Iheancho’s goal, after Peterborough’s Chris Forrester lost possession, was even more impressive.
With the ball outside the box, it looked as though he should have passed but he was rewarded for being selfish and scored into the same corner as his team-mate. Iheanacho, who has now scored nine goals in five FA Cup starts, settled the tie and we did not even have 30 minutes on the clock.
He volleyed in a cross from Christian Fuchs. It was another goal of outstanding quality. Posh’s Jack Marriott and Danny Lloyd failed to turn in a decent cross from Leo Da Silva Lopes and unsurprisingly, there were groans at half-time.
At least the home side had a go in the second half and Andrew Hughes scrambled the ball through Ben Hamer’s legs in the 57th minute. Posk keeper Jonathan Bond did well with a one-handed save to keep out Diabte and sub Marc Albrighton fired a decent effort.
Diabate got his second late on following up Gray's shot palmed into his path by Bond. Wilfred N'Didi completed the rout in stoppage time from Diabate's cross to send the travelling 3999 Leicester City fans home happy.
The Sun
Leicester City FC
Leicester City 2-0 Watford
Vardy and Mahrez fire Foxes to victory over struggling Watford
Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez fired Leicester to a routine 2-0 win over Watford as Claude Puel's powers of recovery continued.
Winger Mahrez - linked with a January move - maintained his fine form with a third goal in six games after Vardy's first-half penalty put the Foxes ahead. Leicester moved up to seventh in the Premier League while Watford's struggles continued with Marco Silva's side having won just once in 11 games.
The Foxes still needed a fine Harry Maguire block on Andre Gray to clinch victory but boss Puel has now lost just four of his 18 games in charge. He took over in October, as Leicester's third manager of 2017, after Craig Shakespeare was sacked while the club were in the bottom three.
The Hornets are 10th but they are just four points above the relegation zone.
Despite Watford's energetic start they relied on stand-in goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis, in for the injured Heurelho Gomes, to keep them level early on. Vardy, all pace and power, shrugged off Molla Wague and forced Karnezis into a smart stop before the Greece international blocked Wilfred Ndidi's close-range strike.
Watford's only win in their previous 10 league outings came in a 2-1 victory against Leicester on Boxing Day and their fragile defending underlined a lack of confidence. But they survived the early scares and Kasper Schmeichel gathered Abdoulaye Doucoure's low drive after 19 minutes.
Leicester's early promise waned as a scrappy game struggled to ignite but Troy Deeney, the subject of several Leicester bids in 2016, almost opened the scoring after 33 minutes when he finished low past Schmeichel, only to be ruled marginally offside.
Yet it was the Foxes who broke the deadlock six minutes later thanks mainly to their hapless former defender.
Ex-loanee Wague was left trailing behind Vardy as the striker latched onto Matty James' through-ball and he could only clatter the Foxes forward in the box. It was a clear penalty and Vardy dispatched his 11th goal of the season into the bottom corner.
With little inspiration and Richarlison's early-season influence fading Watford never recovered and they have now failed to keep a clean sheet in 12 top-flight games. The second half began with Karnezis gathering Shinji Okazaki's low effort before Marvin Zeegelaar denied Vardy a second when he intercepted Okazaki's centre.
The visitors showed little signs of life except for Gray's snapshot being easily held by Schmeichel after 66 minutes.
Leicester were then furious minutes later when Mahrez went down under Doucoure's challenge in the area but referee Lee Probert ignored their protests. The hosts had more threat and energy but they relied on Maguire's excellent block with 17 minutes left to stay ahead when Gray raced through but took too long.
And Mahrez made the game safe in stoppage time with an excellent run and low effort after he bamboozled Christian Kabasele.
ESPN
Vardy and Mahrez fire Foxes to victory over struggling Watford
Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez fired Leicester to a routine 2-0 win over Watford as Claude Puel's powers of recovery continued.
Winger Mahrez - linked with a January move - maintained his fine form with a third goal in six games after Vardy's first-half penalty put the Foxes ahead. Leicester moved up to seventh in the Premier League while Watford's struggles continued with Marco Silva's side having won just once in 11 games.
The Foxes still needed a fine Harry Maguire block on Andre Gray to clinch victory but boss Puel has now lost just four of his 18 games in charge. He took over in October, as Leicester's third manager of 2017, after Craig Shakespeare was sacked while the club were in the bottom three.
The Hornets are 10th but they are just four points above the relegation zone.
Despite Watford's energetic start they relied on stand-in goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis, in for the injured Heurelho Gomes, to keep them level early on. Vardy, all pace and power, shrugged off Molla Wague and forced Karnezis into a smart stop before the Greece international blocked Wilfred Ndidi's close-range strike.
Watford's only win in their previous 10 league outings came in a 2-1 victory against Leicester on Boxing Day and their fragile defending underlined a lack of confidence. But they survived the early scares and Kasper Schmeichel gathered Abdoulaye Doucoure's low drive after 19 minutes.
Leicester's early promise waned as a scrappy game struggled to ignite but Troy Deeney, the subject of several Leicester bids in 2016, almost opened the scoring after 33 minutes when he finished low past Schmeichel, only to be ruled marginally offside.
Yet it was the Foxes who broke the deadlock six minutes later thanks mainly to their hapless former defender.
Ex-loanee Wague was left trailing behind Vardy as the striker latched onto Matty James' through-ball and he could only clatter the Foxes forward in the box. It was a clear penalty and Vardy dispatched his 11th goal of the season into the bottom corner.
With little inspiration and Richarlison's early-season influence fading Watford never recovered and they have now failed to keep a clean sheet in 12 top-flight games. The second half began with Karnezis gathering Shinji Okazaki's low effort before Marvin Zeegelaar denied Vardy a second when he intercepted Okazaki's centre.
The visitors showed little signs of life except for Gray's snapshot being easily held by Schmeichel after 66 minutes.
Leicester were then furious minutes later when Mahrez went down under Doucoure's challenge in the area but referee Lee Probert ignored their protests. The hosts had more threat and energy but they relied on Maguire's excellent block with 17 minutes left to stay ahead when Gray raced through but took too long.
And Mahrez made the game safe in stoppage time with an excellent run and low effort after he bamboozled Christian Kabasele.
ESPN
Leicester City 2 - 0 Fleetwood Town
VAR in play on goal for Leicester in defeat of Fleetwood Town
Leicester became the first team in English football to score a goal via a VAR decision as they overcame Fleetwood 2-0 in their FA Cup replay.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored in each half but it was his strike 13 minutes from time that required the intervention of the video assistant referee. Referee Jonathan Moss asked to check if the striker was offside before finishing off Riyah Mehrez's lovely reverse pass.
Replays showed Iheanacho was onside when the ball was played and the goal stood to see Leicester progress to a fourth-round tie away at Peterborough.
The Foxes made eight changes to the side that started the goalless Premier League draw at Chelsea on Saturday, although Mahrez was retained by manager Claude Puel. Fleetwood boss Uwe Rosler surprisingly decided to rest leading scorer Devante Cole, with the 12-goal forward only among the substitutes.
As expected, Leicester dominated possession but their passing often lacked the tempo to trouble a well-organised Fleetwood team who were largely able to keep their opponents at arm's length. It took until the midway point of the first half for a shot on target but it came from the League One team. Eldin Jakupovic smothered a tame effort from Conor McAleny, who then brought a fine save from the Leicester goalkeeper with a curling effort from the edge of the area.
Mahrez clipped the outside of a post with a free kick but it was Fleetwood who were looking the most likely to score and Jakupovic was worked again after 37 minutes, getting fingertips on the ball to help a Kyle Dempsey shot over the crossbar.
It was a surprise when Leicester went ahead two minutes before half-time and the goal came from nothing. Christian Fuchs knocked a long pass down the line and the ball broke to Islam Slimani who played in Iheanacho.
A lovely first touch enabled him to run through one-on-one with Chris Neal and he coolly slid his finish beneath the advancing goalkeeper.
It was not only Leicester's first shot on target of the evening, but the Premier League club's first of the entire tie including the goalless draw at Highbury 10 days ago. Slimani might have extended the lead at the start of the second half but he snatched at his chance and put the ball wide.
Iheanacho twice had the ball in the net during the second half. His first effort was rightly ruled out but on the second occasion after 77 minutes -- when the flag again went up, Moss consulted with the video assistant referee -- it was 2-0 to Leicester.
Jamie Vardy came on as a substitute against his former club with 10 minutes remaining, bringing applause from both sets of supporters as Leicester comfortably saw out the tie.
ESPN
Leicester City FC
VAR in play on goal for Leicester in defeat of Fleetwood Town
Leicester became the first team in English football to score a goal via a VAR decision as they overcame Fleetwood 2-0 in their FA Cup replay.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored in each half but it was his strike 13 minutes from time that required the intervention of the video assistant referee. Referee Jonathan Moss asked to check if the striker was offside before finishing off Riyah Mehrez's lovely reverse pass.
Replays showed Iheanacho was onside when the ball was played and the goal stood to see Leicester progress to a fourth-round tie away at Peterborough.
The Foxes made eight changes to the side that started the goalless Premier League draw at Chelsea on Saturday, although Mahrez was retained by manager Claude Puel. Fleetwood boss Uwe Rosler surprisingly decided to rest leading scorer Devante Cole, with the 12-goal forward only among the substitutes.
As expected, Leicester dominated possession but their passing often lacked the tempo to trouble a well-organised Fleetwood team who were largely able to keep their opponents at arm's length. It took until the midway point of the first half for a shot on target but it came from the League One team. Eldin Jakupovic smothered a tame effort from Conor McAleny, who then brought a fine save from the Leicester goalkeeper with a curling effort from the edge of the area.
Mahrez clipped the outside of a post with a free kick but it was Fleetwood who were looking the most likely to score and Jakupovic was worked again after 37 minutes, getting fingertips on the ball to help a Kyle Dempsey shot over the crossbar.
It was a surprise when Leicester went ahead two minutes before half-time and the goal came from nothing. Christian Fuchs knocked a long pass down the line and the ball broke to Islam Slimani who played in Iheanacho.
A lovely first touch enabled him to run through one-on-one with Chris Neal and he coolly slid his finish beneath the advancing goalkeeper.
It was not only Leicester's first shot on target of the evening, but the Premier League club's first of the entire tie including the goalless draw at Highbury 10 days ago. Slimani might have extended the lead at the start of the second half but he snatched at his chance and put the ball wide.
Iheanacho twice had the ball in the net during the second half. His first effort was rightly ruled out but on the second occasion after 77 minutes -- when the flag again went up, Moss consulted with the video assistant referee -- it was 2-0 to Leicester.
Jamie Vardy came on as a substitute against his former club with 10 minutes remaining, bringing applause from both sets of supporters as Leicester comfortably saw out the tie.
ESPN
Leicester City FC
Chelsea 0-0 Leicester City
Chelsea endured a third successive goalless draw against excellent 10 man Leicester City
Antonio Conte had been wary of the Foxes and his concern proved well founded as the movement and energy of Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy and Shinji Okazaki troubled Chelsea.
Leicester were relentless, playing like champions, with the intensity of their pressing forcing mistakes. Ben Chilwell was sent off for two bookable offences in quick succession, leaving the visitors down to 10 men with 22 minutes remaining.
Yet still Chelsea, who had won their previous seven Premier League home games since September's loss to Manchester City, could not break the Foxes down as the Blues followed stalemates with Norwich and Arsenal with a third in a week. Conte tinkered with his defence for the visit of Chelsea's predecessors as champions.
David Luiz was Conte's first choice in the centre of his back three in last season's title-winning campaign. Now the Brazilian is apparently not even second choice as Gary Cahill was deployed in the central role, with Andreas Christensen rested on the bench alongside Luiz.
Cahill lasted just 33 minutes before going off clutching his right hamstring. He had been given a torrid time by Vardy, who showed no signs of the groin injury which deprived him of a return to his former club Fleetwood a week ago.
The Foxes cut through their hosts time and again, with left-back Chilwell creating chances for Okazaki and Vardy, who next dragged an effort wide across goal. Wilfred Ndidi's free header was saved by Thibaut Courtois before Cesc Fabregas forced a save from Kasper Schmeichel at the other end.
Only a well-timed Cahill tackle stopped Mahrez from shooting following a mazy run and then Eden Hazard should have punished the Foxes at the other end, only to shoot tamely at Schmeichel. A race with Vardy culminated in Cahill stretching for the ball before hobbling off. Christensen went on, with Luiz not even asked to warm up.
Mahrez then drilled the ball across goal, but there was no-one in a black and gold shirt to convert. Vardy then robbed Antonio Rudiger inside his own box. The ball went to Okazaki, whose effort was blocked into the path of Marc Albrighton. He fired wide.
Schmeichel saved from Fabregas before the break and Leicester continued to pressurise their hosts on the resumption. Vardy nicked the ball off Christensen and found Mahrez, who initiated contact by kicking the Denmark defender.
The Foxes forward went to ground, seeking a penalty, but referee Mike Jones was unmoved and not inclined to dole out a yellow card for diving. Mahrez next blasted a shot into Christensen and it deflected wide.
Conte had seen enough and made his final two changes. Willian and Pedro were sent on for the ineffective Hazard and Fabregas. Willian lured a foul from Chilwell, who was booked after 63 minutes.
The left-back then caught Victor Moses late and was sent off after 68 minutes. Long-range shots from Kante and Tiemoue Bakayoko were symptomatic of Chelsea's struggles to break Leicester down.
And Schmeichel turned a Marcos Alonso free-kick behind for a corner in stoppage time as Chelsea missed their last chance
ESPN
Leicester City FC
Chelsea endured a third successive goalless draw against excellent 10 man Leicester City
Antonio Conte had been wary of the Foxes and his concern proved well founded as the movement and energy of Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy and Shinji Okazaki troubled Chelsea.
Leicester were relentless, playing like champions, with the intensity of their pressing forcing mistakes. Ben Chilwell was sent off for two bookable offences in quick succession, leaving the visitors down to 10 men with 22 minutes remaining.
Yet still Chelsea, who had won their previous seven Premier League home games since September's loss to Manchester City, could not break the Foxes down as the Blues followed stalemates with Norwich and Arsenal with a third in a week. Conte tinkered with his defence for the visit of Chelsea's predecessors as champions.
David Luiz was Conte's first choice in the centre of his back three in last season's title-winning campaign. Now the Brazilian is apparently not even second choice as Gary Cahill was deployed in the central role, with Andreas Christensen rested on the bench alongside Luiz.
Cahill lasted just 33 minutes before going off clutching his right hamstring. He had been given a torrid time by Vardy, who showed no signs of the groin injury which deprived him of a return to his former club Fleetwood a week ago.
The Foxes cut through their hosts time and again, with left-back Chilwell creating chances for Okazaki and Vardy, who next dragged an effort wide across goal. Wilfred Ndidi's free header was saved by Thibaut Courtois before Cesc Fabregas forced a save from Kasper Schmeichel at the other end.
Only a well-timed Cahill tackle stopped Mahrez from shooting following a mazy run and then Eden Hazard should have punished the Foxes at the other end, only to shoot tamely at Schmeichel. A race with Vardy culminated in Cahill stretching for the ball before hobbling off. Christensen went on, with Luiz not even asked to warm up.
Mahrez then drilled the ball across goal, but there was no-one in a black and gold shirt to convert. Vardy then robbed Antonio Rudiger inside his own box. The ball went to Okazaki, whose effort was blocked into the path of Marc Albrighton. He fired wide.
Schmeichel saved from Fabregas before the break and Leicester continued to pressurise their hosts on the resumption. Vardy nicked the ball off Christensen and found Mahrez, who initiated contact by kicking the Denmark defender.
The Foxes forward went to ground, seeking a penalty, but referee Mike Jones was unmoved and not inclined to dole out a yellow card for diving. Mahrez next blasted a shot into Christensen and it deflected wide.
Conte had seen enough and made his final two changes. Willian and Pedro were sent on for the ineffective Hazard and Fabregas. Willian lured a foul from Chilwell, who was booked after 63 minutes.
The left-back then caught Victor Moses late and was sent off after 68 minutes. Long-range shots from Kante and Tiemoue Bakayoko were symptomatic of Chelsea's struggles to break Leicester down.
And Schmeichel turned a Marcos Alonso free-kick behind for a corner in stoppage time as Chelsea missed their last chance
ESPN
Leicester City FC
Fleetwood Town 0 - 0 Leicester City
Fleetwood get a slice of the action as they force replay against Leicester
League One Fleetwood gave Leicester a real scare but the Premier League side escaped Highbury Stadium with a goalless draw in their FA Cup third round tie.
Ash Hunter's deflected shot hit the post in the second minute of added time, rebounding on to goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic before hitting the post again. Jakupovic grabbed the loose ball and the visitors narrowly avoided the shock exit the television cameras present were hoping for.
The hosts, 12th in their table, comfortably held their own against a second-string Foxes starting line-up and, in truth, created the better chances. On the positive side the sort of quirky sponsorship deal which typically crops up around the FA Cup third round meant the Cod Army's goalkeeper Chris Neal finished the game with a year's supply of pizza having been promised a month's worth for every seven-and-a-half minutes he kept the Foxes at bay.
He barely had a save to make as the visitors' multi-million pound forward line misfired. Leicester made eight changes with no place in the squad for Jamie Vardy -- who missed the New Year's Day win over Huddersfield with a groin injury -- on his return to Fleetwood or the likes of Riyad Mahrez.
However, they were still able to field B£29million striker Islam Slimani and £27 million Portugal midfielder Adrien Silva, given his first start having made his debut as a substitute on Monday following his long wait after a summer wrangle over his registration. But despite enjoying the majority of possession the Premier League visitors could not create a genuine goal-scoring opportunity in the first half with Demarai Gray's blast into the side-netting coming closest.
In fact the Foxes were closer to scoring in their own goal with Aleksandar Dragovic's early blind back pass sending Jakupovic scrambling to keep the ball from rolling inside the near post. Just before the hour Shinji Okazaki and Marc Albrighton were sent on in an attempt to change the game but Cian Bolger's header just over from a corner and Markus Schwabl's low drive were evidence Fleetwood's threat had not diminished.
Slimani volleyed Grey's cross into the side-netting, his last real action of the game as he was replaced by £25m former Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho with 10 minutes remaining. But it continued to be Fleetwood creating the better chances with Bolger again planting a header over before Hunter almost snatched it at the end.
ESPN
Fleetwood get a slice of the action as they force replay against Leicester
League One Fleetwood gave Leicester a real scare but the Premier League side escaped Highbury Stadium with a goalless draw in their FA Cup third round tie.
Ash Hunter's deflected shot hit the post in the second minute of added time, rebounding on to goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic before hitting the post again. Jakupovic grabbed the loose ball and the visitors narrowly avoided the shock exit the television cameras present were hoping for.
The hosts, 12th in their table, comfortably held their own against a second-string Foxes starting line-up and, in truth, created the better chances. On the positive side the sort of quirky sponsorship deal which typically crops up around the FA Cup third round meant the Cod Army's goalkeeper Chris Neal finished the game with a year's supply of pizza having been promised a month's worth for every seven-and-a-half minutes he kept the Foxes at bay.
He barely had a save to make as the visitors' multi-million pound forward line misfired. Leicester made eight changes with no place in the squad for Jamie Vardy -- who missed the New Year's Day win over Huddersfield with a groin injury -- on his return to Fleetwood or the likes of Riyad Mahrez.
However, they were still able to field B£29million striker Islam Slimani and £27 million Portugal midfielder Adrien Silva, given his first start having made his debut as a substitute on Monday following his long wait after a summer wrangle over his registration. But despite enjoying the majority of possession the Premier League visitors could not create a genuine goal-scoring opportunity in the first half with Demarai Gray's blast into the side-netting coming closest.
In fact the Foxes were closer to scoring in their own goal with Aleksandar Dragovic's early blind back pass sending Jakupovic scrambling to keep the ball from rolling inside the near post. Just before the hour Shinji Okazaki and Marc Albrighton were sent on in an attempt to change the game but Cian Bolger's header just over from a corner and Markus Schwabl's low drive were evidence Fleetwood's threat had not diminished.
Slimani volleyed Grey's cross into the side-netting, his last real action of the game as he was replaced by £25m former Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho with 10 minutes remaining. But it continued to be Fleetwood creating the better chances with Bolger again planting a header over before Hunter almost snatched it at the end.
ESPN
Leicester City 3-0 Huddersfield Town
Mahrez, Slimani & Albrighton help Foxes start 2018 with a win
Leicester manager Claude Puel says he needs Riyad Mahrez to make a decision over his future after the Algeria international scored one and made another in the win over Huddersfield.
"It was a fantastic game for Riyad. I like this player and I'd like to keep our best players," he said.
"We will ask him the question."
Mahrez, whose contract expires in the summer of 2020, put in a transfer request last May, but remained with the Foxes after Roma had a final bid of more than £27m rejected.
The 26-year-old scored the opener against Huddersfield, expertly guiding home a side-foot volley from Marc Albrighton's up-and-under into the box.
Seven minutes later he set up Islam Slimani with a precise though-ball and his countryman dinked a cool finish over Jonas Lossl.
Huddersfield rarely threatened, with wayward shots from Tom Ince and Collin Quaner the closest they came to a reply.
Instead the late stages were notable for Leicester midfielder Adrien Silva making his debut off the bench - four months after late submission of paperwork for his move from Sporting Lisbon left him unable to play - and Albrighton's injury-time third from Demarai Gray's deflected cross.
BBC
Mahrez, Slimani & Albrighton help Foxes start 2018 with a win
Leicester manager Claude Puel says he needs Riyad Mahrez to make a decision over his future after the Algeria international scored one and made another in the win over Huddersfield.
"It was a fantastic game for Riyad. I like this player and I'd like to keep our best players," he said.
"We will ask him the question."
Mahrez, whose contract expires in the summer of 2020, put in a transfer request last May, but remained with the Foxes after Roma had a final bid of more than £27m rejected.
The 26-year-old scored the opener against Huddersfield, expertly guiding home a side-foot volley from Marc Albrighton's up-and-under into the box.
Seven minutes later he set up Islam Slimani with a precise though-ball and his countryman dinked a cool finish over Jonas Lossl.
Huddersfield rarely threatened, with wayward shots from Tom Ince and Collin Quaner the closest they came to a reply.
Instead the late stages were notable for Leicester midfielder Adrien Silva making his debut off the bench - four months after late submission of paperwork for his move from Sporting Lisbon left him unable to play - and Albrighton's injury-time third from Demarai Gray's deflected cross.
BBC
Liverpool 2-1 Leicester City
Mohamed Salah scores record-equalling brace as Liverpool recover to beat Leicester
Manager Jurgen Klopp called Liverpool's reaction to going a goal down against Leicester the "best I've ever seen" after Mohamed Salah's double helped them come from behind to win at Anfield.
Jamie Vardy gave the visitors an early lead when he poked home from a Riyad Mahrez pass before Salah equalised in the second half.
The Egypt international then turned Harry Maguire on the edge of the area before firing in his second of the day - and 17th Premier League goal of the season - to give Liverpool the lead.
Klopp described the hosts' performance as "perfect" and the Reds, who will finish the year in fourth place, extended their unbeaten run to 15 games.
Leicester stay in eighth but have now gone five games without a victory. "On perfect days we win football games," said Klopp.
"The crowd were unbelievable and we needed them today to score these two goals. It's a good team performance and a well-deserved win."
The only concern will surround the fitness of match-winner Salah, who Klopp said was "limping" when he was substituted with less than 10 minutes left to play.
"We have to check it," added the German. "We tried to change it as quick as possible and of course that is not too good."
BBC
Mohamed Salah scores record-equalling brace as Liverpool recover to beat Leicester
Manager Jurgen Klopp called Liverpool's reaction to going a goal down against Leicester the "best I've ever seen" after Mohamed Salah's double helped them come from behind to win at Anfield.
Jamie Vardy gave the visitors an early lead when he poked home from a Riyad Mahrez pass before Salah equalised in the second half.
The Egypt international then turned Harry Maguire on the edge of the area before firing in his second of the day - and 17th Premier League goal of the season - to give Liverpool the lead.
Klopp described the hosts' performance as "perfect" and the Reds, who will finish the year in fourth place, extended their unbeaten run to 15 games.
Leicester stay in eighth but have now gone five games without a victory. "On perfect days we win football games," said Klopp.
"The crowd were unbelievable and we needed them today to score these two goals. It's a good team performance and a well-deserved win."
The only concern will surround the fitness of match-winner Salah, who Klopp said was "limping" when he was substituted with less than 10 minutes left to play.
"We have to check it," added the German. "We tried to change it as quick as possible and of course that is not too good."
BBC
Watford 2 - 1 Leicester City
Watford battle back to beat Leicester City
Watford came from behind to beat Leicester 2-1 and seal a first Premier League victory in seven games. A tap-in from Molla Wague and an own goal from Kasper Schmeichel cancelled out Leicester forward Riyad Mahrez's opener.
The victory was a first for Marco Silva's side since a 3-0 success at Newcastle on Nov. 25. The game got off to a spiky start with a flurry of early bookings dished out by referee Chris Kavanagh. Leicester's Harry Maguire was first to go into the book, with the home side's Christian Kabasele and Ben Watson soon following him.
Leicester fashioned the game's first real chance when Shinji Okazaki's header brought a fine save from Heurelho Gomes in the home goal.
The visitors then missed a golden chance to open the scoring when top scorer Jamie Vardy inexplicably put a shot just past the post after sending Gomes the wrong way. But it did not take long for the Foxes to make amends for that error. Marc Albrighton's cross into the box was met by Mahrez and he headed beyond Gomes for his sixth league goal of the campaign.
Watford, who had struggled until that point to make any impression going forward, almost drew level immediately.
Richarlison was put through by Andre Carrillo but failed to find the target with Schmeichel beaten. Yet moments later the hosts were level through Wague who tapped home from a corner.
Former Foxes loanee Wague, who played just once for Leicester in an FA Cup defeat at Millwall last season, prodded home after the visitors failed to clear their lines as Watford equalised with their first shot on target.
And it almost got better for the Hornets in the final action before the break, but Richarlison cracked a shot against the post.
Watford started the second half much brighter and Abdoulaye Doucoure drilled an effort over the bar from 25 yards as the hosts signalled their intent just before the hour mark. Substitute Stefano Okaka then saw a speculative overhead kick sail wide of goal before the hosts completed the turnaround to go 2-1 up.
Doucoure squeezed the ball past Schmeichel from the tightest of angles and although there was a question of whether the ball crossed the line, replays confirmed it did. The goalkeeper's decisive touch on the ball saw it officially credited as an own goal.
Tom Cleverley whistled a shot just wide soon after, before Gomes made sure of the victory with two vital saves.
First, he kept out Wes Morgan's shot before diving to deny Leonardo Ulloa's goal-bound header.
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Watford battle back to beat Leicester City
Watford came from behind to beat Leicester 2-1 and seal a first Premier League victory in seven games. A tap-in from Molla Wague and an own goal from Kasper Schmeichel cancelled out Leicester forward Riyad Mahrez's opener.
The victory was a first for Marco Silva's side since a 3-0 success at Newcastle on Nov. 25. The game got off to a spiky start with a flurry of early bookings dished out by referee Chris Kavanagh. Leicester's Harry Maguire was first to go into the book, with the home side's Christian Kabasele and Ben Watson soon following him.
Leicester fashioned the game's first real chance when Shinji Okazaki's header brought a fine save from Heurelho Gomes in the home goal.
The visitors then missed a golden chance to open the scoring when top scorer Jamie Vardy inexplicably put a shot just past the post after sending Gomes the wrong way. But it did not take long for the Foxes to make amends for that error. Marc Albrighton's cross into the box was met by Mahrez and he headed beyond Gomes for his sixth league goal of the campaign.
Watford, who had struggled until that point to make any impression going forward, almost drew level immediately.
Richarlison was put through by Andre Carrillo but failed to find the target with Schmeichel beaten. Yet moments later the hosts were level through Wague who tapped home from a corner.
Former Foxes loanee Wague, who played just once for Leicester in an FA Cup defeat at Millwall last season, prodded home after the visitors failed to clear their lines as Watford equalised with their first shot on target.
And it almost got better for the Hornets in the final action before the break, but Richarlison cracked a shot against the post.
Watford started the second half much brighter and Abdoulaye Doucoure drilled an effort over the bar from 25 yards as the hosts signalled their intent just before the hour mark. Substitute Stefano Okaka then saw a speculative overhead kick sail wide of goal before the hosts completed the turnaround to go 2-1 up.
Doucoure squeezed the ball past Schmeichel from the tightest of angles and although there was a question of whether the ball crossed the line, replays confirmed it did. The goalkeeper's decisive touch on the ball saw it officially credited as an own goal.
Tom Cleverley whistled a shot just wide soon after, before Gomes made sure of the victory with two vital saves.
First, he kept out Wes Morgan's shot before diving to deny Leonardo Ulloa's goal-bound header.
ESPN
Leicester City 2-2 Manchester United
Harry Maguire levels late as Man United and Leicester draw
Manchester United will spend Christmas an eye-watering 13 points behind runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City after Harry Maguire secured Leicester a draw with a last-gasp goal.
Already reeling from their shock midweek Carabao Cup exit at Bristol City, the need for Jose Mourinho's men to get back to winning ways was heightened by Pep Guardiola's team racking up a 17th successive league win earlier in the day.
Juan Mata's brace looked to have done just that as United responded to Jamie Vardy's 50th Premier League goal, only for Maguire to strike at the death as 10-man Leicester secured a 2-2 draw.
It was a remarkable end to an entertaining encounter that United started brightly, only for the Foxes to catch them cold on the break as Vardy became the club's first player to reach a half-century of Premier League goals.
Mata coolly drew United level and put them ahead with a second-half free-kick that the visitors threatened to add to, with Jesse Lingard hitting the post and Marcus Rashford seeing a penalty claim ignored as substitute Daniel Amartey saw red for two bookings in quick succession.
But United would receive a gut punch at the start of a run of four matches in 10 days as Maguire ghosted in to snatch a point. Chris Smalling was limping as the Foxes levelled proceedings at the end of a night that started with the United defender powering a header just over.
Kasper Schmeichel did well to tip over a deflected Lingard attempt and then denied stand-in captain Paul Pogba, with Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial also attempting to find the opener. Leicester were creating little early on and pinning their hopes on catching United on the break.
It was a simple plan that bore fruit in the 27th minute as Wilfred Ndidi turned defence into attack by aiming a superb -- if hopeful -- volleyed effort up the field to send Riyad Mahrez scampering. The Algerian had City's first attempt on target shortly before and this time refrained from shooting, holding up the ball smartly to shake off Smalling's attention and playing in the overlapping Vardy to fire home.
Phil Jones was out of position for the England striker's milestone goal, which was swiftly followed by the King Power Stadium faithful chanting, "Just like Leicester, your city is blue." United were struggling to break down City, but slick interplay and an intelligent finish saw them level five minutes before half-time as Mata went for placement rather than power to beat Schmeichel via a slight deflection.
More sloppy defending almost undid that as Maguire met a clipped free kick unmarked, only for a heavy touch to save United's blushes. Victor Lindelof threw himself in front of a Christian Fuchs attempt and Martial wasted a fine chance at the other end, before Mata bent home a free-kick that Schmeichel could have done better with.
Lingard rubbed his face in frustration after failing to wrap things up after rounding the Leicester goalkeeper and hitting the post.
The Foxes' night would get worse before it got better. Amartey's clumsy challenge on Rashford shortly after his first yellow card earned him a second booking - just over 16 minutes after coming on.
Rashford was soon at the heart of things again after going down in the box as Schmeichel raced out, but referee Jonathan Moss was having none of it. He also ignored Maguire's appeals as the clock wound down.
The home support were furious with the officials, but anger turned to elation at the death.
With Smalling limping back into position, Maguire slipped behind him and Ashley Young to strike the leveller.
ESPN
Harry Maguire levels late as Man United and Leicester draw
Manchester United will spend Christmas an eye-watering 13 points behind runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City after Harry Maguire secured Leicester a draw with a last-gasp goal.
Already reeling from their shock midweek Carabao Cup exit at Bristol City, the need for Jose Mourinho's men to get back to winning ways was heightened by Pep Guardiola's team racking up a 17th successive league win earlier in the day.
Juan Mata's brace looked to have done just that as United responded to Jamie Vardy's 50th Premier League goal, only for Maguire to strike at the death as 10-man Leicester secured a 2-2 draw.
It was a remarkable end to an entertaining encounter that United started brightly, only for the Foxes to catch them cold on the break as Vardy became the club's first player to reach a half-century of Premier League goals.
Mata coolly drew United level and put them ahead with a second-half free-kick that the visitors threatened to add to, with Jesse Lingard hitting the post and Marcus Rashford seeing a penalty claim ignored as substitute Daniel Amartey saw red for two bookings in quick succession.
But United would receive a gut punch at the start of a run of four matches in 10 days as Maguire ghosted in to snatch a point. Chris Smalling was limping as the Foxes levelled proceedings at the end of a night that started with the United defender powering a header just over.
Kasper Schmeichel did well to tip over a deflected Lingard attempt and then denied stand-in captain Paul Pogba, with Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial also attempting to find the opener. Leicester were creating little early on and pinning their hopes on catching United on the break.
It was a simple plan that bore fruit in the 27th minute as Wilfred Ndidi turned defence into attack by aiming a superb -- if hopeful -- volleyed effort up the field to send Riyad Mahrez scampering. The Algerian had City's first attempt on target shortly before and this time refrained from shooting, holding up the ball smartly to shake off Smalling's attention and playing in the overlapping Vardy to fire home.
Phil Jones was out of position for the England striker's milestone goal, which was swiftly followed by the King Power Stadium faithful chanting, "Just like Leicester, your city is blue." United were struggling to break down City, but slick interplay and an intelligent finish saw them level five minutes before half-time as Mata went for placement rather than power to beat Schmeichel via a slight deflection.
More sloppy defending almost undid that as Maguire met a clipped free kick unmarked, only for a heavy touch to save United's blushes. Victor Lindelof threw himself in front of a Christian Fuchs attempt and Martial wasted a fine chance at the other end, before Mata bent home a free-kick that Schmeichel could have done better with.
Lingard rubbed his face in frustration after failing to wrap things up after rounding the Leicester goalkeeper and hitting the post.
The Foxes' night would get worse before it got better. Amartey's clumsy challenge on Rashford shortly after his first yellow card earned him a second booking - just over 16 minutes after coming on.
Rashford was soon at the heart of things again after going down in the box as Schmeichel raced out, but referee Jonathan Moss was having none of it. He also ignored Maguire's appeals as the clock wound down.
The home support were furious with the officials, but anger turned to elation at the death.
With Smalling limping back into position, Maguire slipped behind him and Ashley Young to strike the leveller.
ESPN
Leicester City 1-1 Manchester City
Man City win 4-3 on penalties to reach Carabao Cup semifinals
Claudio Bravo was Manchester City's penalty hero as they kept their hopes of a dream quadruple alive to beat Leicester and reach the Carabao Cup semifinals.
The goalkeeper saved Riyad Mahrez's spot kick as Pep Guardiola's side won 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Jamie Vardy missed in the shootout after scoring an added-time penalty to take it beyond 90 minutes, after Bernado Silva's first-half goal looked to have given the visitors the win.
They can still take a clean sweep of trophies this term with Guardiola's side 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League. Leicester boss Claude Puel conceded before the game even if City made wholesale changes their team would still be one of the best in Europe. Yet Puel's decision to leave Mahrez, Vardy and Demarai Gray on the bench until the second half ultimately backfired.
Only Ilkay Gundogan and Eliaquim Mangala started for City following Saturday's 4-1 win over Tottenham.
The Foxes trio put the visitors on the back foot but could not end Guardiola's domestic dominance. City, who have won the trophy twice in the past four years, bossed a low-tempo start which began to ignite when Silva forced Ben Hamer into a smart 13th-minute stop.
Leicester then almost gifted the visitors the lead in the next attack when Christian Fuchs and Hamer collided and Gundogan had his goal-bound shot blocked. Gundogan, who scored his first goal of the season against Tottenham, was seeking more and Hamer tipped his chip over.
The Foxes started slowly and Kelechi Iheanacho, who moved from the Etihad to Leicester for £25 million in the summer, struggled to make an impact before he helped his old club to a 26th-minute opener. Iheanacho allowed Yaya Toure to take the ball, Gundogan strode forward to find Silva and the winger prodded the ball under the onrushing Hamer.
With the lead City were comfortable but Bravo had to react well to Iheanacho's low shot after 33 minutes.
It gave Leicester belief with Bravo unsettled and Iheanacho shot over following the goalkeeper's hurried clearance.
The hosts continued to rattle City thanks to the arrival of Mahrez and Vardy 11 minutes after the break but failed to create clear openings and the most Guardiola had to be worried about was when a pitch invader was dragged past him. The arrival of Gray signalled Leicester's intent and Mahrez almost levelled when his angled effort was gathered by Bravo with 10 minutes left.
They did equalise in the seventh of eight minutes of stoppage time when Kyle Walker tangled with Gray in the area and Vardy buried the penalty. It was a soft decision and Walker had penalty claims of his own turned down in extra time, while Bravo saved well from Mahrez before the shootout.
Fuchs, Harry Maguire and Vicente Iborra scored for Leicester while Gundogan, Toure, Lukas Nmecha and Gabriel Jesus netted for City. But, at 4-3, Vardy's penalty hit the post and Bravo dived to his left to deny Mahrez.
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Man City win 4-3 on penalties to reach Carabao Cup semifinals
Claudio Bravo was Manchester City's penalty hero as they kept their hopes of a dream quadruple alive to beat Leicester and reach the Carabao Cup semifinals.
The goalkeeper saved Riyad Mahrez's spot kick as Pep Guardiola's side won 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Jamie Vardy missed in the shootout after scoring an added-time penalty to take it beyond 90 minutes, after Bernado Silva's first-half goal looked to have given the visitors the win.
They can still take a clean sweep of trophies this term with Guardiola's side 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League. Leicester boss Claude Puel conceded before the game even if City made wholesale changes their team would still be one of the best in Europe. Yet Puel's decision to leave Mahrez, Vardy and Demarai Gray on the bench until the second half ultimately backfired.
Only Ilkay Gundogan and Eliaquim Mangala started for City following Saturday's 4-1 win over Tottenham.
The Foxes trio put the visitors on the back foot but could not end Guardiola's domestic dominance. City, who have won the trophy twice in the past four years, bossed a low-tempo start which began to ignite when Silva forced Ben Hamer into a smart 13th-minute stop.
Leicester then almost gifted the visitors the lead in the next attack when Christian Fuchs and Hamer collided and Gundogan had his goal-bound shot blocked. Gundogan, who scored his first goal of the season against Tottenham, was seeking more and Hamer tipped his chip over.
The Foxes started slowly and Kelechi Iheanacho, who moved from the Etihad to Leicester for £25 million in the summer, struggled to make an impact before he helped his old club to a 26th-minute opener. Iheanacho allowed Yaya Toure to take the ball, Gundogan strode forward to find Silva and the winger prodded the ball under the onrushing Hamer.
With the lead City were comfortable but Bravo had to react well to Iheanacho's low shot after 33 minutes.
It gave Leicester belief with Bravo unsettled and Iheanacho shot over following the goalkeeper's hurried clearance.
The hosts continued to rattle City thanks to the arrival of Mahrez and Vardy 11 minutes after the break but failed to create clear openings and the most Guardiola had to be worried about was when a pitch invader was dragged past him. The arrival of Gray signalled Leicester's intent and Mahrez almost levelled when his angled effort was gathered by Bravo with 10 minutes left.
They did equalise in the seventh of eight minutes of stoppage time when Kyle Walker tangled with Gray in the area and Vardy buried the penalty. It was a soft decision and Walker had penalty claims of his own turned down in extra time, while Bravo saved well from Mahrez before the shootout.
Fuchs, Harry Maguire and Vicente Iborra scored for Leicester while Gundogan, Toure, Lukas Nmecha and Gabriel Jesus netted for City. But, at 4-3, Vardy's penalty hit the post and Bravo dived to his left to deny Mahrez.
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Leicester City 0 - 3 Crystal Palace
Christian Benteke strikes as Crystal Palace win at Leicester
Christian Benteke put his penalty misery behind him to inspire resurgent Crystal Palace to their first away win of the season as 10-man Leicester were beaten 3-0.
The striker scored his first goal since May in a victory that came a week after he defied team orders by taking -- and missing -- a penalty against Bournemouth. Another apology saw him set up the impressive Wilfred Zaha for a goal, with Bakary Sako adding a late third as Palace moved up to 14th.
Roy Hodgson's men are now unbeaten in seven games and their cause was aided by sloppy Leicester, who had birthday boy Wilfred Ndidi sent off in the second half. Vicente Iborra had a goal disallowed for the hosts, who had previously won four straight games, as they missed the chance to move within two points of the top five.
Benteke had been in the spotlight after missing the last-minute spot kick in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth and he was keen to make amends but failed to pounce on Jeff Schlupp's early cross. Kasper Schmeichel also saved smartly from Ruben Loftus-Cheek during Palace's bright start.
Christian Benteke celebrates a goal for Crystal Palace against Leicester. Photo by Nigel French/PA Images via Getty ImagesBuoyed by their late 2-1 comeback win against Watford on Tuesday Palace bossed sloppy Leicester and cashed in after 19 minutes. It was a simple goal but a well-crafted one as Andros Townsend made room to cross for Benteke, who lost Wes Morgan to head in from 12 yards before celebrating with his fingers in his ears.
It was Palace's first away goal of the season but owed much to Leicester's slapdash marking while Schmeichel's positioning was also suspect as he failed to stop Benteke's central header. Conceding at least woke Leicester up and Benteke almost gifted them an immediate equaliser, heading inches wide of his own goal.
The hosts' penalty appeals then went unanswered when the ball struck Scott Dann and it got worse for Leicester five minutes before the break. Riyad Mahrez gave the ball away which allowed Benteke to stride forward, hold off the challenge of Ndidi and find Zaha.
The forward sidestepped Ben Chilwell and drilled low past Schmeichel for his fourth goal of the season.
It was a deserved half-time lead and one which Palace looked to build on -- but Benteke miscued a header from Townsend's second-half cross. Mahrez, who had been poor, then forced Julian Speroni into a fine low stop but Leicester's plans unravelled further during one madcap minute.
First, Iborra saw his header ruled out for a shove on James Tomkins on the hour before Ndidi saw red just 51 seconds later. The midfielder had been booked for an earlier foul on Loftus-Cheek and received a second yellow card for a dive in the area.
It ended Leicester's hopes of salvaging the game and Benteke, who also should have won a penalty after he was fouled by Marc Albrighton, was denied a second by Schmeichel's point-blank save with 10 minutes left.
But Sako did score a stoppage-time third when he curled into the top corner from 18 yards out.
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Christian Benteke strikes as Crystal Palace win at Leicester
Christian Benteke put his penalty misery behind him to inspire resurgent Crystal Palace to their first away win of the season as 10-man Leicester were beaten 3-0.
The striker scored his first goal since May in a victory that came a week after he defied team orders by taking -- and missing -- a penalty against Bournemouth. Another apology saw him set up the impressive Wilfred Zaha for a goal, with Bakary Sako adding a late third as Palace moved up to 14th.
Roy Hodgson's men are now unbeaten in seven games and their cause was aided by sloppy Leicester, who had birthday boy Wilfred Ndidi sent off in the second half. Vicente Iborra had a goal disallowed for the hosts, who had previously won four straight games, as they missed the chance to move within two points of the top five.
Benteke had been in the spotlight after missing the last-minute spot kick in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth and he was keen to make amends but failed to pounce on Jeff Schlupp's early cross. Kasper Schmeichel also saved smartly from Ruben Loftus-Cheek during Palace's bright start.
Christian Benteke celebrates a goal for Crystal Palace against Leicester. Photo by Nigel French/PA Images via Getty ImagesBuoyed by their late 2-1 comeback win against Watford on Tuesday Palace bossed sloppy Leicester and cashed in after 19 minutes. It was a simple goal but a well-crafted one as Andros Townsend made room to cross for Benteke, who lost Wes Morgan to head in from 12 yards before celebrating with his fingers in his ears.
It was Palace's first away goal of the season but owed much to Leicester's slapdash marking while Schmeichel's positioning was also suspect as he failed to stop Benteke's central header. Conceding at least woke Leicester up and Benteke almost gifted them an immediate equaliser, heading inches wide of his own goal.
The hosts' penalty appeals then went unanswered when the ball struck Scott Dann and it got worse for Leicester five minutes before the break. Riyad Mahrez gave the ball away which allowed Benteke to stride forward, hold off the challenge of Ndidi and find Zaha.
The forward sidestepped Ben Chilwell and drilled low past Schmeichel for his fourth goal of the season.
It was a deserved half-time lead and one which Palace looked to build on -- but Benteke miscued a header from Townsend's second-half cross. Mahrez, who had been poor, then forced Julian Speroni into a fine low stop but Leicester's plans unravelled further during one madcap minute.
First, Iborra saw his header ruled out for a shove on James Tomkins on the hour before Ndidi saw red just 51 seconds later. The midfielder had been booked for an earlier foul on Loftus-Cheek and received a second yellow card for a dive in the area.
It ended Leicester's hopes of salvaging the game and Benteke, who also should have won a penalty after he was fouled by Marc Albrighton, was denied a second by Schmeichel's point-blank save with 10 minutes left.
But Sako did score a stoppage-time third when he curled into the top corner from 18 yards out.
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Southampton 1-4 Leicester City
Claude Puel enjoys winning return to Southampton as Leicester cruise to 3 points
Claude Puel exacted revenge on his first return to Southampton as Leicester romped to a 4-1 Premier League win at St Mary's.
Shinji Okazaki's brace and further goals from Riyad Mahrez and Andy King eased Leicester past the struggling Saints, who could only muster a scrappy effort from Maya Yoshida. Puel was sacked in the summer despite last term leading Southampton to an eighth-place finish and the League Cup final.
The former Nice boss was out to disprove accusations he had favoured boring football in his Saints tenure, and revelled in his Leicester charges laying on plenty of entertainment. The same shortcomings that littered Puel's Saints tenure were on display for Mauricio Pellegrino's men however, with the hosts finding no fluency in attack and defending pitifully.
New boss Pellegrino's Southampton stint now appears under real strain: Saints boast just one win and six points in their last eight Premier League games. After 17 games under Puel last term, Southampton had amassed 24 points -- under Pellegrino at the same stage, they have just 18.
Leicester's joyful travelling fans seized on the chance to mock their hosts, chirping up with "Aren't you glad you sacked Puel?" Toothless in attack and disorganised at the back: Saints' performance mirrored that of many under Puel last term.
Mahrez could hardly believe the time and space afforded to him by Southampton's defence as he cantered through the middle and rifled Leicester's facile opener. Okazaki had one strike palmed away by Forster, then another cleared off the line by Mario Lemina.
Charlie Austin at least forced Kasper Schmeichel into a save but after an ineffective corner Saints were on the back foot in seconds. Schmeichel's fizzing ball sent Jamie Vardy through the middle and the England man found Mahrez down the left flank. Only Forster's sharp save denied Vardy a fine goal after he redirected Mahrez's low centre.
Leicester hardly had to work to double their lead, a deep corner catching Saints napping and Okazaki poking in at the second attempt. And when the visitors swept home their third, the home faithful headed indoors in their droves some seven minutes from half-time, desperate for anything other than Saints' miserable performance.
Harry Maguire's expert chest-down and spin bamboozled Saints' defence such that no one cleared his low cross - leaving the unmarked King with the tap-in honours at the far post. Pellegrino sacrificed holding midfielder Oriol Romeu for striker Manolo Gabbiadini at the break but little changed before the hour.
Yoshida's header found its way in to cut the deficit, but the unconvinced home fans could only chorus their amazement at having found the net. Austin should have doubled the re-energised hosts' tally when sliding onto the overlapping Ryan Bertrand's low cross only to side-foot too close to Schmeichel.
Leicester quickly killed any delusions of a Saints recovery with another clinical strike. Mahrez pounced on a loose pass, feeding Vardy, whose low cross was easily swept home by Okazaki.
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Leicester City FC
Claude Puel enjoys winning return to Southampton as Leicester cruise to 3 points
Claude Puel exacted revenge on his first return to Southampton as Leicester romped to a 4-1 Premier League win at St Mary's.
Shinji Okazaki's brace and further goals from Riyad Mahrez and Andy King eased Leicester past the struggling Saints, who could only muster a scrappy effort from Maya Yoshida. Puel was sacked in the summer despite last term leading Southampton to an eighth-place finish and the League Cup final.
The former Nice boss was out to disprove accusations he had favoured boring football in his Saints tenure, and revelled in his Leicester charges laying on plenty of entertainment. The same shortcomings that littered Puel's Saints tenure were on display for Mauricio Pellegrino's men however, with the hosts finding no fluency in attack and defending pitifully.
New boss Pellegrino's Southampton stint now appears under real strain: Saints boast just one win and six points in their last eight Premier League games. After 17 games under Puel last term, Southampton had amassed 24 points -- under Pellegrino at the same stage, they have just 18.
Leicester's joyful travelling fans seized on the chance to mock their hosts, chirping up with "Aren't you glad you sacked Puel?" Toothless in attack and disorganised at the back: Saints' performance mirrored that of many under Puel last term.
Mahrez could hardly believe the time and space afforded to him by Southampton's defence as he cantered through the middle and rifled Leicester's facile opener. Okazaki had one strike palmed away by Forster, then another cleared off the line by Mario Lemina.
Charlie Austin at least forced Kasper Schmeichel into a save but after an ineffective corner Saints were on the back foot in seconds. Schmeichel's fizzing ball sent Jamie Vardy through the middle and the England man found Mahrez down the left flank. Only Forster's sharp save denied Vardy a fine goal after he redirected Mahrez's low centre.
Leicester hardly had to work to double their lead, a deep corner catching Saints napping and Okazaki poking in at the second attempt. And when the visitors swept home their third, the home faithful headed indoors in their droves some seven minutes from half-time, desperate for anything other than Saints' miserable performance.
Harry Maguire's expert chest-down and spin bamboozled Saints' defence such that no one cleared his low cross - leaving the unmarked King with the tap-in honours at the far post. Pellegrino sacrificed holding midfielder Oriol Romeu for striker Manolo Gabbiadini at the break but little changed before the hour.
Yoshida's header found its way in to cut the deficit, but the unconvinced home fans could only chorus their amazement at having found the net. Austin should have doubled the re-energised hosts' tally when sliding onto the overlapping Ryan Bertrand's low cross only to side-foot too close to Schmeichel.
Leicester quickly killed any delusions of a Saints recovery with another clinical strike. Mahrez pounced on a loose pass, feeding Vardy, whose low cross was easily swept home by Okazaki.
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Leicester City FC
Newcastle United 2-3 Leicester City
Ayoze Perez's late own goal cost Newcastle a precious Premier League draw as Leicester ruined the Magpies' 125th birthday celebrations.
Substitute Perez thumped the ball into his own net four minutes from time in his efforts to prevent Shinji Okazaki from converting Jamie Vardy's cross, just as it looked as though Dwight Gayle's equaliser had clinched just a second Premier League point in seven games.
In the process, he handed Leicester, who had bounced back from Joselu's early opener with goals from Riyad Mahrez and Demarai Gray, a third successive league win in front of a crowd of 52,117 at St James' Park.
The majority of them left already fearing the worst if the reinforcements manager Rafael Benitez wants do not arrive in January, regardless of whether or not a takeover is completed, after seeing Huddersfield, Swansea and West Ham all win earlier in the day to leave their club just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Newcastle needed to start positively, and they did just that as Jacob Murphy picked out Gayle down the left and he pulled back for Joselu to thump in his first goal since October 1 with only five minutes played.
It might have been even better two minutes later when Gayle found himself in space, but saw his left-foot strike fly just wide of a relieved Kasper Schmeichel's far post.
However, Leicester responded well and Gray forced Karl Darlow into an uncomfortable ninth-minute save at his near post and then curled a shot inches wide after slipping past Mikel Merino four minutes later.
The visitors were level with 20 minutes gone when, after Merino had squandered possession on halfway, Mahrez was allowed to advance towards goal before unleashing a thunderbolt of a drive which flew into the net, despite Darlow getting his fingertips to it.
The Foxes threatened repeatedly on the counter and Darlow was relieved to see an offside flag raised after he could only parry Marc Albrighton's effort, while full-back DeAndre Yedlin intervened in the nick of time to deny Vardy a 28th-minute goal.
Newcastle attacked sporadically and Murphy called upon Schmeichel to make a diving save nine minutes before the break, but it was City who headed for the dressing room the more satisfied.
The home side's negligence on the ball continued to cost them as the second half unfolded, and Leicester went ahead for the first time on the hour when Albrighton's fine first-time lay-off from Mahrez's raking pass allowed Gray to control and fire past Darlow with the help of a deflection off defender Florian Lejeune.
Darlow had to claw away Mahrez's driven 66th-minute cross as the Foxes went for the kill, but his side were level with 17 minutes remaining when, amid a goalmouth scramble, Gayle found time to control and dispatch a shot which flew past Schmeichel off Harry Maguire's out-stretched leg.
But the Magpies were caught on the break at the death when Perez could only turn the ball into his own net as he tried to desperately to get to fellow substitute Okazaki.
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Leicester City FC
Ayoze Perez's late own goal cost Newcastle a precious Premier League draw as Leicester ruined the Magpies' 125th birthday celebrations.
Substitute Perez thumped the ball into his own net four minutes from time in his efforts to prevent Shinji Okazaki from converting Jamie Vardy's cross, just as it looked as though Dwight Gayle's equaliser had clinched just a second Premier League point in seven games.
In the process, he handed Leicester, who had bounced back from Joselu's early opener with goals from Riyad Mahrez and Demarai Gray, a third successive league win in front of a crowd of 52,117 at St James' Park.
The majority of them left already fearing the worst if the reinforcements manager Rafael Benitez wants do not arrive in January, regardless of whether or not a takeover is completed, after seeing Huddersfield, Swansea and West Ham all win earlier in the day to leave their club just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Newcastle needed to start positively, and they did just that as Jacob Murphy picked out Gayle down the left and he pulled back for Joselu to thump in his first goal since October 1 with only five minutes played.
It might have been even better two minutes later when Gayle found himself in space, but saw his left-foot strike fly just wide of a relieved Kasper Schmeichel's far post.
However, Leicester responded well and Gray forced Karl Darlow into an uncomfortable ninth-minute save at his near post and then curled a shot inches wide after slipping past Mikel Merino four minutes later.
The visitors were level with 20 minutes gone when, after Merino had squandered possession on halfway, Mahrez was allowed to advance towards goal before unleashing a thunderbolt of a drive which flew into the net, despite Darlow getting his fingertips to it.
The Foxes threatened repeatedly on the counter and Darlow was relieved to see an offside flag raised after he could only parry Marc Albrighton's effort, while full-back DeAndre Yedlin intervened in the nick of time to deny Vardy a 28th-minute goal.
Newcastle attacked sporadically and Murphy called upon Schmeichel to make a diving save nine minutes before the break, but it was City who headed for the dressing room the more satisfied.
The home side's negligence on the ball continued to cost them as the second half unfolded, and Leicester went ahead for the first time on the hour when Albrighton's fine first-time lay-off from Mahrez's raking pass allowed Gray to control and fire past Darlow with the help of a deflection off defender Florian Lejeune.
Darlow had to claw away Mahrez's driven 66th-minute cross as the Foxes went for the kill, but his side were level with 17 minutes remaining when, amid a goalmouth scramble, Gayle found time to control and dispatch a shot which flew past Schmeichel off Harry Maguire's out-stretched leg.
But the Magpies were caught on the break at the death when Perez could only turn the ball into his own net as he tried to desperately to get to fellow substitute Okazaki.
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Leicester City FC
Leicester City 1-0 Burnley FC
Demarai Gray goal earns Leicester win to dent Burnley's European push
Talk of Burnley qualifying for Europe was dealt a sobering blow with defeat at improving Leicester.
It has mainly been those outside of Turf Moor who have contemplated the possibility of a first European campaign for the club since 1960-61 but some fans have begun to dream following Burnley's surprise start to the campaign, with the owners of one pub in the Lancashire town promising to rename their establishment "The Royal Dyche" should the Clarets qualify for either the Europa League or Champions League.
Burnley's opponents were a reminder of what can be achieved against the odds and the 2015-16 Premier League champions continued their own upward trajectory with a 1-0 success on Saturday courtesy of Demarai Gray's early goal.
Leicester have impressed under Claude Puel and this was a third win in his six matches in charge, while the loss saw Burnley slip a place in the table but they still occupy the heady heights of seventh spot.
After victory against Tottenham in midweek Puel had warned his team not to underestimate Burnley and they heeded his advice by making a bright start, taking the lead after six minutes.
Riyad Mahrez's inswinging cross from the left looked to be creeping in at the far post, forcing Nick Pope to dive to his right and push the ball away. But he could only parry it into the path of the oncoming Gray, who collided with the frame of the goal as he slid in to finish from point-blank range.
Like Gray, Burnley recovered well and Chris Wood, a former Leicester player, quickly had a good chance to equalise. Phil Bardsley's low cross was deflected into the path of Wood but the striker's first touch with his chest was heavy and it allowed Kasper Schmeichel to smother the danger.
James Tarkowski headed wide from a corner and Johann Berg Gudmundsson worked Schmeichel again as the midway point of the first half approached.
Burnley looked menacing once more after half an hour as Robbie Brady worked a shooting opportunity 18 yards out but Harry Maguire nicked the ball away as he pulled the trigger, resulting in a nasty-looking collision of shins.
Both players laid on the ground in some pain and after receiving some treatment Brady was carried from the field on a stretcher and replaced by Scott Arfield.
The injury appeared to upset Burnley's rhythm and either side of half-time Leicester assumed control. Mahrez worked Pope with a 22-yard strike following a mazy run and Wes Morgan had an effort cleared off the line by Phil Bardsley after Jamie Vardy had mis-hit his attempt.
Burnley remained a threat though and Schmeichel had to be alert to deny Steven Defour and then Gudmundsson, who was put through on goal by Jeff Hendrick's pass.
Back at the other end, Gray came close to a second goal midway through the second half when he steered a shot goalwards which clipped the outside of a post, before Pope saved well from Marc Albrighton and Vardy.
There were chances at both ends in injury time. Leicester survived a heart-stopping moment when Gudmundsson's low cross deflected straight into the grateful arms of Schmeichel while Pope got down to his right to make a good save to deny Mahrez.
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Demarai Gray goal earns Leicester win to dent Burnley's European push
Talk of Burnley qualifying for Europe was dealt a sobering blow with defeat at improving Leicester.
It has mainly been those outside of Turf Moor who have contemplated the possibility of a first European campaign for the club since 1960-61 but some fans have begun to dream following Burnley's surprise start to the campaign, with the owners of one pub in the Lancashire town promising to rename their establishment "The Royal Dyche" should the Clarets qualify for either the Europa League or Champions League.
Burnley's opponents were a reminder of what can be achieved against the odds and the 2015-16 Premier League champions continued their own upward trajectory with a 1-0 success on Saturday courtesy of Demarai Gray's early goal.
Leicester have impressed under Claude Puel and this was a third win in his six matches in charge, while the loss saw Burnley slip a place in the table but they still occupy the heady heights of seventh spot.
After victory against Tottenham in midweek Puel had warned his team not to underestimate Burnley and they heeded his advice by making a bright start, taking the lead after six minutes.
Riyad Mahrez's inswinging cross from the left looked to be creeping in at the far post, forcing Nick Pope to dive to his right and push the ball away. But he could only parry it into the path of the oncoming Gray, who collided with the frame of the goal as he slid in to finish from point-blank range.
Like Gray, Burnley recovered well and Chris Wood, a former Leicester player, quickly had a good chance to equalise. Phil Bardsley's low cross was deflected into the path of Wood but the striker's first touch with his chest was heavy and it allowed Kasper Schmeichel to smother the danger.
James Tarkowski headed wide from a corner and Johann Berg Gudmundsson worked Schmeichel again as the midway point of the first half approached.
Burnley looked menacing once more after half an hour as Robbie Brady worked a shooting opportunity 18 yards out but Harry Maguire nicked the ball away as he pulled the trigger, resulting in a nasty-looking collision of shins.
Both players laid on the ground in some pain and after receiving some treatment Brady was carried from the field on a stretcher and replaced by Scott Arfield.
The injury appeared to upset Burnley's rhythm and either side of half-time Leicester assumed control. Mahrez worked Pope with a 22-yard strike following a mazy run and Wes Morgan had an effort cleared off the line by Phil Bardsley after Jamie Vardy had mis-hit his attempt.
Burnley remained a threat though and Schmeichel had to be alert to deny Steven Defour and then Gudmundsson, who was put through on goal by Jeff Hendrick's pass.
Back at the other end, Gray came close to a second goal midway through the second half when he steered a shot goalwards which clipped the outside of a post, before Pope saved well from Marc Albrighton and Vardy.
There were chances at both ends in injury time. Leicester survived a heart-stopping moment when Gudmundsson's low cross deflected straight into the grateful arms of Schmeichel while Pope got down to his right to make a good save to deny Mahrez.
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Leicester City 2-1 Tottenham
Tottenham toppled by Leicester's Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez
Tottenham Hotspur's hopes of returning to the Premier League top four were dashed as they lost 2-1 at Leicester, who rose to ninth in the table thanks to great finishes from Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez.
Leicester were rapidly out of the blocks, threatening after only five minutes when Ben Chilwell crossed and the ball was worked back to Wilfried Ndidi, whose strike lacked sufficient power.
Minutes later, the home side showed their menace on the break as Vardy charged forward to win a corner and, from it, Wes Morgan's header was scrambled off the line by Danny Rose.
And with 13 minutes played they had a deserved lead, Vardy scoring his 100th league goal in style with a delicate lob over Hugo Lloris from Marc Albrighton's fine cross.
Spurs were struggling to get going as Leicester set the tempo, but they almost levelled when Kasper Schmeichel got a touch to Mousa Sissoko's shot and Vicente Iborra cleared off the line.
After 23 minutes, Harry Kane set off on a twisting run but saw his ambitious attempt to curl the ball past Schmeichel from the edge of the area fly high.
With half an hour gone, the Londoners came close again when Christian Eriksen played in Dele Alli, but Schmeichel did well to block.
Eriksen then went close from range -- but, in first-half stoppage time, Spurs were two down as Mahrez drifted in from the right to give Lloris no chance with a brilliant curling effort.
Ten minutes into the second half it was almost three as another sharp move saw Chilwell and Vardy find Albrighton, whose cross was headed narrowly over by Shinji Okazaki.
Spurs took off Sissoko for Son Heung-Min and replaced Mousa Dembele with Fernando Llorente, but Mauricio Pochettino's team were struggling to find a way through as the clock ticked towards the final quarter of an hour.
All that changed with 11 minutes to go as Erik Lamela played in Kane with a wonderful pass and the striker blasted high past Schmeichel.
And as Leicester dropped ever deeper into defence, Serge Aurier's cross should have been finished off by Llorente, who blasted over from close range.
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Tottenham toppled by Leicester's Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez
Tottenham Hotspur's hopes of returning to the Premier League top four were dashed as they lost 2-1 at Leicester, who rose to ninth in the table thanks to great finishes from Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez.
Leicester were rapidly out of the blocks, threatening after only five minutes when Ben Chilwell crossed and the ball was worked back to Wilfried Ndidi, whose strike lacked sufficient power.
Minutes later, the home side showed their menace on the break as Vardy charged forward to win a corner and, from it, Wes Morgan's header was scrambled off the line by Danny Rose.
And with 13 minutes played they had a deserved lead, Vardy scoring his 100th league goal in style with a delicate lob over Hugo Lloris from Marc Albrighton's fine cross.
Spurs were struggling to get going as Leicester set the tempo, but they almost levelled when Kasper Schmeichel got a touch to Mousa Sissoko's shot and Vicente Iborra cleared off the line.
After 23 minutes, Harry Kane set off on a twisting run but saw his ambitious attempt to curl the ball past Schmeichel from the edge of the area fly high.
With half an hour gone, the Londoners came close again when Christian Eriksen played in Dele Alli, but Schmeichel did well to block.
Eriksen then went close from range -- but, in first-half stoppage time, Spurs were two down as Mahrez drifted in from the right to give Lloris no chance with a brilliant curling effort.
Ten minutes into the second half it was almost three as another sharp move saw Chilwell and Vardy find Albrighton, whose cross was headed narrowly over by Shinji Okazaki.
Spurs took off Sissoko for Son Heung-Min and replaced Mousa Dembele with Fernando Llorente, but Mauricio Pochettino's team were struggling to find a way through as the clock ticked towards the final quarter of an hour.
All that changed with 11 minutes to go as Erik Lamela played in Kane with a wonderful pass and the striker blasted high past Schmeichel.
And as Leicester dropped ever deeper into defence, Serge Aurier's cross should have been finished off by Llorente, who blasted over from close range.
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West Ham United 1-1 Leicester City
First point for West Ham under Moyes after draw with Leicester
West Ham secured their first point under David Moyes as Cheikhou Kouyate's header earned a 1-1 draw with Leicester.
Things were looking bleak for new boss Moyes and the Hammers when Marc Albrighton gave Leicester the lead after only eight minutes. But Kouyate struck just before half-time to lift spirits around the London Stadium following their dreadful start to the season.
A point was not enough to haul West Ham out of the Premier League relegation zone, but a vastly improved display at least offered some hope that they can climb away from trouble. It also eased the growing tension around the club, after away fans turned on the board and the players during last weekend's listless defeat at Watford.
Life was not looking so rosy when the Foxes took the lead with their first attack, Jamie Vardy escaping down the left and pinging a low cross into the area. Angelo Ogbonna made a complete hash of his attempted clearance allowing Albrighton a simple finish from six yards.
Conceding the opening goal has usually been the signal for West Ham heads to drop this season. But instead they went on the attack and Ogbonna came close to making immediate amends for his error. The defender got the faintest of touches to Manuel Lanzini's free-kick, but Kasper Schmeichel was able to scoop his header clear.
Lanzini then led a three on two charge but chose the wrong option and the chance disappeared, before Kouyate headed Aaron Cresswell's cross wide.
Leicester, as usual, looked dangerous on the break and Riyad Mahrez had a shot saved by Joe Hart before Vardy curled narrowly off target. But on the stroke of half-time West Ham made their pressure count.
Their much-maligned record signing Marko Arnautovic, who answered Moyes' calls to improve his work-rate, floated in a dangerous cross towards Andy Carroll which Danny Simpson was forced to head behind.
From Lanzini's corner, Kouyate got his head to the ball and a couple of deflections later it was on its way past Schmeichel and into the net.
After the interval Arnautovic headed Lanzini's cross over before substitute Andre Ayew claimed he was tripped on the edge of the area by Harry Maguire. Referee Martin Atkinson took no notice, but he could have been forgiven for booking the Hammers striker for what appeared a blatant dive.
A nervous last few minutes had to be endured as Leicester pressed for a winner, but for once the leakiest defence in the division held firm. And Ayew had a chance to win it in stoppage time with an overhead kick which flew just over. Instead they had to be content with a point, but for Moyes and West Ham it felt like a small step in the right direction.
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First point for West Ham under Moyes after draw with Leicester
West Ham secured their first point under David Moyes as Cheikhou Kouyate's header earned a 1-1 draw with Leicester.
Things were looking bleak for new boss Moyes and the Hammers when Marc Albrighton gave Leicester the lead after only eight minutes. But Kouyate struck just before half-time to lift spirits around the London Stadium following their dreadful start to the season.
A point was not enough to haul West Ham out of the Premier League relegation zone, but a vastly improved display at least offered some hope that they can climb away from trouble. It also eased the growing tension around the club, after away fans turned on the board and the players during last weekend's listless defeat at Watford.
Life was not looking so rosy when the Foxes took the lead with their first attack, Jamie Vardy escaping down the left and pinging a low cross into the area. Angelo Ogbonna made a complete hash of his attempted clearance allowing Albrighton a simple finish from six yards.
Conceding the opening goal has usually been the signal for West Ham heads to drop this season. But instead they went on the attack and Ogbonna came close to making immediate amends for his error. The defender got the faintest of touches to Manuel Lanzini's free-kick, but Kasper Schmeichel was able to scoop his header clear.
Lanzini then led a three on two charge but chose the wrong option and the chance disappeared, before Kouyate headed Aaron Cresswell's cross wide.
Leicester, as usual, looked dangerous on the break and Riyad Mahrez had a shot saved by Joe Hart before Vardy curled narrowly off target. But on the stroke of half-time West Ham made their pressure count.
Their much-maligned record signing Marko Arnautovic, who answered Moyes' calls to improve his work-rate, floated in a dangerous cross towards Andy Carroll which Danny Simpson was forced to head behind.
From Lanzini's corner, Kouyate got his head to the ball and a couple of deflections later it was on its way past Schmeichel and into the net.
After the interval Arnautovic headed Lanzini's cross over before substitute Andre Ayew claimed he was tripped on the edge of the area by Harry Maguire. Referee Martin Atkinson took no notice, but he could have been forgiven for booking the Hammers striker for what appeared a blatant dive.
A nervous last few minutes had to be endured as Leicester pressed for a winner, but for once the leakiest defence in the division held firm. And Ayew had a chance to win it in stoppage time with an overhead kick which flew just over. Instead they had to be content with a point, but for Moyes and West Ham it felt like a small step in the right direction.
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Leicester City 0-2 Manchester City
Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne help Man City keep up record run
Manchester City's record-breaking start to the Premier League season continued with a dominant display against Leicester at the King Power Stadium.
Goals either side of half-time from Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne, both of them lovely moves from Pep Guardiola's team, saw City win 2-0 to stretch their lead at the top of the table to nine points ahead of Manchester United's home game against Newcastle on Saturday evening.
It was an 11th victory in the first 12 Premier League matches and meant City extended their club record run of consecutive wins in all competitions to 16 fixtures.
Vincent Kompany was back in the City side for the first time since the end of August, with Nicolas Otamendi suspended, and the centre-half must have worried that his long-awaited return might be short-lived when he tripped Jamie Vardy after only two minutes.
Vicente Iborra's defence-splitting through ball set Vardy en route to goal, with Kompany desperately stretching to make a challenge. The speedy striker would have been away and you can only assume the presence of John Stones nearby saved Kompany from a red card.
Whether Stones would have caught Vardy will be debated, but it can be the only reason why referee Graham Scott felt a yellow card would suffice.
Some of City's approach play was a delight to watch throughout, with De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, David Silva and Leroy Sane all seamlessly interchangeable in attack.
One such swift offensive down the left-hand side after 20 minutes resulted in Sane setting up Silva, who steered an effort towards the top corner of the net only for Kasper Schmeichel to tip the ball over the crossbar.
City were dealt a blow just before the half hour when Stones pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury, leaving Guardiola without both of his recent first-choice central defenders. Eliaquim Mangala came on for his first Premier League appearance in over two months.
It did not upset City too much, however, as they took the lead at the end of the first half. A lovely exchange of passes between De Bruyne and Sterling on the edge of the box saw the latter find Silva's run in behind the Leicester defence and he rolled the ball across goal for Jesus to tap it into an empty net.
If the timing of that goal hurt Leicester, there was worse to come at the beginning of the second half.
Harry Maguire came close to an equalising goal but his effort, after Ederson had dropped a cross, struck a post. Fernandinho then put the wheels in motion for a devastating counter-attack involving De Bruyne and Sane, who cut the ball back to the edge of the penalty area for his team-mate to rifle a left-foot shot into the top corner of the net.
Leicester's response was good. Vardy twice got in behind the City defence and although he was narrowly offside on each occasion, it gave the visitors something to think about.
Guardiola's side comfortably saw out the remainder of the match, though, and would have added to their lead had it not been for some last-ditch defending from Claude Puel's men, who tasted defeat under their recently-appointed manager for the first time.
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Leicester City FC
Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne help Man City keep up record run
Manchester City's record-breaking start to the Premier League season continued with a dominant display against Leicester at the King Power Stadium.
Goals either side of half-time from Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne, both of them lovely moves from Pep Guardiola's team, saw City win 2-0 to stretch their lead at the top of the table to nine points ahead of Manchester United's home game against Newcastle on Saturday evening.
It was an 11th victory in the first 12 Premier League matches and meant City extended their club record run of consecutive wins in all competitions to 16 fixtures.
Vincent Kompany was back in the City side for the first time since the end of August, with Nicolas Otamendi suspended, and the centre-half must have worried that his long-awaited return might be short-lived when he tripped Jamie Vardy after only two minutes.
Vicente Iborra's defence-splitting through ball set Vardy en route to goal, with Kompany desperately stretching to make a challenge. The speedy striker would have been away and you can only assume the presence of John Stones nearby saved Kompany from a red card.
Whether Stones would have caught Vardy will be debated, but it can be the only reason why referee Graham Scott felt a yellow card would suffice.
Some of City's approach play was a delight to watch throughout, with De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, David Silva and Leroy Sane all seamlessly interchangeable in attack.
One such swift offensive down the left-hand side after 20 minutes resulted in Sane setting up Silva, who steered an effort towards the top corner of the net only for Kasper Schmeichel to tip the ball over the crossbar.
City were dealt a blow just before the half hour when Stones pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury, leaving Guardiola without both of his recent first-choice central defenders. Eliaquim Mangala came on for his first Premier League appearance in over two months.
It did not upset City too much, however, as they took the lead at the end of the first half. A lovely exchange of passes between De Bruyne and Sterling on the edge of the box saw the latter find Silva's run in behind the Leicester defence and he rolled the ball across goal for Jesus to tap it into an empty net.
If the timing of that goal hurt Leicester, there was worse to come at the beginning of the second half.
Harry Maguire came close to an equalising goal but his effort, after Ederson had dropped a cross, struck a post. Fernandinho then put the wheels in motion for a devastating counter-attack involving De Bruyne and Sane, who cut the ball back to the edge of the penalty area for his team-mate to rifle a left-foot shot into the top corner of the net.
Leicester's response was good. Vardy twice got in behind the City defence and although he was narrowly offside on each occasion, it gave the visitors something to think about.
Guardiola's side comfortably saw out the remainder of the match, though, and would have added to their lead had it not been for some last-ditch defending from Claude Puel's men, who tasted defeat under their recently-appointed manager for the first time.
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Leicester City FC
Peter Crouch rescues point for Stoke against Leicester
Peter Crouch's second-half header earned Stoke a point at home to Leicester and ensured a familiar scoreline at the bet365 Stadium.
It was the third season in a row that the two teams have drawn 2-2 in this fixture, with substitute Crouch pegging back Leicester for the second time after Xherdan Shaqiri had equalised in the first half.
Vicente Iborra's first goal in English football had given Leicester a deserved lead, which Riyad Mahrez restored on the hour mark. Crouch nearly won it right at the end with another header that was stopped by Kasper Schmeichel but the result, coming on the back of a much-needed win at Watford last week, will have helped ease any pressure on Stoke boss Mark Hughes.
Leicester, meanwhile, are now unbeaten in six games. Visiting coach Claude Puel opted for another attacking approach as he looked to build on the victory over Everton. His team started much the brighter and only a brilliant piece of defending from Kevin Wimmer prevented Jamie Vardy from turning in a low cross from Andre Gray early on.
Shinji Okazaki was inches away from making contact with another Gray cross shortly afterwards.Leicester's momentum was interrupted midway through the first half when referee Robert Madley had to be replaced by fourth official Jon Moss after sustaining what appeared to be a calf injury.
The break in play appeared to work in Stoke's favour as Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting raced on to a lovely pass from Ramadan Sobhi before turning inside Harry Maguire and bringing a block from Schmeichel. However, Leicester took the lead after 33 minutes when a Mahrez corner to the far post was put back across goal by Maguire and dropped for Iborra whose powerful left-foot shot could only be pushed into the roof of the net by home goalkeeper Jack Butland.
A corner from the opposite side almost brought a carbon copy of the goal but this time Iborra's shot was blocked.
Butland produced a superb save to get Okazaki's close-range header over the crossbar but the resulting corner brought further panic as Iborra powered a free header just over the crossbar. Stoke looked on the ropes but were only behind for six minutes before Shaqiri got them level with a lovely bending finish from the right side of the box.
The pendulum continued to swing in the second half with chances at both ends. Shaqiri worked Schmeichel with a low effort and Butland had to help a swerving long-range effort from Mahrez over the bar. Schmeichel got down well to his right to repel a header from Ryan Shawcross and it proved an important save as, less than a minute later, Mahrez restored the lead.
But still Stoke came forward and after 73 minutes they equalised again through Crouch's downward header from Shaqiri's corner. Vardy dragged a shot wide as both team's looked for the victory and only a fine reaction save from Schmeichel deep into injury time denied Crouch the winner.
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Leicester City FC
Peter Crouch's second-half header earned Stoke a point at home to Leicester and ensured a familiar scoreline at the bet365 Stadium.
It was the third season in a row that the two teams have drawn 2-2 in this fixture, with substitute Crouch pegging back Leicester for the second time after Xherdan Shaqiri had equalised in the first half.
Vicente Iborra's first goal in English football had given Leicester a deserved lead, which Riyad Mahrez restored on the hour mark. Crouch nearly won it right at the end with another header that was stopped by Kasper Schmeichel but the result, coming on the back of a much-needed win at Watford last week, will have helped ease any pressure on Stoke boss Mark Hughes.
Leicester, meanwhile, are now unbeaten in six games. Visiting coach Claude Puel opted for another attacking approach as he looked to build on the victory over Everton. His team started much the brighter and only a brilliant piece of defending from Kevin Wimmer prevented Jamie Vardy from turning in a low cross from Andre Gray early on.
Shinji Okazaki was inches away from making contact with another Gray cross shortly afterwards.Leicester's momentum was interrupted midway through the first half when referee Robert Madley had to be replaced by fourth official Jon Moss after sustaining what appeared to be a calf injury.
The break in play appeared to work in Stoke's favour as Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting raced on to a lovely pass from Ramadan Sobhi before turning inside Harry Maguire and bringing a block from Schmeichel. However, Leicester took the lead after 33 minutes when a Mahrez corner to the far post was put back across goal by Maguire and dropped for Iborra whose powerful left-foot shot could only be pushed into the roof of the net by home goalkeeper Jack Butland.
A corner from the opposite side almost brought a carbon copy of the goal but this time Iborra's shot was blocked.
Butland produced a superb save to get Okazaki's close-range header over the crossbar but the resulting corner brought further panic as Iborra powered a free header just over the crossbar. Stoke looked on the ropes but were only behind for six minutes before Shaqiri got them level with a lovely bending finish from the right side of the box.
The pendulum continued to swing in the second half with chances at both ends. Shaqiri worked Schmeichel with a low effort and Butland had to help a swerving long-range effort from Mahrez over the bar. Schmeichel got down well to his right to repel a header from Ryan Shawcross and it proved an important save as, less than a minute later, Mahrez restored the lead.
But still Stoke came forward and after 73 minutes they equalised again through Crouch's downward header from Shaqiri's corner. Vardy dragged a shot wide as both team's looked for the victory and only a fine reaction save from Schmeichel deep into injury time denied Crouch the winner.
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Leicester City FC
Claude Puel's dream Leicester start adds to Everton woes
Leicester City got the Claude Puel era off to a perfect start with a comfortable 2-0 home win over Everton that deepened the Merseyside club's problems.
Leicester began the game on the front foot and threatened after only four minutes when Demarai Gray raced forward and sent a low drive just wide from outside the area.
Gray was soon causing concern again, crossing for Ben Chilwell who sent a wild effort off target, and defender Wes Morgan had an effort deflected over soon afterwards. But Puel's team had the lead they deserved with 18 minutes gone thanks to Jamie Vardy, who put the finishing touch to a swift counter involving Gray and Riyad Mahrez.
They almost made it two with Everton reeling as Vardy raced down the left and squared for Mahrez, who won the ball back from Ashley Williams but saw Pickford gather his effort. Wayne Rooney found Aaron Lennon inside the area but his pull-back fell behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin -- and within moments Leicester had doubled their lead.
Gray again created the danger, getting down the left and firing in a low cross that was sliced into his own net by young right-back Jonjoe Kenny with less than half an hour played.
Lennon felt he had been fouled inside the penalty area as David Unsworth's Everton tried to muster a response, but the referee waved away their appeals, and Kevin Mirallas lashed wide. Unsworth made a double change at the break, bringing on Oumar Niasse and Beni Baningime for Lennon and Mirallas, and Everton made a strong start with Tom Davies almost putting Calvert-Lewin through on goal.
Niasse then had a shot comfortably held by Kasper Schmeichel before being denied by a good Morgan interception when Calvert-Lewin crossed towards him. But Everton were still struggling to create much in the way of clear chances and Leicester, despite failing to replicate the threat they showed in the first half, held on comfortably.
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Leicester City FC
Leicester City got the Claude Puel era off to a perfect start with a comfortable 2-0 home win over Everton that deepened the Merseyside club's problems.
Leicester began the game on the front foot and threatened after only four minutes when Demarai Gray raced forward and sent a low drive just wide from outside the area.
Gray was soon causing concern again, crossing for Ben Chilwell who sent a wild effort off target, and defender Wes Morgan had an effort deflected over soon afterwards. But Puel's team had the lead they deserved with 18 minutes gone thanks to Jamie Vardy, who put the finishing touch to a swift counter involving Gray and Riyad Mahrez.
They almost made it two with Everton reeling as Vardy raced down the left and squared for Mahrez, who won the ball back from Ashley Williams but saw Pickford gather his effort. Wayne Rooney found Aaron Lennon inside the area but his pull-back fell behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin -- and within moments Leicester had doubled their lead.
Gray again created the danger, getting down the left and firing in a low cross that was sliced into his own net by young right-back Jonjoe Kenny with less than half an hour played.
Lennon felt he had been fouled inside the penalty area as David Unsworth's Everton tried to muster a response, but the referee waved away their appeals, and Kevin Mirallas lashed wide. Unsworth made a double change at the break, bringing on Oumar Niasse and Beni Baningime for Lennon and Mirallas, and Everton made a strong start with Tom Davies almost putting Calvert-Lewin through on goal.
Niasse then had a shot comfortably held by Kasper Schmeichel before being denied by a good Morgan interception when Calvert-Lewin crossed towards him. But Everton were still struggling to create much in the way of clear chances and Leicester, despite failing to replicate the threat they showed in the first half, held on comfortably.
ESPN
Leicester City FC
Leicester City appoint Claude Puel as new manager
Claude Puel has been named the new manager of Leicester and the former Southampton boss has agreed a contract which runs until June 2020.
The 2015/16 Premier League champions have moved quickly to replace Craig Shakespeare, who was sacked last week after a 1-1 draw with West Brom continued Leicester's faltering start to the season.
The Foxes have subsequently been guided to a league win over Swanseaand a Carabao Cup victory over Leeds by caretaker boss Michael Appleton, who will continue in his role as assistant manager.
He will work under the experienced Frenchman Puel, who has previously managed Lyon and Monaco, and steered Southampton to an eighth-place finish and an EFL Cup final last term, before he was dismissed at the end of the season. Puel said: "It's a great privilege to become the new manager of Leicester City - a club whose values and ambitions are closely aligned to my own.
"The opportunity to help the club build on its remarkable recent achievements is a truly exciting one and I'm looking forward to working with the owners, players, staff and supporters to deliver further lasting success."
And Leicester City Vice Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: "When we began the process of identifying a new manager, the board quickly established the profile of candidate we needed to take the Club forward and Claude Puel was a perfect fit.
"Upon meeting Claude, his attention to detail, knowledge of our squad, understanding of our potential and his vision to help us realise it were extremely impressive. "He quickly emerged as the outstanding candidate and I am delighted we will have the opportunity to reinforce our long-term vision, aided significantly by his expertise."
Puel, 56, finds himself back in the Premier League just 133 days after losing his Southampton job.
Leicester are 14th in the table after Saturday's win and the new man's first game in charge will be Sunday's home game with Everton, live on Sky Sports.
Sky Sports
Leicester City FC
Claude Puel has been named the new manager of Leicester and the former Southampton boss has agreed a contract which runs until June 2020.
The 2015/16 Premier League champions have moved quickly to replace Craig Shakespeare, who was sacked last week after a 1-1 draw with West Brom continued Leicester's faltering start to the season.
The Foxes have subsequently been guided to a league win over Swanseaand a Carabao Cup victory over Leeds by caretaker boss Michael Appleton, who will continue in his role as assistant manager.
He will work under the experienced Frenchman Puel, who has previously managed Lyon and Monaco, and steered Southampton to an eighth-place finish and an EFL Cup final last term, before he was dismissed at the end of the season. Puel said: "It's a great privilege to become the new manager of Leicester City - a club whose values and ambitions are closely aligned to my own.
"The opportunity to help the club build on its remarkable recent achievements is a truly exciting one and I'm looking forward to working with the owners, players, staff and supporters to deliver further lasting success."
And Leicester City Vice Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: "When we began the process of identifying a new manager, the board quickly established the profile of candidate we needed to take the Club forward and Claude Puel was a perfect fit.
"Upon meeting Claude, his attention to detail, knowledge of our squad, understanding of our potential and his vision to help us realise it were extremely impressive. "He quickly emerged as the outstanding candidate and I am delighted we will have the opportunity to reinforce our long-term vision, aided significantly by his expertise."
Puel, 56, finds himself back in the Premier League just 133 days after losing his Southampton job.
Leicester are 14th in the table after Saturday's win and the new man's first game in charge will be Sunday's home game with Everton, live on Sky Sports.
Sky Sports
Leicester City FC
Swansea 1 Leicester 2: Foxes climb out of the relegation zone as Riyad Mahrez pulls the strings for the manager-less Foxes
CARETAKER boss Michael Appleton saw Leicester hit Swansea with the old "one-two" at the Liberty Stadium.
Leicester were the brighter of the two sides as the game took shape in gale force conditions. Marc Albrighton was twice denied in the box before Jamie Vardy’s 25 yarder was pushed over by Swansea stopper Lukas Fabianski.
However, the opener was not long in coming thanks to an own goal from Fernandez. Riyad Mahrez whipped in a cross from the edge of the box and in trying to clear, Fernandez headed the ball into the top corner. Vardy and Okazaki continued to cause problems for Swansea’s back four.
At the other end Kasper Schmeichel had an easy ride until the 37th minute. Jordan Ayew’s cross took a deflection leaving Schmeichel to make a save at his near post. Leicester struck with the all important second goal, three minutes after the break. Mahrez delivered the perfect volley assist for Okazaki to tap home from six yards.
Swansea halved the deficit eight minutes later when Alfie Mawson swivelled in the box and beat Schmeichel at his far post. The goal signalled Swansea’s best period in the game.
However, Leicester were equal to everything thrown at them and were happy to play on the break.
Leicester City FC
CARETAKER boss Michael Appleton saw Leicester hit Swansea with the old "one-two" at the Liberty Stadium.
Leicester were the brighter of the two sides as the game took shape in gale force conditions. Marc Albrighton was twice denied in the box before Jamie Vardy’s 25 yarder was pushed over by Swansea stopper Lukas Fabianski.
However, the opener was not long in coming thanks to an own goal from Fernandez. Riyad Mahrez whipped in a cross from the edge of the box and in trying to clear, Fernandez headed the ball into the top corner. Vardy and Okazaki continued to cause problems for Swansea’s back four.
At the other end Kasper Schmeichel had an easy ride until the 37th minute. Jordan Ayew’s cross took a deflection leaving Schmeichel to make a save at his near post. Leicester struck with the all important second goal, three minutes after the break. Mahrez delivered the perfect volley assist for Okazaki to tap home from six yards.
Swansea halved the deficit eight minutes later when Alfie Mawson swivelled in the box and beat Schmeichel at his far post. The goal signalled Swansea’s best period in the game.
However, Leicester were equal to everything thrown at them and were happy to play on the break.
- Swansea's home victory in the last meeting ended a run of four consecutive defeats and proved to be Claudio Ranieri's last league match in charge of the Foxes.
- Leicester's four victories in those previous encounters came with an aggregate scoreline of 11-1.
- Prior to kick-off, home sides had won five of the six Premier League games between these sides.
Leicester City FC
Leicester City sack manager Craig Shakespeare
Shakespeare departs after four months in permanent role with Leicester 18th following one Premier League win in eight
Craig Shakespeare has been sacked as manager of Leicester City, according to Sky sources. The Foxes have won just once in eight Premier League games this season and the club have decided to part with Shakespeare less than 24 hours after a 1-1 draw with West Brom on Monday Night Football. The 53-year-old is understood to have been told of the decision in a meeting after taking charge of a behind-closed-doors friendly against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday morning, which kicked-off at 11am.
Shakespeare had assisted Claudio Ranieri during the Premier League title triumph in 2015-16 and then succeeded him, at first on a caretaker basis, in February before signing a three-year contract to take the job permanently in June. The popular coach won his first six matches in charge, including victories over Liverpool in the Premier League and Sevilla in the Champions League knockout stage, and won twice more to ensure safety in the top flight
The Foxes spent around £60m on new players in the summer, including £25m on striker Kelechi Iheanacho and £15m on Sevilla's skipper Vincent Iborra, but sold key player Danny Drinkwater and failed to replace him with Adrien Silva by missing the transfer deadline by 14 seconds. Jamie Carragher and Peter Schmeichel watched from the Monday Night Football studio as Riyad Mahrez's second-half equaliser cancelled out Nacer Chadli's to earn just a sixth points so far and remain in the Premier League's bottom three.
Sky Sports football expert Tony Gale told Sky Sports News on Tuesday that Shakespeare needed the backing of the club's hierarchy and staff, and for his players to step up, "to come through this difficult period".
But it will now be up to someone else to try haul the team out of danger, with Swansea next up on Saturday before Leicester host Everton on October 29, live on Sky Sports.
Sky Sports
Leicester City FC
Shakespeare departs after four months in permanent role with Leicester 18th following one Premier League win in eight
Craig Shakespeare has been sacked as manager of Leicester City, according to Sky sources. The Foxes have won just once in eight Premier League games this season and the club have decided to part with Shakespeare less than 24 hours after a 1-1 draw with West Brom on Monday Night Football. The 53-year-old is understood to have been told of the decision in a meeting after taking charge of a behind-closed-doors friendly against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday morning, which kicked-off at 11am.
Shakespeare had assisted Claudio Ranieri during the Premier League title triumph in 2015-16 and then succeeded him, at first on a caretaker basis, in February before signing a three-year contract to take the job permanently in June. The popular coach won his first six matches in charge, including victories over Liverpool in the Premier League and Sevilla in the Champions League knockout stage, and won twice more to ensure safety in the top flight
The Foxes spent around £60m on new players in the summer, including £25m on striker Kelechi Iheanacho and £15m on Sevilla's skipper Vincent Iborra, but sold key player Danny Drinkwater and failed to replace him with Adrien Silva by missing the transfer deadline by 14 seconds. Jamie Carragher and Peter Schmeichel watched from the Monday Night Football studio as Riyad Mahrez's second-half equaliser cancelled out Nacer Chadli's to earn just a sixth points so far and remain in the Premier League's bottom three.
Sky Sports football expert Tony Gale told Sky Sports News on Tuesday that Shakespeare needed the backing of the club's hierarchy and staff, and for his players to step up, "to come through this difficult period".
But it will now be up to someone else to try haul the team out of danger, with Swansea next up on Saturday before Leicester host Everton on October 29, live on Sky Sports.
Sky Sports
Leicester City FC
