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THE LATEST LEICESTER CITY FC NEWS
QPR & City Share Six Goals In Friendly Draw
Leicester City came from behind on two occasions to claim a 3-3 pre-season draw with Queens Park Rangers at Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium in their penultimate fixture of pre-season.
QPR & City Share Six Goals In Friendly Draw
Manager Brendan Rodgers handed midfield duo Youri Tielemans and Harvey Barnes their first outings of the summer as the Foxes shaped up in a 4-3-3 formation from the off, perhaps offering the Blue Army an insight into what tactics the Northern Irishman may deploy in the coming weeks.
City's first real chance of the game came on seven minutes, when Tielemans won the ball in midfield and strode forwards before having his strike blocked just inside the penalty area, with Jamie Vardy peeling away from his marker to make space for the Belgium midfielder.
Eldin Jakupović watched a well-caught half-volley from Lee Wallace sail wide of the target on 17 minutes before Çağlar Söyüncü blocked Moses Odubajo's left-footed attempt and Jakupović saved from Chris Willock as the hosts looked for an early opener in the capital.
Turkey defender Söyüncü was there again to prevent Willock from side-footing in from six yards out, while a defence-splitting pass from Boubakary Soumaré expertly located Vardy, who cushioned the ball into his path with a header, only to drag his effort wide.
Then came another opportunity for the Foxes, as Barnes took a touch, turned and then forced Seny Dieng into a save. Shortly after, Dieng was on hand once more to slide in and get to the ball ahead of Vardy while one-on-one with the forward.
A wayward attempt from Ilias Chair on 33 minutes failed to trouble Jakupović. At the other end, meanwhile, Vardy could not get the desired connection on Portugal full-back Ricardo Pereira's cross from the right flank.
The opener did come just before the interval, however it was QPR who would take the lead on the stroke of half-time as Charlie Austin arrowed an effort into the top corner past Jakupović for 1-0.
At the break, Marc Albrighton - fresh from signing a new contract with the Football Club - replaced Barnes for the second period following the winger's maiden outing of pre-season.
After the lively Willock cannoned a strike onto Jakupović's right-hand post, the R's did double their advantage on 55 minutes as Yoann Barbet nodded in at the far stick.
Searching for a route back into the game, Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi collected Ricardo's pass and sent a low strike into the arms of Dieng, prior to Ayoze Pérez seeing his dangerous delivery cleared by Rob Dickie and substitute Albrgihton having a cross palmed away by Dieng.
A total of nine changes for City followed just after the hour mark, with only Albrighton and Jakupović remaining on the pitch for the final 30 minutes plus stoppage time.
Academy youngster Ben Nelson was on hand on 68 minutes to get in the way of former Fox George Thomas' strike, while at the other end, Dickie got across to block Kelechi Iheanacho's goal-bound effort just moments later.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was next to have an attempt turned away, and then Dieng was able to gather Hamza Choudhury's placed strike from 20 yards with ease.
City's breakthrough finally arrived on 75 minutes, when Dewsbury-Hall, instrumental thanks to his ball-carrying ability in the build-up, fired home a loose ball in front of over 1,900 Foxes fans that had made the journey to London.
Having witnessed the Academy midfielder score Leicester's first goal of pre-season, the second came not long after as Albrighton clipped a fine pass into Zambian star Patson Daka, who slotted home his maiden strike for his new side to make it 2-2.
A long-ranger from Kamal Sowah had to be held by Dieng in the QPR net, however Mark Warburton's men restored their lead with eight minutes to play after Dickie slammed home from inside the box.
But City's persistence, fuelled by Daka, saw the frontman win a penalty after being hauled down by Dieng, and there was Kelechi Iheanacho to dispatch his spot-kick from 12 yards to seal a 3-3 draw.
LCFC.COM
Leicester City came from behind on two occasions to claim a 3-3 pre-season draw with Queens Park Rangers at Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium in their penultimate fixture of pre-season.
QPR & City Share Six Goals In Friendly Draw
Manager Brendan Rodgers handed midfield duo Youri Tielemans and Harvey Barnes their first outings of the summer as the Foxes shaped up in a 4-3-3 formation from the off, perhaps offering the Blue Army an insight into what tactics the Northern Irishman may deploy in the coming weeks.
City's first real chance of the game came on seven minutes, when Tielemans won the ball in midfield and strode forwards before having his strike blocked just inside the penalty area, with Jamie Vardy peeling away from his marker to make space for the Belgium midfielder.
Eldin Jakupović watched a well-caught half-volley from Lee Wallace sail wide of the target on 17 minutes before Çağlar Söyüncü blocked Moses Odubajo's left-footed attempt and Jakupović saved from Chris Willock as the hosts looked for an early opener in the capital.
Turkey defender Söyüncü was there again to prevent Willock from side-footing in from six yards out, while a defence-splitting pass from Boubakary Soumaré expertly located Vardy, who cushioned the ball into his path with a header, only to drag his effort wide.
Then came another opportunity for the Foxes, as Barnes took a touch, turned and then forced Seny Dieng into a save. Shortly after, Dieng was on hand once more to slide in and get to the ball ahead of Vardy while one-on-one with the forward.
A wayward attempt from Ilias Chair on 33 minutes failed to trouble Jakupović. At the other end, meanwhile, Vardy could not get the desired connection on Portugal full-back Ricardo Pereira's cross from the right flank.
The opener did come just before the interval, however it was QPR who would take the lead on the stroke of half-time as Charlie Austin arrowed an effort into the top corner past Jakupović for 1-0.
At the break, Marc Albrighton - fresh from signing a new contract with the Football Club - replaced Barnes for the second period following the winger's maiden outing of pre-season.
After the lively Willock cannoned a strike onto Jakupović's right-hand post, the R's did double their advantage on 55 minutes as Yoann Barbet nodded in at the far stick.
Searching for a route back into the game, Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi collected Ricardo's pass and sent a low strike into the arms of Dieng, prior to Ayoze Pérez seeing his dangerous delivery cleared by Rob Dickie and substitute Albrgihton having a cross palmed away by Dieng.
A total of nine changes for City followed just after the hour mark, with only Albrighton and Jakupović remaining on the pitch for the final 30 minutes plus stoppage time.
Academy youngster Ben Nelson was on hand on 68 minutes to get in the way of former Fox George Thomas' strike, while at the other end, Dickie got across to block Kelechi Iheanacho's goal-bound effort just moments later.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was next to have an attempt turned away, and then Dieng was able to gather Hamza Choudhury's placed strike from 20 yards with ease.
City's breakthrough finally arrived on 75 minutes, when Dewsbury-Hall, instrumental thanks to his ball-carrying ability in the build-up, fired home a loose ball in front of over 1,900 Foxes fans that had made the journey to London.
Having witnessed the Academy midfielder score Leicester's first goal of pre-season, the second came not long after as Albrighton clipped a fine pass into Zambian star Patson Daka, who slotted home his maiden strike for his new side to make it 2-2.
A long-ranger from Kamal Sowah had to be held by Dieng in the QPR net, however Mark Warburton's men restored their lead with eight minutes to play after Dickie slammed home from inside the box.
But City's persistence, fuelled by Daka, saw the frontman win a penalty after being hauled down by Dieng, and there was Kelechi Iheanacho to dispatch his spot-kick from 12 yards to seal a 3-3 draw.
LCFC.COM
Marc Albrighton Extends Leicester City Stay
Leicester City is pleased to confirm that Marc Albrighton has signed a new contract with the Football Club until 2024.
The 31-year-old – who joined the Foxes in the summer of 2014 – played 42 times in all competitions during the 2020/21 campaign and helped City to beat Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley in May.
The winger, who was integral to the 2015/16 Premier League title win, has established himself as one of the Leicester City’s most consistent performers in recent years, making a total of 253 appearances for the Club since his move from Aston Villa seven years ago.
Speaking to LCFC TV after signing his new deal, he said: “I’m delighted. Obviously, it’s a Club that is progressing every single year. It’s a fantastic Club with the people here and the direction that they’re going – it’s great to be a part of.
“I have always been the type of player and person who wants to establish himself at a club and stay there. I’m settled here and I’m really enjoying it.”
A favourite among the Blue Army, Albrighton has been at the heart of some of the most memorable moments in the Club’s history - most notably the 2015/16 Premier League title win and more recently the Emirates FA Cup triumph.
His contributions at both ends of the pitch and incredible work-rate have made him an invaluable player for the Foxes.
He scored the Club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League goal away at Club Brugge and fired home the decisive strike against Sevilla to book a quarter-final spot later in the competition.
Since Brendan Rodgers took over as City manager in February 2019, Albrighton has featured on 75 occasions, as he continues to prove himself to be a key part of the team.
LCFC.com
Leicester City is pleased to confirm that Marc Albrighton has signed a new contract with the Football Club until 2024.
The 31-year-old – who joined the Foxes in the summer of 2014 – played 42 times in all competitions during the 2020/21 campaign and helped City to beat Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley in May.
The winger, who was integral to the 2015/16 Premier League title win, has established himself as one of the Leicester City’s most consistent performers in recent years, making a total of 253 appearances for the Club since his move from Aston Villa seven years ago.
Speaking to LCFC TV after signing his new deal, he said: “I’m delighted. Obviously, it’s a Club that is progressing every single year. It’s a fantastic Club with the people here and the direction that they’re going – it’s great to be a part of.
“I have always been the type of player and person who wants to establish himself at a club and stay there. I’m settled here and I’m really enjoying it.”
A favourite among the Blue Army, Albrighton has been at the heart of some of the most memorable moments in the Club’s history - most notably the 2015/16 Premier League title win and more recently the Emirates FA Cup triumph.
His contributions at both ends of the pitch and incredible work-rate have made him an invaluable player for the Foxes.
He scored the Club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League goal away at Club Brugge and fired home the decisive strike against Sevilla to book a quarter-final spot later in the competition.
Since Brendan Rodgers took over as City manager in February 2019, Albrighton has featured on 75 occasions, as he continues to prove himself to be a key part of the team.
LCFC.com
Plans to expand King Power Stadium to 40,000 capacity unveiled
The initial proposals, which will be shared in August, will see an additional 8,000 seats added in the East Stand at the Premier League club's home ground
Leicester City have unveiled plans to expand the King Power Stadium to a capacity of 40,000.
The initial proposals, which will be shared with the public in full in August, will see an additional 8,000 seats added in the East Stand at the Premier League club's home ground.
Public consultations will take place throughout the summer and early autumn.
Leicester chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, said: "The unveiling of these plans represents a significant milestone in the long history of Leicester City Football Club, and one that we hope will continue to put our supporters and our community at the heart of its long-term future.
"Through the consultation with our fans, our local community, businesses and stakeholders, we hope to achieve something that we can all be proud of for years to come.
"It's these conversations that will help us communicate our vision to the people at its heart and take on board the views of our community to help shape it.
"While this vision is in its early stages, I know the prospect of additional capacity for more Leicester City supporters in King Power Stadium, has long been anticipated by us all, particularly after seven near sold-out Premier League seasons."
Preliminary plans by Thai owners King Power International, who bought the club in 2013, also include a 220-bedroom hotel and a multi-purpose event and entertainment venue as part of developments to the surrounding area of the stadium.
There are also proposals for a new Leicester City retail space, residential and commercial space, and multi-storey car parking facilities.
"The plans to build on the club's recent growth - with a stadium expansion as part of an exciting wider site development - is a wonderful demonstration of the shared ambition of both the Football Club and the city of Leicester," added Srivaddhanaprabha.
Sir Peter Soulsby, Mayor of Leicester, said: "These are ambitious plans that reflect the club's ongoing commitment to the city and constant desire to build on its incredible achievements."
In December, Leicester moved into a new £100m training complex that houses the men's first team and academy.
Sky Sports
The initial proposals, which will be shared in August, will see an additional 8,000 seats added in the East Stand at the Premier League club's home ground
Leicester City have unveiled plans to expand the King Power Stadium to a capacity of 40,000.
The initial proposals, which will be shared with the public in full in August, will see an additional 8,000 seats added in the East Stand at the Premier League club's home ground.
Public consultations will take place throughout the summer and early autumn.
Leicester chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, said: "The unveiling of these plans represents a significant milestone in the long history of Leicester City Football Club, and one that we hope will continue to put our supporters and our community at the heart of its long-term future.
"Through the consultation with our fans, our local community, businesses and stakeholders, we hope to achieve something that we can all be proud of for years to come.
"It's these conversations that will help us communicate our vision to the people at its heart and take on board the views of our community to help shape it.
"While this vision is in its early stages, I know the prospect of additional capacity for more Leicester City supporters in King Power Stadium, has long been anticipated by us all, particularly after seven near sold-out Premier League seasons."
Preliminary plans by Thai owners King Power International, who bought the club in 2013, also include a 220-bedroom hotel and a multi-purpose event and entertainment venue as part of developments to the surrounding area of the stadium.
There are also proposals for a new Leicester City retail space, residential and commercial space, and multi-storey car parking facilities.
"The plans to build on the club's recent growth - with a stadium expansion as part of an exciting wider site development - is a wonderful demonstration of the shared ambition of both the Football Club and the city of Leicester," added Srivaddhanaprabha.
Sir Peter Soulsby, Mayor of Leicester, said: "These are ambitious plans that reflect the club's ongoing commitment to the city and constant desire to build on its incredible achievements."
In December, Leicester moved into a new £100m training complex that houses the men's first team and academy.
Sky Sports
Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 Leicester City
Wycombe Reverse For The Foxes In Pre-Season
As was the case at Burton Albion on Saturday, Brendan Rodgers named a different XI for each half in Buckinghamshire – with Patson Daka lining up alongside Jamie Vardy from the outset – while youngsters Jakub Stolarczyk and Ben Nelson made maiden appearances of the summer after the interval.
Adorning the Football Club’s fresh 2021/22 adidas mint away kit and backed by another large contingent of the Blue Army, City lined up in a fluid 4-4-2 formation from the off.
After Daniel Iversen’s punch cleared Jason McCarthy’s corner for the Chairboys, Leicester’s first opening came as Ricardo Pereira arrowed a diagonal pass into the path of Daka, but the Zambia international striker was beaten to the ball by former Foxes ‘keeper David Stockdale.
McCarthy, meanwhile, caused further problems for Leicester with a fizzed cross which evaded intended target Adebayo Akinfenwa in the area before Nick Freeman fired narrowly over. Akinfenwa almost gave Gareth Ainsworth’s Sky Bet League 1 outfit the lead on 12 minutes, too, as he used his immense strength to shelter the ball, holding off Çağlar Söyüncü, and slamming it wide of the net.
A real chance then came City’s way on 19 minutes. As the sun retreated beneath the towering trees which surround Adams Park, Söyüncü leapt highest to nod Rachid Ghezzal’s free-kick high and wide of the upright in front of the Whites Beaconsfield Terrace – the only vacated stand in the ground.
Stockdale, a member of the Club's 2009 League 1-winning side, was there to frustrate Vardy on 26 minutes after Tawanda Maswanhise skipped into the area and fed Leicester’s No.9, who side-stepped his marker and took aim, but the Wycombe stopper got down well to save at his near post.
Moments later, as the Blue Army roared the Foxes on from the opposite end of the ground, Ghezzal’s free-kick – from the left angle of the box – was glanced wide by Wesley Fofana. With the interval fast approaching, Ghezzal ran into a pocket of space and slipped in the lively Maswanhise, whose low drive was deflected wide by the extended leg of Jack Grimmer. Jordan Obita, on the other hand, curled over for Wycombe before the break too.
There was a change of system in the second half as Leicester switched to 4-2-3-1 with Kelechi Iheanacho in front of Marc Albrighton, James Maddison and Thanawat Suengchitthawon. It was Wycombe, though, who carved out the first opening, with Alex Samuel prodding Obita's deep free-kick off target.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was unfortunate to fire over from 25 yards before, just before the hour-mark, Iheanacho hit Suengchitthawon's chipped through-ball wide first time, missing the far corner by a matter of inches.
That tidy pass from Suengchitthawon would prove to be his final contribution, however, as the Thailand midfielder was forced to withdraw through injury, with Vontae Daley-Campbell taking his place on the field in High Wycombe.
A point-blank block from Albrighton stopped Samuel's header on its course towards goal, but Stolarczyk was nonetheless required to save the follow-up from Anis Mehmeti, with a combination of his left wrist and his knee.
Fine margins denied Rodgers' visitors an opener on 70 minutes as Maddison was unable to get a decisive touch onto Kamal Sowah's low drive, before Iheanacho's attempt hit Anthony Stewart's thigh.
City turned the screw again shortly afterwards with Iheanacho dragging the ball back, straight into Maddison's path. As he'd been in the first half, though, Stockdale was there to get a palm to it to prevent Leicester's No.10 from scoring his side's maiden goal of pre-season.
However, Daryl Horgan's 76th-minute strike, from just inside the 18-yard box, meant the Chairboys were on track to give their faithful a third straight win this summer. It was nearly 2-0 to the hosts with seven minutes remaining, but Stewart's powerful half-volley lacked the precision required.
Substitute home goalkeeper Adam Przybek almost presented the visitors with a route back into the game late on, spilling Iheanacho's effort, but the Wales youth international was able to smother it before Albrighton could apply a finish.
LCFC.COM
Wycombe Reverse For The Foxes In Pre-Season
As was the case at Burton Albion on Saturday, Brendan Rodgers named a different XI for each half in Buckinghamshire – with Patson Daka lining up alongside Jamie Vardy from the outset – while youngsters Jakub Stolarczyk and Ben Nelson made maiden appearances of the summer after the interval.
Adorning the Football Club’s fresh 2021/22 adidas mint away kit and backed by another large contingent of the Blue Army, City lined up in a fluid 4-4-2 formation from the off.
After Daniel Iversen’s punch cleared Jason McCarthy’s corner for the Chairboys, Leicester’s first opening came as Ricardo Pereira arrowed a diagonal pass into the path of Daka, but the Zambia international striker was beaten to the ball by former Foxes ‘keeper David Stockdale.
McCarthy, meanwhile, caused further problems for Leicester with a fizzed cross which evaded intended target Adebayo Akinfenwa in the area before Nick Freeman fired narrowly over. Akinfenwa almost gave Gareth Ainsworth’s Sky Bet League 1 outfit the lead on 12 minutes, too, as he used his immense strength to shelter the ball, holding off Çağlar Söyüncü, and slamming it wide of the net.
A real chance then came City’s way on 19 minutes. As the sun retreated beneath the towering trees which surround Adams Park, Söyüncü leapt highest to nod Rachid Ghezzal’s free-kick high and wide of the upright in front of the Whites Beaconsfield Terrace – the only vacated stand in the ground.
Stockdale, a member of the Club's 2009 League 1-winning side, was there to frustrate Vardy on 26 minutes after Tawanda Maswanhise skipped into the area and fed Leicester’s No.9, who side-stepped his marker and took aim, but the Wycombe stopper got down well to save at his near post.
Moments later, as the Blue Army roared the Foxes on from the opposite end of the ground, Ghezzal’s free-kick – from the left angle of the box – was glanced wide by Wesley Fofana. With the interval fast approaching, Ghezzal ran into a pocket of space and slipped in the lively Maswanhise, whose low drive was deflected wide by the extended leg of Jack Grimmer. Jordan Obita, on the other hand, curled over for Wycombe before the break too.
There was a change of system in the second half as Leicester switched to 4-2-3-1 with Kelechi Iheanacho in front of Marc Albrighton, James Maddison and Thanawat Suengchitthawon. It was Wycombe, though, who carved out the first opening, with Alex Samuel prodding Obita's deep free-kick off target.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was unfortunate to fire over from 25 yards before, just before the hour-mark, Iheanacho hit Suengchitthawon's chipped through-ball wide first time, missing the far corner by a matter of inches.
That tidy pass from Suengchitthawon would prove to be his final contribution, however, as the Thailand midfielder was forced to withdraw through injury, with Vontae Daley-Campbell taking his place on the field in High Wycombe.
A point-blank block from Albrighton stopped Samuel's header on its course towards goal, but Stolarczyk was nonetheless required to save the follow-up from Anis Mehmeti, with a combination of his left wrist and his knee.
Fine margins denied Rodgers' visitors an opener on 70 minutes as Maddison was unable to get a decisive touch onto Kamal Sowah's low drive, before Iheanacho's attempt hit Anthony Stewart's thigh.
City turned the screw again shortly afterwards with Iheanacho dragging the ball back, straight into Maddison's path. As he'd been in the first half, though, Stockdale was there to get a palm to it to prevent Leicester's No.10 from scoring his side's maiden goal of pre-season.
However, Daryl Horgan's 76th-minute strike, from just inside the 18-yard box, meant the Chairboys were on track to give their faithful a third straight win this summer. It was nearly 2-0 to the hosts with seven minutes remaining, but Stewart's powerful half-volley lacked the precision required.
Substitute home goalkeeper Adam Przybek almost presented the visitors with a route back into the game late on, spilling Iheanacho's effort, but the Wales youth international was able to smother it before Albrighton could apply a finish.
LCFC.COM
Burton Albion 0-0 Leicester City (Burton win 3-1 on pens)
Bass Charity Vase / Pre Season Friendly
For City’s first match of pre-season, manager Brendan Rodgers afforded minutes to 22 players in the travelling squad, as he deployed two different XIs either side of half-time and handed maiden starts to summer signings Ryan Bertrand, Boubakary Soumaré and Patson Daka.
On a much milder day than those that preceded Leicester's first summer outing, a sizeable contingent of Foxes fans - part of a 3,925-strong crowd - welcomed the squad onto the pitch prior to the game in Staffordshire.
The Foxes carved out their maiden opportunity of the match on seven minutes, when a lovely pass from first-half captain Ricardo Pereira forced Burton stopper Ben Garratt into clearing into the pass of youngster Tawanda Maswanhise. However, his placed effort had too much on it, as the ball settled onto the top of the net.
Both sets of supporters were encouraged in the opening stages, with Tom O'Connor curling high and wide for the Brewers after being teed up by Kane Hemmings, before Eldin Jakupović got down to good effect to tip Tom Hamer's low strike behind for a corner.
Midway through the first period, Portugal full-back Ricardo was able to dispossess Hemmings after a through-ball was flashed into the striker's feet. On 25 minutes, Burton skipper John Brayford went down in the area under pressure from Çağlar Söyüncü, but there was nothing given.
The Foxes displayed more defensive solidity after the half-hour mark, with Ricardo and Söyüncü both on hand on separate occasions, while Academy graduate Hamza Choudhury - a loanee at Burton on two occasions across 2016 and 2017 - won the ball back on the edge of box in typical fashion.
As the game crept towards half-time, Daka was unfortunate not to get away from his marker and forge an opportunity after challenging for Jakupović's long ball. Then, France youth international Wesley Fofana cut out a low effort and Jakupović made a fine one-handed save from Hamer, while Smith drilled the follow-up flew wide.
The final attack of the half, crafted by City, saw No.10 James Maddison drift past one defender before his curling effort deflected off target to signal the end of a goalless 45 minutes.
An all-new XI started the second half, and that team included the introduction of a number of youngsters, as well as City's all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, Jamie Vardy, who was handed the captain's armband as Ricardo made way.
The hosts were the first to threaten, with Bryn Morris drilling a half-volley, always rising, over Daniel Iversen's crossbar, and then Vardy had a shot saved by Garratt after Kelechi Iheanacho broke Burton's offside trap and squared the ball for his strike partner.
Appeals for a penalty followed from the resulting corner as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's front-post delivery bounced up and hit Lucas Akins in the midriff, although play continued.
A combination of Daniel Amartey and Wilfred Ndidi halted a mazing run deep into the box from Smith shortly before the hour mark, while left-back Luke Thomas sent an attempt wide of the goal not long after.
With less than 15 minutes of normal time remaining, an ambitious attempt from Joe Powell sailed over Iversen's bar, and that was followed by a header from Hamer at the far post that nearly broke the deadlock.
A superb run from Thomas came shortly after, as he beat two defenders and delivered into the box, but there was too much on the cross for Vardy and Kamal Sowah, who arrived into the area with intent.
With only 15 seconds remaining, Omari Patrick tested Iversen, who held the ball with ease, and after a goalless 90 minutes, a penalty shootout decided the winner of the Bass Charity Vase.
It proved to be the hosts who would emerge victorious, as Thanawat Suengchitthawon and Thomas were both denied from the spot and Iheanacho lifted his penalty over. While Dewsbury-Hall found the net, so did Powell, Frazer Blake-Tracy and Bryn Morris, and that proved to be enough for Burton, despite Iversen saving from Patrick.
LCFC.COM
Bass Charity Vase / Pre Season Friendly
For City’s first match of pre-season, manager Brendan Rodgers afforded minutes to 22 players in the travelling squad, as he deployed two different XIs either side of half-time and handed maiden starts to summer signings Ryan Bertrand, Boubakary Soumaré and Patson Daka.
On a much milder day than those that preceded Leicester's first summer outing, a sizeable contingent of Foxes fans - part of a 3,925-strong crowd - welcomed the squad onto the pitch prior to the game in Staffordshire.
The Foxes carved out their maiden opportunity of the match on seven minutes, when a lovely pass from first-half captain Ricardo Pereira forced Burton stopper Ben Garratt into clearing into the pass of youngster Tawanda Maswanhise. However, his placed effort had too much on it, as the ball settled onto the top of the net.
Both sets of supporters were encouraged in the opening stages, with Tom O'Connor curling high and wide for the Brewers after being teed up by Kane Hemmings, before Eldin Jakupović got down to good effect to tip Tom Hamer's low strike behind for a corner.
Midway through the first period, Portugal full-back Ricardo was able to dispossess Hemmings after a through-ball was flashed into the striker's feet. On 25 minutes, Burton skipper John Brayford went down in the area under pressure from Çağlar Söyüncü, but there was nothing given.
The Foxes displayed more defensive solidity after the half-hour mark, with Ricardo and Söyüncü both on hand on separate occasions, while Academy graduate Hamza Choudhury - a loanee at Burton on two occasions across 2016 and 2017 - won the ball back on the edge of box in typical fashion.
As the game crept towards half-time, Daka was unfortunate not to get away from his marker and forge an opportunity after challenging for Jakupović's long ball. Then, France youth international Wesley Fofana cut out a low effort and Jakupović made a fine one-handed save from Hamer, while Smith drilled the follow-up flew wide.
The final attack of the half, crafted by City, saw No.10 James Maddison drift past one defender before his curling effort deflected off target to signal the end of a goalless 45 minutes.
An all-new XI started the second half, and that team included the introduction of a number of youngsters, as well as City's all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, Jamie Vardy, who was handed the captain's armband as Ricardo made way.
The hosts were the first to threaten, with Bryn Morris drilling a half-volley, always rising, over Daniel Iversen's crossbar, and then Vardy had a shot saved by Garratt after Kelechi Iheanacho broke Burton's offside trap and squared the ball for his strike partner.
Appeals for a penalty followed from the resulting corner as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's front-post delivery bounced up and hit Lucas Akins in the midriff, although play continued.
A combination of Daniel Amartey and Wilfred Ndidi halted a mazing run deep into the box from Smith shortly before the hour mark, while left-back Luke Thomas sent an attempt wide of the goal not long after.
With less than 15 minutes of normal time remaining, an ambitious attempt from Joe Powell sailed over Iversen's bar, and that was followed by a header from Hamer at the far post that nearly broke the deadlock.
A superb run from Thomas came shortly after, as he beat two defenders and delivered into the box, but there was too much on the cross for Vardy and Kamal Sowah, who arrived into the area with intent.
With only 15 seconds remaining, Omari Patrick tested Iversen, who held the ball with ease, and after a goalless 90 minutes, a penalty shootout decided the winner of the Bass Charity Vase.
It proved to be the hosts who would emerge victorious, as Thanawat Suengchitthawon and Thomas were both denied from the spot and Iheanacho lifted his penalty over. While Dewsbury-Hall found the net, so did Powell, Frazer Blake-Tracy and Bryn Morris, and that proved to be enough for Burton, despite Iversen saving from Patrick.
LCFC.COM
Ryan Bertrand joins Foxes on two-year deal after Southampton exit
Ryan Bertrand, 31, left Southampton after seven years with the club in July following the expiry of his contract; the move will reunite Bertrand with Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, who was the Chelsea youth coach as Bertrand came through the club's academy
Leicester have signed free agent Ryan Bertrand on a two-year contract.
Bertrand, 31, left Southampton after seven years with the club in July following the expiry of his contract.
The move will reunite Bertrand with Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, who was the Chelsea youth coach as the left-back came through the club's academy.
Leicester left-back James Justin has been sidelined by a knee injury so Bertrand may be set to compete with Luke Thomas for a starting role at the beginning of the new season.
Bertrand will be the Foxes' third signing of the summer after the arrivals of striker Patson Daka from RB Salzburg in a £23m deal and midfielder Boubakary Soumare from Lille for £17m.
Sky Sports
Ryan Bertrand, 31, left Southampton after seven years with the club in July following the expiry of his contract; the move will reunite Bertrand with Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, who was the Chelsea youth coach as Bertrand came through the club's academy
Leicester have signed free agent Ryan Bertrand on a two-year contract.
Bertrand, 31, left Southampton after seven years with the club in July following the expiry of his contract.
The move will reunite Bertrand with Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, who was the Chelsea youth coach as the left-back came through the club's academy.
Leicester left-back James Justin has been sidelined by a knee injury so Bertrand may be set to compete with Luke Thomas for a starting role at the beginning of the new season.
Bertrand will be the Foxes' third signing of the summer after the arrivals of striker Patson Daka from RB Salzburg in a £23m deal and midfielder Boubakary Soumare from Lille for £17m.
Sky Sports
Leicester complete £17m Boubakary Soumare transfer from Lille after seeing off competition from Man Utd
BRENDAN RODGERS has made his second signing of the week by landing French Under-21 midfielder Boubakary Soumare from French champions Lille.
The Foxes boss snapped up the highly-rated 22-year-old for a bargain £17million as Soumare entered the final year of his Lille contract.
Leicester beat off competition from Manchester United, Aston Villa, Everton, Leeds, Newcastle, Wolves and Italian giants AC Milan to secure one of the hottest young midfielders in Europe on a five-year-contract.
Soumare, who has made over a century of appearances for Lille, says he can't wait to make his debut for the FA Cup winners.
He told LCFC.com: “I’m really proud to come to the Premier League and a big club like Leicester.
"It’s going to really help me to develop my game and progress as a player, so I feel it is the right step for me.
“Leicester is a very ambitious Club. When they spoke to me about their plans and what they wanted from me, I knew straight away I wanted to come.
"I really am so proud and honoured to be here and I will give my all for the team and Club to make everyone happy.”
The industrious midfielder started his career with Paris FC and spent five years with the club before joining the PSG Youth Academy in 2011.
After six seasons with PSG, he moved to Lille in 2017, signing a three-year deal and making his professional debut in a 3-0 win over Metz in November of the same year.
In total, he made 112 appearances in all competitions for Lille, culminating in last season’s Ligue 1 triumph – the club’s first since 2011 and the fourth in their history.
Soumare will now team up with his French Under-21 buddy Wesley Fofana at the King Power.
The midfielder fits Rodgers' blueprint to add proven winners to his Leicester squad, who narrowly missed out on fourth place and the Champions' League on the final day of last season for the second time in a year.
The powerhouse French kid will considerably beef up his midfield and add his winning-mentality to last season's Wembley winners - just like Rodgers' other summer signing Patson Daka who was a habitual winner with Austrian champs RB Salzburg.
Former Southampton and England left-back Ryan Bertrand will be the next new arrival at the King Power when the free agent puts pen to paper on his deal, after agreeing terms with the Foxes this week.
Meanwhile, Academy graduate Josh King has joined Peterborough United on a three year deal to end his 15-year association with the club he joined as an eight-year-old.
The 23-year-old made eight appearances for the Posh in 2018/19 and spent a second spell on loan with them in 2019/20, helping them to a seventh-place finish in League 1.
Knight spent last season on loan at Wycombe Wanderers where he was named Player of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season, prompting Posh to snap him up on a three-year-deal.
The Sun
BRENDAN RODGERS has made his second signing of the week by landing French Under-21 midfielder Boubakary Soumare from French champions Lille.
The Foxes boss snapped up the highly-rated 22-year-old for a bargain £17million as Soumare entered the final year of his Lille contract.
Leicester beat off competition from Manchester United, Aston Villa, Everton, Leeds, Newcastle, Wolves and Italian giants AC Milan to secure one of the hottest young midfielders in Europe on a five-year-contract.
Soumare, who has made over a century of appearances for Lille, says he can't wait to make his debut for the FA Cup winners.
He told LCFC.com: “I’m really proud to come to the Premier League and a big club like Leicester.
"It’s going to really help me to develop my game and progress as a player, so I feel it is the right step for me.
“Leicester is a very ambitious Club. When they spoke to me about their plans and what they wanted from me, I knew straight away I wanted to come.
"I really am so proud and honoured to be here and I will give my all for the team and Club to make everyone happy.”
The industrious midfielder started his career with Paris FC and spent five years with the club before joining the PSG Youth Academy in 2011.
After six seasons with PSG, he moved to Lille in 2017, signing a three-year deal and making his professional debut in a 3-0 win over Metz in November of the same year.
In total, he made 112 appearances in all competitions for Lille, culminating in last season’s Ligue 1 triumph – the club’s first since 2011 and the fourth in their history.
Soumare will now team up with his French Under-21 buddy Wesley Fofana at the King Power.
The midfielder fits Rodgers' blueprint to add proven winners to his Leicester squad, who narrowly missed out on fourth place and the Champions' League on the final day of last season for the second time in a year.
The powerhouse French kid will considerably beef up his midfield and add his winning-mentality to last season's Wembley winners - just like Rodgers' other summer signing Patson Daka who was a habitual winner with Austrian champs RB Salzburg.
Former Southampton and England left-back Ryan Bertrand will be the next new arrival at the King Power when the free agent puts pen to paper on his deal, after agreeing terms with the Foxes this week.
Meanwhile, Academy graduate Josh King has joined Peterborough United on a three year deal to end his 15-year association with the club he joined as an eight-year-old.
The 23-year-old made eight appearances for the Posh in 2018/19 and spent a second spell on loan with them in 2019/20, helping them to a seventh-place finish in League 1.
Knight spent last season on loan at Wycombe Wanderers where he was named Player of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season, prompting Posh to snap him up on a three-year-deal.
The Sun
Leicester City complete £23m transfer of Zambian striker, Patson Daka from Red Bull Salzburg
A striker had been high on Brendan Rodgers' priority list this summer, and the Zambian forward became Leicester's main target despite Celtic's Odsonne Edouard also being linked to the club; Daka scored 34 goals in 42 appearances last season to help Salzburg to the Austrian title
Patson Daka has completed his transfer to Leicester City from Red Bull Salzburg, with the fee thought to be around £23m.
The Zambian forward, who scored 34 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions last season, has signed a five-year contract at the King Power Stadium.
A striker had been high on Brendan Rodgers' priority list this summer, and 22-year-old Daka emerged as Leicester's number one target despite Celtic's Odsonne Edouard also being linked to the club.
"I'm so, so excited to join this great, historic club. It has been my dream and I'm so happy and looking forward to what's coming next," Daka told LCFC TV.
"I have followed Leicester from the time they won the league. I feel it is the perfect place for me, because it's a team that fights for titles. I know it's not going to be easy, but I feel ready to face this new challenge.
"I will give my best for the club each and every day, and I look forward to seeing the Leicester City fans inside the stadium soon."
Daka is the latest Salzburg star to complete a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool trio Sadio Mane, Naby Keita and Takumi Minamino having all turned out for the Austrian club.
He featured alongside Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland while the Norwegian striker was playing for Salzburg during the first half of the 2019-20 campaign.
Daka was the Austrian Bundesliga's top scorer last term with 27 goals in 28 games, and he was named the league's Player of the Season after helping Salzburg win their eighth straight title.
Sky Sports
A striker had been high on Brendan Rodgers' priority list this summer, and the Zambian forward became Leicester's main target despite Celtic's Odsonne Edouard also being linked to the club; Daka scored 34 goals in 42 appearances last season to help Salzburg to the Austrian title
Patson Daka has completed his transfer to Leicester City from Red Bull Salzburg, with the fee thought to be around £23m.
The Zambian forward, who scored 34 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions last season, has signed a five-year contract at the King Power Stadium.
A striker had been high on Brendan Rodgers' priority list this summer, and 22-year-old Daka emerged as Leicester's number one target despite Celtic's Odsonne Edouard also being linked to the club.
"I'm so, so excited to join this great, historic club. It has been my dream and I'm so happy and looking forward to what's coming next," Daka told LCFC TV.
"I have followed Leicester from the time they won the league. I feel it is the perfect place for me, because it's a team that fights for titles. I know it's not going to be easy, but I feel ready to face this new challenge.
"I will give my best for the club each and every day, and I look forward to seeing the Leicester City fans inside the stadium soon."
Daka is the latest Salzburg star to complete a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool trio Sadio Mane, Naby Keita and Takumi Minamino having all turned out for the Austrian club.
He featured alongside Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland while the Norwegian striker was playing for Salzburg during the first half of the 2019-20 campaign.
Daka was the Austrian Bundesliga's top scorer last term with 27 goals in 28 games, and he was named the league's Player of the Season after helping Salzburg win their eighth straight title.
Sky Sports
Patson Daka confirms 'dream' Leicester City transfer
The RB Sazlburg hitman has said he will be leaving the Austrian champions and moving to the King Power Stadium to team up with Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho
Patson Daka has confirmed his imminent transfer to Leicester City.The Zambian striker has told media in Austria that he will leave RB Salzburg and head to the King Power Stadium to follow his Premier League dream, with the move set to cost an initial £23m.
The 22-year-old Krone Zeitung: “I will go to England and move to Leicester City. I had a great time here, Salzburg has become my second home. I will always be happy to come back here, but the Premier League has always been my big dream.”
Signing a forward was one of City’s priorities for the summer window with Brendan Rodgers keen to add more goals to his side. They initially targeted Celtic's Odsonne Edouard, but after talks stalled over a transfer fee they diverted their focus to Daka.
And goals are something he is certain to provide if he continues his outstanding record, the speedster notching 34 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions this season, including 27 in 28 league games as Salzburg lifted an eighth straight title.
He has been with the Austrian club for four seasons, but now moves on and will compete with Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho for a role up front in Rodgers’ side.While Daka should be able to make an immediate impact, he is also seen as a long-term replacement for Vardy, with the Zambian due to sign a five-year contract.
Vardy, the club’s fourth all-time top scorer, will turn 35 during the upcoming campaign and has two years left on his deal.
Leicester Mercury
The RB Sazlburg hitman has said he will be leaving the Austrian champions and moving to the King Power Stadium to team up with Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho
Patson Daka has confirmed his imminent transfer to Leicester City.The Zambian striker has told media in Austria that he will leave RB Salzburg and head to the King Power Stadium to follow his Premier League dream, with the move set to cost an initial £23m.
The 22-year-old Krone Zeitung: “I will go to England and move to Leicester City. I had a great time here, Salzburg has become my second home. I will always be happy to come back here, but the Premier League has always been my big dream.”
Signing a forward was one of City’s priorities for the summer window with Brendan Rodgers keen to add more goals to his side. They initially targeted Celtic's Odsonne Edouard, but after talks stalled over a transfer fee they diverted their focus to Daka.
And goals are something he is certain to provide if he continues his outstanding record, the speedster notching 34 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions this season, including 27 in 28 league games as Salzburg lifted an eighth straight title.
He has been with the Austrian club for four seasons, but now moves on and will compete with Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho for a role up front in Rodgers’ side.While Daka should be able to make an immediate impact, he is also seen as a long-term replacement for Vardy, with the Zambian due to sign a five-year contract.
Vardy, the club’s fourth all-time top scorer, will turn 35 during the upcoming campaign and has two years left on his deal.
Leicester Mercury
Leicester beat Chelsea and Liverpool to Daka with Salzburg hitman set to seal move ‘next week’
LEICESTER are tipped to beat Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham to Zambia sensation Patson Daka after reportedly agreeing a deal with RB Salzburg.
The 22-year-old has also been linked to West Ham and RB Leipzig after a 34-goal mega-season for the Austrian champions.
But journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Daka joining Leicester is a "done deal" to be announced next week.
Daka was the Austrian Bundesliga's player of the year, having hit 54 goals in 82 top-flight matches after joining Salzburg in 2017.
Foxes' boss Brendan Rodgers has prioritised a new striker. And his interest in Daka has hardened due to a £15million move for Celtic's Odsonne Edouard falling in doubt.
But Daka could cost up to £30m after four Austrian titles in a row.
And he was left out of Zambia's last squad, with head coach Milutin Sredojevic keen for his star man to sort out his next club move. Sredojevic said: “Daka has to decide on his next future, and it is just fair that he can make a decision that is in the best interest of the country.”
Leicester need back-up for ex-England ace Jamie Vardy, 34, and Nigeria frontman Kelechi Iheanacho, 24. And Rodgers admitted at the end of the domestic season: “We'll want to strengthen at the top end of the field.
“We need more of a goal threat, and we need to have a bit more physicality in the team." "I want to bring in one or two players who have that winning feeling...
“Maybe players who have won something or have that feeling of competing at the top end with their respective teams. That's something that can help the team."
The Sun
LEICESTER are tipped to beat Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham to Zambia sensation Patson Daka after reportedly agreeing a deal with RB Salzburg.
The 22-year-old has also been linked to West Ham and RB Leipzig after a 34-goal mega-season for the Austrian champions.
But journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Daka joining Leicester is a "done deal" to be announced next week.
Daka was the Austrian Bundesliga's player of the year, having hit 54 goals in 82 top-flight matches after joining Salzburg in 2017.
Foxes' boss Brendan Rodgers has prioritised a new striker. And his interest in Daka has hardened due to a £15million move for Celtic's Odsonne Edouard falling in doubt.
But Daka could cost up to £30m after four Austrian titles in a row.
And he was left out of Zambia's last squad, with head coach Milutin Sredojevic keen for his star man to sort out his next club move. Sredojevic said: “Daka has to decide on his next future, and it is just fair that he can make a decision that is in the best interest of the country.”
Leicester need back-up for ex-England ace Jamie Vardy, 34, and Nigeria frontman Kelechi Iheanacho, 24. And Rodgers admitted at the end of the domestic season: “We'll want to strengthen at the top end of the field.
“We need more of a goal threat, and we need to have a bit more physicality in the team." "I want to bring in one or two players who have that winning feeling...
“Maybe players who have won something or have that feeling of competing at the top end with their respective teams. That's something that can help the team."
The Sun
Leicester hope Youri Tielemans will sign new contract amid Man Utd and Liverpool transfer interest
LEICESTER CITY are hoping Youri Tielemans will sign a new contract amid transfer interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.
The midfielder, 24, enjoyed a stunning season for the Foxes. He scored nine goals in 51 appearances across all competitions, including his stunning strike to win the FA Cup final.
Tielemans was crowned player and players' player of the season at the King Power. With Liverpool losing Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer, it is thought the Reds may try and land Tielemans as a like-for-like replacement in midfield.
United are also aiming to bolster the squad and have been linked with a swoop, as have Italian pair Inter Milan and Juventus. All four clubs can offer Champions League football whereas Brendan Rodgers' side fell just short, finishing fifth in the Premier League for the second successive season. But as reported by the Leicester Mercury, the Foxes are doing their best to tie Tielemans down in the East Midlands.
He has two years left to run on his current contract and the club want to improve his deal to fend off potential interest. Leicester paid a club-record £40million for Tielemans in 2019 but would likely demand in excess of £70m should they sell up.
The Belgian sensation is currently at the Euros with Roberto Martinez's side, playing the full 90 minutes in the wins over Russia and Denmark. He was quizzed about his club future during his press conference but refused to be drawn on speculation. Tielemans said: “I don't think about it. I am focusing on the Euros. I don't listen to transfer rumours.
“No matter how much I am valued, it doesn't change anything for me. I just want to make the best Euros I can.”
Asked about filling Wijnaldum's boots at Anfield, he added: "That's really none of my business right now. “Let the journalists speak. They undoubtedly have a lot to do with that. But I don't care about that. All I can do is make sure that I am as good as possible on the pitch.”
Leicester are closing in on the signings of Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare and Red Bull Salzburg striker Patson Daka while Odsonne Edouard could also be heading to the King Power. But the Foxes face a battle to keep hold of James Maddison as Arsenal reportedly line up a move for the playmaker.
The Sun
LEICESTER CITY are hoping Youri Tielemans will sign a new contract amid transfer interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.
The midfielder, 24, enjoyed a stunning season for the Foxes. He scored nine goals in 51 appearances across all competitions, including his stunning strike to win the FA Cup final.
Tielemans was crowned player and players' player of the season at the King Power. With Liverpool losing Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer, it is thought the Reds may try and land Tielemans as a like-for-like replacement in midfield.
United are also aiming to bolster the squad and have been linked with a swoop, as have Italian pair Inter Milan and Juventus. All four clubs can offer Champions League football whereas Brendan Rodgers' side fell just short, finishing fifth in the Premier League for the second successive season. But as reported by the Leicester Mercury, the Foxes are doing their best to tie Tielemans down in the East Midlands.
He has two years left to run on his current contract and the club want to improve his deal to fend off potential interest. Leicester paid a club-record £40million for Tielemans in 2019 but would likely demand in excess of £70m should they sell up.
The Belgian sensation is currently at the Euros with Roberto Martinez's side, playing the full 90 minutes in the wins over Russia and Denmark. He was quizzed about his club future during his press conference but refused to be drawn on speculation. Tielemans said: “I don't think about it. I am focusing on the Euros. I don't listen to transfer rumours.
“No matter how much I am valued, it doesn't change anything for me. I just want to make the best Euros I can.”
Asked about filling Wijnaldum's boots at Anfield, he added: "That's really none of my business right now. “Let the journalists speak. They undoubtedly have a lot to do with that. But I don't care about that. All I can do is make sure that I am as good as possible on the pitch.”
Leicester are closing in on the signings of Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare and Red Bull Salzburg striker Patson Daka while Odsonne Edouard could also be heading to the King Power. But the Foxes face a battle to keep hold of James Maddison as Arsenal reportedly line up a move for the playmaker.
The Sun
Timothy Castagne ‘3cm from career-ending injury’ after broken eye socket at Euro 2020 as Belgium star has SIX-hour op
TIMOTHY CASTAGNE'S broken eye-socket injury which required a six-hour operation was just 3cm away from ending his career.
The Belgium full-back sustained a horror blow in his nation's Euro 2020 opener against Russia on Saturday.
He had a nasty clash of heads with Daley Kuzyaev midway through the first half in St Petersburg. And the heavy blow to his right eye socket caused 'three or four' breaks. According to HLN in Belgium, had the contact been just 3cm higher, the neurological damage could have had tragic ramifications for his career.
Castagne, 25, underwent surgery from 3pm to 9pm under general anaesthetic on Tuesday to reconstruct the socket. Metal parts were inserted to help the recovery process.
Castagne is expected to head home in the coming days and must rest for two weeks.
The versatile Leicester City man is expected to be able to return to playing football within six to eight weeks, meaning he faces a race against time to be fit for the start of the Premier League season. Brendan Rodgers' Foxes face Wolves on the opening weekend of the 2021-22 campaign on August 14.
Speaking on Sunday before the procedure, Castagne's Belgium boss Roberto Martinez said: "This is really bad news. "He has already left the training camp. He will go for a consultation with the specialist on Tuesday.
"On the images, we have been able to see that it is not two, but three or four fractures. He will recover perfectly, but that will take about six weeks." Castagne required surgery in 2015 to correct his vision troubles from exophoria following another serious collision during a game.
The FA Cup winner said: "From childhood, I suffered from exophoria, a condition in which the two eyes are turned slightly outwards. "My brain corrected that which allowed me to see optimally, but after the collision with Ibou I felt my vision deteriorate. I saw double, suffered a lot from migraine attacks.
"When I also saw white spots in front of my eyes in a cup match against Charleroi, I felt that it couldn't go on like this. "Even after four or five scans, no doctor found a medical cause for my vision problems. I was really worried. That way I couldn't keep playing at a high level. "A small cut in both eye muscles has ensured that I have been freed from my double vision.
"I was not allowed to do anything for the first month after the operation. No television, no computer, no cell phone.” In a bizarre twist of fate for the Red Devils, superstar Kevin De Bruyne also suffered a fractured eye socket just two weeks before Euro 2020 started.
He underwent a successful operation and, despite sitting out of the opening win over Russia, is hopeful of playing his part in the tournament with a protective mask.
The Sun
TIMOTHY CASTAGNE'S broken eye-socket injury which required a six-hour operation was just 3cm away from ending his career.
The Belgium full-back sustained a horror blow in his nation's Euro 2020 opener against Russia on Saturday.
He had a nasty clash of heads with Daley Kuzyaev midway through the first half in St Petersburg. And the heavy blow to his right eye socket caused 'three or four' breaks. According to HLN in Belgium, had the contact been just 3cm higher, the neurological damage could have had tragic ramifications for his career.
Castagne, 25, underwent surgery from 3pm to 9pm under general anaesthetic on Tuesday to reconstruct the socket. Metal parts were inserted to help the recovery process.
Castagne is expected to head home in the coming days and must rest for two weeks.
The versatile Leicester City man is expected to be able to return to playing football within six to eight weeks, meaning he faces a race against time to be fit for the start of the Premier League season. Brendan Rodgers' Foxes face Wolves on the opening weekend of the 2021-22 campaign on August 14.
Speaking on Sunday before the procedure, Castagne's Belgium boss Roberto Martinez said: "This is really bad news. "He has already left the training camp. He will go for a consultation with the specialist on Tuesday.
"On the images, we have been able to see that it is not two, but three or four fractures. He will recover perfectly, but that will take about six weeks." Castagne required surgery in 2015 to correct his vision troubles from exophoria following another serious collision during a game.
The FA Cup winner said: "From childhood, I suffered from exophoria, a condition in which the two eyes are turned slightly outwards. "My brain corrected that which allowed me to see optimally, but after the collision with Ibou I felt my vision deteriorate. I saw double, suffered a lot from migraine attacks.
"When I also saw white spots in front of my eyes in a cup match against Charleroi, I felt that it couldn't go on like this. "Even after four or five scans, no doctor found a medical cause for my vision problems. I was really worried. That way I couldn't keep playing at a high level. "A small cut in both eye muscles has ensured that I have been freed from my double vision.
"I was not allowed to do anything for the first month after the operation. No television, no computer, no cell phone.” In a bizarre twist of fate for the Red Devils, superstar Kevin De Bruyne also suffered a fractured eye socket just two weeks before Euro 2020 started.
He underwent a successful operation and, despite sitting out of the opening win over Russia, is hopeful of playing his part in the tournament with a protective mask.
The Sun
Leicester City striker, Jamie Vardy, becomes co-owner of American football club Rochester Rhinos
Jamie Vardy has bought a minority stake in Rochester Rhinos but has no plans to retire from playing; the Rhinos have not had a competitive team for four years but with Vardy's involvement, the club plans to field a team again in 2022
Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has become co-owner of American football club Rochester Rhinos.
Former England international Vardy has bought a minority stake in the New York state-based side but has no plans to retire from playing.
Rochester, formed in 1996, have not competed at any level for four years, but they have won the national championships four times and are the only non-MLS team to have won the US Open Cup. With Vardy involved, they plan to field a team again in 2022.
The Dworkin family who have owned the Rhinos since 2016 have been in negotiations with Vardy and his representatives for more than two years. A big part of Vardy's plan is to try to recreate some of the success he managed with his "V9 Academy" in England, which gave a second chance to non-League players who Vardy felt were good enough to play in professional football.
Rochester has now signed a partnership with the highly respected Empire United Soccer Academy, which will operate in tandem with the Rhinos to provide a pathway to the first team for elite local players.
Leicester have given Vardy permission to pursue this opportunity while he still focuses on playing.
"I'm really excited to be part of the Rhinos," Vardy said. "I've been looking at opportunities in the United States for a while, but there was something about Rochester and the Rhinos that just felt right.
"I love the story of the US Open Cup win, and although the club has been through some difficult years since, in a way that makes this more appealing to me.
"Once I started speaking to David and Wendy (Dworkin) - and we've had so many conversations via video calls - I could see how enthusiastic they are about the Rhinos, and I knew that I wanted to get involved and try to play a part in helping to turn things around.
"It won't be easy, but I never do anything the easy way in life!" The Dworkins also part-own the NBA's Sacramento Kings.
"This is a huge coup for Rochester and the Rhinos," David Dworkin said. "Jamie Vardy is known throughout the soccer world because of his success and his inspirational story, and we are delighted that he has chosen to join us as a co-owner.
"Aside from the experience, knowledge, and profile that Jamie will bring to our club, one of the things that has really shone through during our discussions with him is how incredibly passionate he is about this project."Jamie absolutely shares our desire to give Rochester a successful soccer team again."
Sky Sports
Jamie Vardy has bought a minority stake in Rochester Rhinos but has no plans to retire from playing; the Rhinos have not had a competitive team for four years but with Vardy's involvement, the club plans to field a team again in 2022
Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has become co-owner of American football club Rochester Rhinos.
Former England international Vardy has bought a minority stake in the New York state-based side but has no plans to retire from playing.
Rochester, formed in 1996, have not competed at any level for four years, but they have won the national championships four times and are the only non-MLS team to have won the US Open Cup. With Vardy involved, they plan to field a team again in 2022.
The Dworkin family who have owned the Rhinos since 2016 have been in negotiations with Vardy and his representatives for more than two years. A big part of Vardy's plan is to try to recreate some of the success he managed with his "V9 Academy" in England, which gave a second chance to non-League players who Vardy felt were good enough to play in professional football.
Rochester has now signed a partnership with the highly respected Empire United Soccer Academy, which will operate in tandem with the Rhinos to provide a pathway to the first team for elite local players.
Leicester have given Vardy permission to pursue this opportunity while he still focuses on playing.
"I'm really excited to be part of the Rhinos," Vardy said. "I've been looking at opportunities in the United States for a while, but there was something about Rochester and the Rhinos that just felt right.
"I love the story of the US Open Cup win, and although the club has been through some difficult years since, in a way that makes this more appealing to me.
"Once I started speaking to David and Wendy (Dworkin) - and we've had so many conversations via video calls - I could see how enthusiastic they are about the Rhinos, and I knew that I wanted to get involved and try to play a part in helping to turn things around.
"It won't be easy, but I never do anything the easy way in life!" The Dworkins also part-own the NBA's Sacramento Kings.
"This is a huge coup for Rochester and the Rhinos," David Dworkin said. "Jamie Vardy is known throughout the soccer world because of his success and his inspirational story, and we are delighted that he has chosen to join us as a co-owner.
"Aside from the experience, knowledge, and profile that Jamie will bring to our club, one of the things that has really shone through during our discussions with him is how incredibly passionate he is about this project."Jamie absolutely shares our desire to give Rochester a successful soccer team again."
Sky Sports
Leicester 2-4 Tottenham
Foxes lose to miss out on Champions League on final day for second season running
Leicester were denied a place in the Champions League for the second season running on a dramatic final day in the Premier League with Gareth Bale scoring two late goals to give Tottenham victory.
Starting the last round of fixtures in fifth place, the Foxes knew that their best hope of finishing in the top four was a win, while hoping that Liverpool and Chelsea slipped up in their respective final games.
Chelsea did leave the door open, losing 2-1 at Aston Villa, but Leicester were unable to do their part, falling to defeat at the King Power Stadium despite leading twice to finish a point behind Thomas Tuchel's Blues.
It was Bale who hammered in the final nails, finishing low into the bottom corner to put Spurs ahead in the game for the first time in the 87th minute, before following up his own shot that had hit the post to add a second in added time.
In truth, though, it was on own goal from Kasper Schmeichel that really ripped the heart out of City's challenge, with the keeper punching a corner into his own net under pressure to make the score 2-2 with 14 minutes left.
Prior to that, with Chelsea losing at Villa, two coolly taken penalties from Jamie Vardy - both of which he was fouled for - looked to be sending the Foxes into Europe's premier competition for just the second time.
The match may also represent the final one in a Tottenham shirt for talismanic striker Harry Kane, who has signalled his desire to leave the club this summer.
If so, the England captain has signed off with the 221st goal of his Spurs career - a fine first equaliser from inside the box that also takes him to a Golden Boot-winning tally of 23 for this league campaign.
BBC Sport
Foxes lose to miss out on Champions League on final day for second season running
Leicester were denied a place in the Champions League for the second season running on a dramatic final day in the Premier League with Gareth Bale scoring two late goals to give Tottenham victory.
Starting the last round of fixtures in fifth place, the Foxes knew that their best hope of finishing in the top four was a win, while hoping that Liverpool and Chelsea slipped up in their respective final games.
Chelsea did leave the door open, losing 2-1 at Aston Villa, but Leicester were unable to do their part, falling to defeat at the King Power Stadium despite leading twice to finish a point behind Thomas Tuchel's Blues.
It was Bale who hammered in the final nails, finishing low into the bottom corner to put Spurs ahead in the game for the first time in the 87th minute, before following up his own shot that had hit the post to add a second in added time.
In truth, though, it was on own goal from Kasper Schmeichel that really ripped the heart out of City's challenge, with the keeper punching a corner into his own net under pressure to make the score 2-2 with 14 minutes left.
Prior to that, with Chelsea losing at Villa, two coolly taken penalties from Jamie Vardy - both of which he was fouled for - looked to be sending the Foxes into Europe's premier competition for just the second time.
The match may also represent the final one in a Tottenham shirt for talismanic striker Harry Kane, who has signalled his desire to leave the club this summer.
If so, the England captain has signed off with the 221st goal of his Spurs career - a fine first equaliser from inside the box that also takes him to a Golden Boot-winning tally of 23 for this league campaign.
BBC Sport
Leicester City's Premier League-winning captain, Wes Morgan, to retire at the end of the season
Wes Morgan has made 324 appearances and scored 14 goals during his nine years at Leicester City and was captain when they lifted the Premier League in 2016; Christian Fuchs and Matt James will also leave the club at the end of the season.
Leicester City's Premier League-winning captain Wes Morgan will retire at the end of the season.
The 37-year-old was out of contract in the summer while Christian Fuchs, who also lifted the Premier League in 2016, and Matt James will leave the King Power Stadium.
Morgan led the Foxes to their historic title win and was also a late substitute in last Saturday's FA Cup final win over Chelsea.
He could make his final appearance in Sunday's must-win Premier League game against Tottenham as Leicester chase a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: "Wes has been one of Leicester City's greatest servants, leading the team through the club's most successful era and helping to set the standards that have pushed the club forward.
"A big brother to everyone he has played with, a strong representative of the squad and a valuable source of counsel to managers and senior executives in the club, his contribution has been enormous.
"Wes has shown throughout his Leicester City career that he has a great deal to offer away from the pitch.
"I'm excited to see how we can help him shape his career after football and how the club can continue to benefit from his experience, knowledge and passion for the game."
Morgan has made 324 appearances for Leicester since joining from Nottingham Forest in January 2012, scoring 14 goals.
His career spanned the top four divisions of English football, making over 750 appearances. He was named in the Football League's Team of the Decade, the Championship Team of the Year on three occasions and the PFA Team of the Year in 2015/16.
Sky Sports
Wes Morgan has made 324 appearances and scored 14 goals during his nine years at Leicester City and was captain when they lifted the Premier League in 2016; Christian Fuchs and Matt James will also leave the club at the end of the season.
Leicester City's Premier League-winning captain Wes Morgan will retire at the end of the season.
The 37-year-old was out of contract in the summer while Christian Fuchs, who also lifted the Premier League in 2016, and Matt James will leave the King Power Stadium.
Morgan led the Foxes to their historic title win and was also a late substitute in last Saturday's FA Cup final win over Chelsea.
He could make his final appearance in Sunday's must-win Premier League game against Tottenham as Leicester chase a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: "Wes has been one of Leicester City's greatest servants, leading the team through the club's most successful era and helping to set the standards that have pushed the club forward.
"A big brother to everyone he has played with, a strong representative of the squad and a valuable source of counsel to managers and senior executives in the club, his contribution has been enormous.
"Wes has shown throughout his Leicester City career that he has a great deal to offer away from the pitch.
"I'm excited to see how we can help him shape his career after football and how the club can continue to benefit from his experience, knowledge and passion for the game."
Morgan has made 324 appearances for Leicester since joining from Nottingham Forest in January 2012, scoring 14 goals.
His career spanned the top four divisions of English football, making over 750 appearances. He was named in the Football League's Team of the Decade, the Championship Team of the Year on three occasions and the PFA Team of the Year in 2015/16.
Sky Sports
Chelsea 2-1 Leicester City
Champions League top-four race: Chelsea take control as Leicester lose grip
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel warned his side "the job is not done yet" - but is this deja vu for Leicester City?
Tuchel's side beat the Foxes 2-1 to boost their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League - four days after Leicester beat Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup final.
"It was a strong performance and well deserved performance," Tuchel told BBC Sport. "[This is] no time for celebration, the job is not done yet, two more games to go. We're very happy to play in front of supporters, it was a huge difference today."
Chelsea's top-four hopes are now in their own hands but Leicester are in real danger of dropping out of the top four late in the season again. Chelsea will be guaranteed a Champions League place if they beat Aston Villa on the final day. Even if they finish fifth, they could qualify if they beat Manchester City in the Champions League final on 29 May.
Liverpool and Leicester could be separated by goal difference if they win their games - although the Reds have the edge. If Liverpool beat Burnley and Crystal Palace by one goal each, Leicester would need to beat Tottenham 3-0 on the final day. They would need to win by more if the Reds get bigger victories in either game.
If either the Clarets or Eagles deny the Reds, then it is still in Leicester's hands.
There are huge similarities between last season and this campaign for Leicester, who have spent a large period of those two years in the top four places. When football paused because of the first Covid lockdown, Leicester were eight points clear of fifth place.
They would only win one of their nine games after the Premier League restarted and dropped out on the penultimate day. This season at the same stage they were also eight points above fifth place (and 13 above Liverpool, who had one game in hand).
If Liverpool beat Burnley on Wednesday, the Foxes will again drop out of the top four on the penultimate round of games. "We said it all along, the players have had a great season but it would have to be after 38 games," said Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers.
"We have to get the points on Sunday then see where we are. If we don't get in the Champions League it has still been a great season."
The FA Cup win would, of course, make this season's potential collapse easier to take - it still makes it the second best season in Leicester's history.
BBC Sport
Champions League top-four race: Chelsea take control as Leicester lose grip
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel warned his side "the job is not done yet" - but is this deja vu for Leicester City?
Tuchel's side beat the Foxes 2-1 to boost their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League - four days after Leicester beat Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup final.
"It was a strong performance and well deserved performance," Tuchel told BBC Sport. "[This is] no time for celebration, the job is not done yet, two more games to go. We're very happy to play in front of supporters, it was a huge difference today."
Chelsea's top-four hopes are now in their own hands but Leicester are in real danger of dropping out of the top four late in the season again. Chelsea will be guaranteed a Champions League place if they beat Aston Villa on the final day. Even if they finish fifth, they could qualify if they beat Manchester City in the Champions League final on 29 May.
Liverpool and Leicester could be separated by goal difference if they win their games - although the Reds have the edge. If Liverpool beat Burnley and Crystal Palace by one goal each, Leicester would need to beat Tottenham 3-0 on the final day. They would need to win by more if the Reds get bigger victories in either game.
If either the Clarets or Eagles deny the Reds, then it is still in Leicester's hands.
There are huge similarities between last season and this campaign for Leicester, who have spent a large period of those two years in the top four places. When football paused because of the first Covid lockdown, Leicester were eight points clear of fifth place.
They would only win one of their nine games after the Premier League restarted and dropped out on the penultimate day. This season at the same stage they were also eight points above fifth place (and 13 above Liverpool, who had one game in hand).
If Liverpool beat Burnley on Wednesday, the Foxes will again drop out of the top four on the penultimate round of games. "We said it all along, the players have had a great season but it would have to be after 38 games," said Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers.
"We have to get the points on Sunday then see where we are. If we don't get in the Champions League it has still been a great season."
The FA Cup win would, of course, make this season's potential collapse easier to take - it still makes it the second best season in Leicester's history.
BBC Sport
Chelsea 0-1 Leicester City
Leicester win FA Cup Final at 5th attempt
Youri Tielemans produced one of the great FA Cup final goals to give Leicester City the trophy for the first time in their history with victory over Chelsea at Wembley.
The Belgian settled a closely contested encounter with a spectacular right-foot drive that flew beyond Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga into the top corner from 25 yards in the 63rd minute.
It sent manager Brendan Rodgers racing down the touchline in celebration although Leicester's fans - inside Wembley as 21,000 supporters formed the biggest attendance since lockdown - had to survive a nerve-jangling closing phase before they could celebrate the win in their first final since 1969.
The Foxes were indebted to two crucial saves from keeper Kasper Schmeichel, who turned former Leicester defender Ben Chilwell's header on to a post then produced an even better stop to turn Mason Mount's powerful shot wide. And in a final act of drama, Wes Morgan bundled into his own net following a last-minute goalmouth scramble before it was ruled out by the barest of margins following the intervention of VAR.
Leicester closed out the win to spark emotional scenes as those inside Wembley rejoiced in a landmark victory.
Foxes boss Rodgers had a smile that illuminated Wembley as he joined Leicester's players in joyous scenes of celebration after the manager and his players had written their name into the club's folklore. Gifted 24-year-old Tielemans will claim the glory for the sheer quality of the strike that won this FA Cup final and the rest of his performance oozed the quality that saw him named man of the match.
The Foxes had heroes elsewhere, particularly in veteran keeper Schmeichel, who was well protected for most of the match but made a huge contribution when required. His second key save from Mount, one-handed diving away to his left, even had Rodgers turning around and blowing out his cheeks in relief and admiration.
Youngster Luke Thomas was composed and Leicester even survived the premature loss of the experienced and influential defender Jonny Evans, who was a doubt before the game and suffered a recurrence of his heel injury, to keep Chelsea at bay.
And for Rodgers, who cleaned up with Celtic in Scotland, this was another significant addition to his CV, as his expert guidance of Leicester - who are in a strong position to finish in the Premier League's top four and face Chelsea again at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday - now has a tangible reward in the shape of the FA Cup.
This was the result of outstanding work by Rodgers and his players and the rest of the season may yet produce another high point if they can clinch a place in next season's Champions League.
"It is such an amazing feeling, in particular as a British coach," Rodgers told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I have grown up watching this all my life and to be eventually be here and be a winner in the FA Cup is special. "I knew we had prepared very well. The players have shown through the season they can fight, have quality and have a desire to win. We were playing against the Champions League finalists, with quality and the level they have been at. But I thought tactically we were brilliant."
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel revealed he was in "angry mode" after the surprise home loss to Arsenal suddenly put pressure on their top-four hopes in the Premier League - although the Champions League final against Manchester City could yet prove the most glittering safety net.
He certainly looked an angry man throughout this final, the body language increasingly frustrated right up until that final twist when a late equaliser was snatched from Chelsea's grasp by VAR.
Chelsea now face a massive game against these same opponents in midweek but they will have to recover swiftly from this disappointment and the knowledge they did not do themselves justice.
They certainly had their moments and will complain of ill-fortune, about a suspicion of handball before Tielemans' goal and those magnificent saves from Schmeichel but this was a stuttering Chelsea, not the smooth machine that saw off Real Madrid with such comfort in the Champions League semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.
Timo Werner seemed a particular source of frustration to Tuchel, the manager enraged when he lost a physical challenge to Tielemans, and it may be he regrets that he did not start with the improving Kai Havertz.
And Chilwell, left out for Marcos Alonso, was a source of real danger when he was eventually introduced as a substitute, almost rescuing Chelsea twice.
Chelsea and Tuchel now face a huge fortnight with the fight for the top four in the balance and that Champions League final to come against Manchester City - and the manager will know they will have to perform better than this.
BBC Sport
Leicester win FA Cup Final at 5th attempt
Youri Tielemans produced one of the great FA Cup final goals to give Leicester City the trophy for the first time in their history with victory over Chelsea at Wembley.
The Belgian settled a closely contested encounter with a spectacular right-foot drive that flew beyond Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga into the top corner from 25 yards in the 63rd minute.
It sent manager Brendan Rodgers racing down the touchline in celebration although Leicester's fans - inside Wembley as 21,000 supporters formed the biggest attendance since lockdown - had to survive a nerve-jangling closing phase before they could celebrate the win in their first final since 1969.
The Foxes were indebted to two crucial saves from keeper Kasper Schmeichel, who turned former Leicester defender Ben Chilwell's header on to a post then produced an even better stop to turn Mason Mount's powerful shot wide. And in a final act of drama, Wes Morgan bundled into his own net following a last-minute goalmouth scramble before it was ruled out by the barest of margins following the intervention of VAR.
Leicester closed out the win to spark emotional scenes as those inside Wembley rejoiced in a landmark victory.
Foxes boss Rodgers had a smile that illuminated Wembley as he joined Leicester's players in joyous scenes of celebration after the manager and his players had written their name into the club's folklore. Gifted 24-year-old Tielemans will claim the glory for the sheer quality of the strike that won this FA Cup final and the rest of his performance oozed the quality that saw him named man of the match.
The Foxes had heroes elsewhere, particularly in veteran keeper Schmeichel, who was well protected for most of the match but made a huge contribution when required. His second key save from Mount, one-handed diving away to his left, even had Rodgers turning around and blowing out his cheeks in relief and admiration.
Youngster Luke Thomas was composed and Leicester even survived the premature loss of the experienced and influential defender Jonny Evans, who was a doubt before the game and suffered a recurrence of his heel injury, to keep Chelsea at bay.
And for Rodgers, who cleaned up with Celtic in Scotland, this was another significant addition to his CV, as his expert guidance of Leicester - who are in a strong position to finish in the Premier League's top four and face Chelsea again at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday - now has a tangible reward in the shape of the FA Cup.
This was the result of outstanding work by Rodgers and his players and the rest of the season may yet produce another high point if they can clinch a place in next season's Champions League.
"It is such an amazing feeling, in particular as a British coach," Rodgers told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I have grown up watching this all my life and to be eventually be here and be a winner in the FA Cup is special. "I knew we had prepared very well. The players have shown through the season they can fight, have quality and have a desire to win. We were playing against the Champions League finalists, with quality and the level they have been at. But I thought tactically we were brilliant."
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel revealed he was in "angry mode" after the surprise home loss to Arsenal suddenly put pressure on their top-four hopes in the Premier League - although the Champions League final against Manchester City could yet prove the most glittering safety net.
He certainly looked an angry man throughout this final, the body language increasingly frustrated right up until that final twist when a late equaliser was snatched from Chelsea's grasp by VAR.
Chelsea now face a massive game against these same opponents in midweek but they will have to recover swiftly from this disappointment and the knowledge they did not do themselves justice.
They certainly had their moments and will complain of ill-fortune, about a suspicion of handball before Tielemans' goal and those magnificent saves from Schmeichel but this was a stuttering Chelsea, not the smooth machine that saw off Real Madrid with such comfort in the Champions League semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.
Timo Werner seemed a particular source of frustration to Tuchel, the manager enraged when he lost a physical challenge to Tielemans, and it may be he regrets that he did not start with the improving Kai Havertz.
And Chilwell, left out for Marcos Alonso, was a source of real danger when he was eventually introduced as a substitute, almost rescuing Chelsea twice.
Chelsea and Tuchel now face a huge fortnight with the fight for the top four in the balance and that Champions League final to come against Manchester City - and the manager will know they will have to perform better than this.
BBC Sport
Manchester United 1-2 Leicester City
Manchester City were crowned Premier League champions for the third time in four seasons as Leicester City secured their first Old Trafford victory over Manchester United since 1998 to take a major step towards a place in next season's Champions League.
Defeat for United means they are 10 points behind City with only three games remaining.
Caglar Soyuncu's far-post header was enough to bring a smile to Brendan Rodgers' face and that of Pep Guardiola, whose dominance of the English game is increasing.
A United side showing 10 changes to the team that won at Aston Villa two days previously battled hard, with Mason Greenwood levelling after fellow 19-year-old Luke Thomas had put the visitors in front with a fantastic far-post volley into the top corner.
Ironically, Leicester's winner came from a corner that was delayed by the introduction of two United substitutes by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
One of them, Marcus Rashford, was initially marking Soyuncu at the corner but lost the Turkey international in the build-up and Nemanja Matic was unable to repel the goal threat.
The result brought to an end United's 14-match unbeaten run in the league, since the home defeat by Sheffield United on 27 January.
Rodgers' side now only require four points from their final two games to secure a top-four finish, although before that quest resumes, they will attempt to win the FA Cup for the first time in the club's history against Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday.
Solskjaer had already said he would have no option other than to make mass changes given a fixture list that consigned his team to play three times in five days.
This central fixture was always likely to be the one in which United started with the fewest regular members of their first-choice line-up.
Yet Leicester had reason to be cautious about their good fortune.
Their record against United is awful, with just two wins in 29 previous Premier League meetings and only one success in their last 22 top-flight visits to Old Trafford.
In addition, a run of two wins in six league games brought worrying parallels of the post-lockdown run of two wins from nine matches that saw them miss out on qualification for this season's Champions League thanks to the only two weeks they have spent outside the top four since September 2019.
Thomas' opener was only the third time Leicester had taken the lead in a Premier League game at Old Trafford but the local-born Leicester fan produced a memorable finish to mark it.
The teenager had the maturity to wait for Youri Tielemans' cross to drop before applying the devastating end product, effectively passing the ball over David de Gea and into the far corner of the net with a brilliant side-footed volley.
Greenwood responded with an excellent goal of his own as he collected Amad's pass before driving into the box and beating Kasper Schmeichel with a finish that showed why many now think he should be in Gareth Southgate's squad for Euro 2020.
Southgate will be relieved United skipper Harry Maguire only sustained ankle ligament damage at Villa. But the centre-half was sat in the stand with a protective boot on, so his presence was missed at the corner that proved decisive, both for Leicester and Manchester City.
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers, speaking to BBC Sport: "It feels really good. I am really happy with the win and the performance. We started well and scored a really good goal.
"The move was perfect from our perspective. It was an amazing finish from Luke [Thomas] but we invited pressure by passing too slowly. If you pass the ball slowly top players press the game and they have some top players here.
"I am so happy for the players because we were disappointed after the last performance."
BBC SPORT
Manchester City were crowned Premier League champions for the third time in four seasons as Leicester City secured their first Old Trafford victory over Manchester United since 1998 to take a major step towards a place in next season's Champions League.
Defeat for United means they are 10 points behind City with only three games remaining.
Caglar Soyuncu's far-post header was enough to bring a smile to Brendan Rodgers' face and that of Pep Guardiola, whose dominance of the English game is increasing.
A United side showing 10 changes to the team that won at Aston Villa two days previously battled hard, with Mason Greenwood levelling after fellow 19-year-old Luke Thomas had put the visitors in front with a fantastic far-post volley into the top corner.
Ironically, Leicester's winner came from a corner that was delayed by the introduction of two United substitutes by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
One of them, Marcus Rashford, was initially marking Soyuncu at the corner but lost the Turkey international in the build-up and Nemanja Matic was unable to repel the goal threat.
The result brought to an end United's 14-match unbeaten run in the league, since the home defeat by Sheffield United on 27 January.
Rodgers' side now only require four points from their final two games to secure a top-four finish, although before that quest resumes, they will attempt to win the FA Cup for the first time in the club's history against Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday.
Solskjaer had already said he would have no option other than to make mass changes given a fixture list that consigned his team to play three times in five days.
This central fixture was always likely to be the one in which United started with the fewest regular members of their first-choice line-up.
Yet Leicester had reason to be cautious about their good fortune.
Their record against United is awful, with just two wins in 29 previous Premier League meetings and only one success in their last 22 top-flight visits to Old Trafford.
In addition, a run of two wins in six league games brought worrying parallels of the post-lockdown run of two wins from nine matches that saw them miss out on qualification for this season's Champions League thanks to the only two weeks they have spent outside the top four since September 2019.
Thomas' opener was only the third time Leicester had taken the lead in a Premier League game at Old Trafford but the local-born Leicester fan produced a memorable finish to mark it.
The teenager had the maturity to wait for Youri Tielemans' cross to drop before applying the devastating end product, effectively passing the ball over David de Gea and into the far corner of the net with a brilliant side-footed volley.
Greenwood responded with an excellent goal of his own as he collected Amad's pass before driving into the box and beating Kasper Schmeichel with a finish that showed why many now think he should be in Gareth Southgate's squad for Euro 2020.
Southgate will be relieved United skipper Harry Maguire only sustained ankle ligament damage at Villa. But the centre-half was sat in the stand with a protective boot on, so his presence was missed at the corner that proved decisive, both for Leicester and Manchester City.
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers, speaking to BBC Sport: "It feels really good. I am really happy with the win and the performance. We started well and scored a really good goal.
"The move was perfect from our perspective. It was an amazing finish from Luke [Thomas] but we invited pressure by passing too slowly. If you pass the ball slowly top players press the game and they have some top players here.
"I am so happy for the players because we were disappointed after the last performance."
BBC SPORT
Leicester City 2-4 Newcastle United
Leicester's Champions League hopes take a battering as the lose to 17th placed Newcastle
Newcastle moved to within one point of Premier League safety with an impressive win over Champions League-chasing Leicester City.
Joe Willock put the visitors ahead with a cool finish after pouncing on an error from Foxes defender Caglar Soyuncu.Paul Dummett doubled the Magpies' lead, rising above Wesley Fofana to head past Kasper Schmeichel from Matt Ritchie's corner, before Callum Wilson's second-half double wrapped up the three points.
From 4-0 down, the hosts grabbed two goals inside the last 10 minutes through Marc Albrighton and Kelechi Iheanacho to give the Magpies a late scare.
The result moves Steve Bruce's side up to 13th, 12 points ahead of 18th-placed Fulham who have four games left.
Leicester, in third, remain five points ahead of fifth-placed West Ham but have now played a game more.
"I have said quietly for weeks that we'd be OK when we got our big players back. My staff have worked tirelessly to make sure we got to this position," Bruce said.
"We have turned it around at the right time. Normally [39 points] is enough. We are in the dizzying heights of 13th. We haven't done it yet but we have made big strides in the last few weeks."
The evening started badly for Leicester when they were forced into a last-minute change minutes before kick-off, and things only went downhill from there.
Albrighton started in place of Jonny Evans, who limped down the tunnel after picking up an injury in the warm-up.
It was an uncharacteristically poor defensive display from a Foxes side who have spent the entire season so far inside the top four.
"Jonny Evans is the brain of our backline and when he came out of the team that was a big blow for us. However, we should still defend better," said Rodgers.
Two goal-bound efforts from Federico Fernandez and Kelechi Iheanacho were saved by Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka in the early stages.
Dubravka was eventually beaten late in the second half, first by Albrighton's impressive strike from the edge of the box, followed by a low effort into the bottom right corner from Iheanacho. However, by then the damage had been done.
Rodgers is seeking to avoid a repeat of 2019-20, when they missed out on a place in the Champions League on the final day having spent most of the season in the top four.
"We have made it a lot harder for ourselves but it is still in our hands. We have to fight and we are a group that is together," he added.
Leicester have a tough conclusion to this season, visiting second-placed Manchester United on Tuesday and then travelling to fourth-placed Chelsea on 18 May, three days after facing them in the FA Cup final.
Their final Premier League game is at home to Tottenham, who are sixth, on 23 May.
BBC
Leicester's Champions League hopes take a battering as the lose to 17th placed Newcastle
Newcastle moved to within one point of Premier League safety with an impressive win over Champions League-chasing Leicester City.
Joe Willock put the visitors ahead with a cool finish after pouncing on an error from Foxes defender Caglar Soyuncu.Paul Dummett doubled the Magpies' lead, rising above Wesley Fofana to head past Kasper Schmeichel from Matt Ritchie's corner, before Callum Wilson's second-half double wrapped up the three points.
From 4-0 down, the hosts grabbed two goals inside the last 10 minutes through Marc Albrighton and Kelechi Iheanacho to give the Magpies a late scare.
The result moves Steve Bruce's side up to 13th, 12 points ahead of 18th-placed Fulham who have four games left.
Leicester, in third, remain five points ahead of fifth-placed West Ham but have now played a game more.
"I have said quietly for weeks that we'd be OK when we got our big players back. My staff have worked tirelessly to make sure we got to this position," Bruce said.
"We have turned it around at the right time. Normally [39 points] is enough. We are in the dizzying heights of 13th. We haven't done it yet but we have made big strides in the last few weeks."
The evening started badly for Leicester when they were forced into a last-minute change minutes before kick-off, and things only went downhill from there.
Albrighton started in place of Jonny Evans, who limped down the tunnel after picking up an injury in the warm-up.
It was an uncharacteristically poor defensive display from a Foxes side who have spent the entire season so far inside the top four.
"Jonny Evans is the brain of our backline and when he came out of the team that was a big blow for us. However, we should still defend better," said Rodgers.
Two goal-bound efforts from Federico Fernandez and Kelechi Iheanacho were saved by Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka in the early stages.
Dubravka was eventually beaten late in the second half, first by Albrighton's impressive strike from the edge of the box, followed by a low effort into the bottom right corner from Iheanacho. However, by then the damage had been done.
Rodgers is seeking to avoid a repeat of 2019-20, when they missed out on a place in the Champions League on the final day having spent most of the season in the top four.
"We have made it a lot harder for ourselves but it is still in our hands. We have to fight and we are a group that is together," he added.
Leicester have a tough conclusion to this season, visiting second-placed Manchester United on Tuesday and then travelling to fourth-placed Chelsea on 18 May, three days after facing them in the FA Cup final.
Their final Premier League game is at home to Tottenham, who are sixth, on 23 May.
BBC
Southampton 1-1 Leicester City
Southampton held Leicester to a draw despite playing more than 80 minutes with 10 men to frustrate the Foxes in their push to clinch a top-four finish.
Jannick Vestergaard was controversially sent off after just 10 minutes when his tackle on Jamie Vardy was deemed to have denied the Leicester striker a goal-scoring opportunity.
Vestergaard, on the edge of his box and the last defender, got the ball with a lunging tackle but referee Robert Jones deemed his follow-through on to Vardy's ankle had prevented the striker running in on goal.
That decision set the game's pattern, Leicester probing while Southampton defended deep, but it was the Saints who took the lead in the 61st minute.
James Ward-Prowse scored from the penalty spot after Kelechi Iheanacho had blocked Stuart Armstrong's effort with his arm raised up by his head.
Jonny Evans headed in Iheanacho's cross eight minutes later for the equaliser but under near-constant pressure Southampton's defence held firm.
Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy brilliantly denied Vardy with his right boot from close range in the final 10 minutes.
The point takes Leicester eight points clear of fifth-placed West Ham having played a game more but they have a difficult end of the season to come.
Southampton edge 10 points clear of the relegation zone as they close in on guaranteeing their safety.
The point takes Leicester closer to their goal of securing Champions League football next season but, having played against 10 men for so long, they should have ended the night with a 10-point cushion over fifth place.
Wilfried Ndidi dragged a shot wide from the edge of the box and Iheanacho came agonisingly close to meeting Marc Albrighton's cross in the closing stages.
Before Evans' equaliser, however, they had had created little despite dominating possession.
With Southampton in a defensive mindset visiting manager Brendan Rodgers replaced defender Wesley Fofana with forward Ayoze Perez at half-time but many of his side's 22 shots came from long distance.
It was Iheanacho, who has been Leicester's star in attack with 12 goals in nine games, who foolishly closed down Armstrong's shot with his arm raised for Southampton's penalty. He did at least redeem himself with a fine left-footed cross for Evans' equaliser.
Leicester are still in a fantastic position for a top-four finish but their slump at the end of last season, plus the fact they have trips to Manchester United and Chelsea to come as well as a game against Tottenham on the final day, means Champions League qualification is not yet certain.
For Southampton this was a morale-boosting result coming in a difficult run that had seen them lose 12 of their past 15 games.
After the early loss of Vestergaard some might have feared a repeat of the 9-0 loss to Manchester United earlier this season when they went a man down early - or the defeat by Leicester last season by the same scoreline.
Instead, they produced an admirable defensive display that left manager Ralph Hasenhuttl visibly pleased at full-time.
Vestergaard made a mistake with an initial loose touch but his dismissal was harsh.
The centre-back clearly made contact with the ball before catching Vardy, admittedly making strong contact with the striker's ankle.
It was deemed by referee Jones that his follow-through had prevented Vardy running on to the deflected ball, a decision confirmed by the video assistant referee, but Vestergaard's touch had diverted it back towards goalkeeper McCarthy, who said afterwards he thought he would have reached the ball first.
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers to BBC Sport: "It's a point towards where we want to go. The speed of our game wasn't at the level until we went behind in the game.
"When the opposition go down to 10 men we're normally good in those situations but you have to credit Southampton to show that resilience and to keep us out. Jamie Vardy is a warrior so he got up and Alex McCarthy made a great save from him."
Southampton held Leicester to a draw despite playing more than 80 minutes with 10 men to frustrate the Foxes in their push to clinch a top-four finish.
Jannick Vestergaard was controversially sent off after just 10 minutes when his tackle on Jamie Vardy was deemed to have denied the Leicester striker a goal-scoring opportunity.
Vestergaard, on the edge of his box and the last defender, got the ball with a lunging tackle but referee Robert Jones deemed his follow-through on to Vardy's ankle had prevented the striker running in on goal.
That decision set the game's pattern, Leicester probing while Southampton defended deep, but it was the Saints who took the lead in the 61st minute.
James Ward-Prowse scored from the penalty spot after Kelechi Iheanacho had blocked Stuart Armstrong's effort with his arm raised up by his head.
Jonny Evans headed in Iheanacho's cross eight minutes later for the equaliser but under near-constant pressure Southampton's defence held firm.
Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy brilliantly denied Vardy with his right boot from close range in the final 10 minutes.
The point takes Leicester eight points clear of fifth-placed West Ham having played a game more but they have a difficult end of the season to come.
Southampton edge 10 points clear of the relegation zone as they close in on guaranteeing their safety.
The point takes Leicester closer to their goal of securing Champions League football next season but, having played against 10 men for so long, they should have ended the night with a 10-point cushion over fifth place.
Wilfried Ndidi dragged a shot wide from the edge of the box and Iheanacho came agonisingly close to meeting Marc Albrighton's cross in the closing stages.
Before Evans' equaliser, however, they had had created little despite dominating possession.
With Southampton in a defensive mindset visiting manager Brendan Rodgers replaced defender Wesley Fofana with forward Ayoze Perez at half-time but many of his side's 22 shots came from long distance.
It was Iheanacho, who has been Leicester's star in attack with 12 goals in nine games, who foolishly closed down Armstrong's shot with his arm raised for Southampton's penalty. He did at least redeem himself with a fine left-footed cross for Evans' equaliser.
Leicester are still in a fantastic position for a top-four finish but their slump at the end of last season, plus the fact they have trips to Manchester United and Chelsea to come as well as a game against Tottenham on the final day, means Champions League qualification is not yet certain.
For Southampton this was a morale-boosting result coming in a difficult run that had seen them lose 12 of their past 15 games.
After the early loss of Vestergaard some might have feared a repeat of the 9-0 loss to Manchester United earlier this season when they went a man down early - or the defeat by Leicester last season by the same scoreline.
Instead, they produced an admirable defensive display that left manager Ralph Hasenhuttl visibly pleased at full-time.
Vestergaard made a mistake with an initial loose touch but his dismissal was harsh.
The centre-back clearly made contact with the ball before catching Vardy, admittedly making strong contact with the striker's ankle.
It was deemed by referee Jones that his follow-through had prevented Vardy running on to the deflected ball, a decision confirmed by the video assistant referee, but Vestergaard's touch had diverted it back towards goalkeeper McCarthy, who said afterwards he thought he would have reached the ball first.
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers to BBC Sport: "It's a point towards where we want to go. The speed of our game wasn't at the level until we went behind in the game.
"When the opposition go down to 10 men we're normally good in those situations but you have to credit Southampton to show that resilience and to keep us out. Jamie Vardy is a warrior so he got up and Alex McCarthy made a great save from him."
Brendan Rodgers delivers definitive answer on Tottenham links and his future at Leicester City
The Leicester City manager has been the subject of links to the vacant position in north London following Jose Mourinho's departure at the beginning of last week
Brendan Rodgers wants to see through Leicester City’s evolution as he again insisted he is “very happy” at the club amid links to Tottenham Hotspur.
Since Jose Mourinho’s departure in north London a little over a week ago, Rodgers has been touted as a potential candidate to take the reins at Spurs.
But the City manager has said at every turn that he is content at the King Power Stadium. Now, in his strongest statement yet, Rodgers has explained that his relationship with the City players and board, and the ongoing development of the club into one that competes at the top consistently, makes him excited to continue in his current position “for the next period of years”.
He said: "It’s on repeat: I’m very, very happy here and I’m happy because I’ve got a set of players that give me their heart and soul every single day, and also I can see a future here in terms of the development of the squad. “I’ve got a really strong relationship with the board. We work very closely together.
“For me I always knew what the challenge was coming here, to try and improve the squad and I think over the last couple of years what we’ve been able to do is build an infrastructure around behaviour and creating a mindset in order to win. That’s not easy and it’s taken us a couple of years."You see now the mentality around developing that will and desire to win. Now for the next period of years let’s see if we can roll that out, now that we’ve created that mentality. Can we continually evolve?
“Tottenham is a great club, one of the biggest clubs in Britain, but for me I’m just in a really, really happy place in my life. “I have a huge respect here for the players, the board and I really feel that I want to continue my work here. That’s my honest appraisal on it all.” Just 10 months after joining City in February 2019, Rodgers signed a new bumper contract with the club to the summer of 2025.
Despite his insistence, he remains second favourite with bookmakers for the Spurs job, behind Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.
Leicester Mercury
The Leicester City manager has been the subject of links to the vacant position in north London following Jose Mourinho's departure at the beginning of last week
Brendan Rodgers wants to see through Leicester City’s evolution as he again insisted he is “very happy” at the club amid links to Tottenham Hotspur.
Since Jose Mourinho’s departure in north London a little over a week ago, Rodgers has been touted as a potential candidate to take the reins at Spurs.
But the City manager has said at every turn that he is content at the King Power Stadium. Now, in his strongest statement yet, Rodgers has explained that his relationship with the City players and board, and the ongoing development of the club into one that competes at the top consistently, makes him excited to continue in his current position “for the next period of years”.
He said: "It’s on repeat: I’m very, very happy here and I’m happy because I’ve got a set of players that give me their heart and soul every single day, and also I can see a future here in terms of the development of the squad. “I’ve got a really strong relationship with the board. We work very closely together.
“For me I always knew what the challenge was coming here, to try and improve the squad and I think over the last couple of years what we’ve been able to do is build an infrastructure around behaviour and creating a mindset in order to win. That’s not easy and it’s taken us a couple of years."You see now the mentality around developing that will and desire to win. Now for the next period of years let’s see if we can roll that out, now that we’ve created that mentality. Can we continually evolve?
“Tottenham is a great club, one of the biggest clubs in Britain, but for me I’m just in a really, really happy place in my life. “I have a huge respect here for the players, the board and I really feel that I want to continue my work here. That’s my honest appraisal on it all.” Just 10 months after joining City in February 2019, Rodgers signed a new bumper contract with the club to the summer of 2025.
Despite his insistence, he remains second favourite with bookmakers for the Spurs job, behind Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.
Leicester Mercury
Leicester City 2-1 Crystal Palace
Leicester City moved closer to Champions League qualification as they came from behind to beat Crystal Palace.
Wilfried Zaha put the visitors ahead after only 12 minutes, with a first-time finish following a fine through ball from Eberechi Eze. But Timothy Castagne equalised for the Foxes within five minutes of the second half by firing the ball into the roof of the net after being set up by Kelechi Iheanacho.
Palace nearly retook the lead but a superb sliding challenge from Jonny Evans denied Christian Benteke what would have been a tap-in into an unguarded goal. That missed chance proved crucial as Iheanacho scored his 12th goal in nine games, when he cut inside on to his left foot and blasted the ball past goalkeeper Vicente Guaita for a late winner.
The result leaves the Foxes third in the Premier League, but takes them seven points clear of fifth-placed West Ham with five matches to go."It's a massive three points for us and we were nervous a bit," said Iheanacho. "We changed it around and got control of the game and got them running. But there's still a lot of work to do, we can't talk about the Champions League until the last game."
Leicester, who have also reached the FA Cup final for the first time since 1969, have only played in the European Cup or Champions League once, reaching the quarter-finals in 2016-17 after winning the Premier League the previous season. Their run-in includes games against Manchester United in second, Chelsea in fourth and Tottenham in seventh.
After 33 matches of the league campaign, Brendan Rodgers' side again find themselves third, just as they did in 2019-20. However, last season they lost three of their final five games as they finished fifth to miss out on a top-four spot by four points. Before the game, Rodgers said his side had improved and "evolved" compared to a year ago, but would have been worried by old concerns and a lacklustre first half performance.
But it was an instant improvement after the break as Castagne's first goal at the King Power Stadium made it 1-1 following fine hold-up work from the impressive Iheanacho.
The Foxes ended strongly as Jamie Vardy, who had missed two chances when it was goalless, had a shot blocked by Guaita, fired just wide and had a goal correctly disallowed for offside.
Youri Tielemans also missed the target when well placed but they finally got their second when Iheanacho produced some fine skill to get the ball on to his left foot and gave Guaita no chance from 10 yards. The victory means Leicester, who were not one of the 'big six' English teams to sign up to the European Super League before the tournament plans collapsed two days later, now need three more wins to guarantee Champions League football.
Palace stay 13th, but are 11 points clear of the relegation zone and surely safe from avoiding a drop into the Championship. But Eagles' fans may be left ruing what might have been from this season after they were seventh following eight matches, only three points off the top. Inconsistent form and a run of injuries have severely damaged their hopes of a top-half finish for the first time since 2014-15 and they have now only picked up six points from their past seven matches.
They had not been in action since 10 April, while Leicester had played three matches in that period, including an FA Cup semi-final win over Southampton to set up a final against Chelsea next month. Palace boss Roy Hodgson said before the game he was unsure whether the break would have benefited his team, although they made a great start, scoring early on.
Benteke dispossessed Tielemans with a strong challenge on the halfway line, Eze had the quality and pace to run at the home defence, before sliding a perfectly-weighted pass into Zaha's path with the Ivorian slotting the ball past Kasper Schmeichel. After conceding, the visitors had a glorious chance to retake the lead as Jairo Riedewald was through on goal but opted to pass it square to Benteke and that enabled Evans to make a fine challenge to deny the Belgian.
But Iheanacho's late goal saw Palace leave empty handed as their season is ending in tame fashion.
BBC Sport
Leicester City moved closer to Champions League qualification as they came from behind to beat Crystal Palace.
Wilfried Zaha put the visitors ahead after only 12 minutes, with a first-time finish following a fine through ball from Eberechi Eze. But Timothy Castagne equalised for the Foxes within five minutes of the second half by firing the ball into the roof of the net after being set up by Kelechi Iheanacho.
Palace nearly retook the lead but a superb sliding challenge from Jonny Evans denied Christian Benteke what would have been a tap-in into an unguarded goal. That missed chance proved crucial as Iheanacho scored his 12th goal in nine games, when he cut inside on to his left foot and blasted the ball past goalkeeper Vicente Guaita for a late winner.
The result leaves the Foxes third in the Premier League, but takes them seven points clear of fifth-placed West Ham with five matches to go."It's a massive three points for us and we were nervous a bit," said Iheanacho. "We changed it around and got control of the game and got them running. But there's still a lot of work to do, we can't talk about the Champions League until the last game."
Leicester, who have also reached the FA Cup final for the first time since 1969, have only played in the European Cup or Champions League once, reaching the quarter-finals in 2016-17 after winning the Premier League the previous season. Their run-in includes games against Manchester United in second, Chelsea in fourth and Tottenham in seventh.
After 33 matches of the league campaign, Brendan Rodgers' side again find themselves third, just as they did in 2019-20. However, last season they lost three of their final five games as they finished fifth to miss out on a top-four spot by four points. Before the game, Rodgers said his side had improved and "evolved" compared to a year ago, but would have been worried by old concerns and a lacklustre first half performance.
But it was an instant improvement after the break as Castagne's first goal at the King Power Stadium made it 1-1 following fine hold-up work from the impressive Iheanacho.
The Foxes ended strongly as Jamie Vardy, who had missed two chances when it was goalless, had a shot blocked by Guaita, fired just wide and had a goal correctly disallowed for offside.
Youri Tielemans also missed the target when well placed but they finally got their second when Iheanacho produced some fine skill to get the ball on to his left foot and gave Guaita no chance from 10 yards. The victory means Leicester, who were not one of the 'big six' English teams to sign up to the European Super League before the tournament plans collapsed two days later, now need three more wins to guarantee Champions League football.
Palace stay 13th, but are 11 points clear of the relegation zone and surely safe from avoiding a drop into the Championship. But Eagles' fans may be left ruing what might have been from this season after they were seventh following eight matches, only three points off the top. Inconsistent form and a run of injuries have severely damaged their hopes of a top-half finish for the first time since 2014-15 and they have now only picked up six points from their past seven matches.
They had not been in action since 10 April, while Leicester had played three matches in that period, including an FA Cup semi-final win over Southampton to set up a final against Chelsea next month. Palace boss Roy Hodgson said before the game he was unsure whether the break would have benefited his team, although they made a great start, scoring early on.
Benteke dispossessed Tielemans with a strong challenge on the halfway line, Eze had the quality and pace to run at the home defence, before sliding a perfectly-weighted pass into Zaha's path with the Ivorian slotting the ball past Kasper Schmeichel. After conceding, the visitors had a glorious chance to retake the lead as Jairo Riedewald was through on goal but opted to pass it square to Benteke and that enabled Evans to make a fine challenge to deny the Belgian.
But Iheanacho's late goal saw Palace leave empty handed as their season is ending in tame fashion.
BBC Sport
Leicester City 3-0 West Bromwich Albion
Leicester opened up a four-point gap to fourth place in the Premier League with victory over relegation-bound West Brom at the King Power Stadium.
Three goals in 13 first-half minutes did the damage as striker Jamie Vardy scored one and assisted another.
Vardy was teed up by Timothy Castagne for the opener, before he set up Kelechi Iheanacho after a driving run down the left for Leicester's third.
Centre-back Jonny Evans had nodded in a deflected corner to make it 2-0.
In a game that had several goalscoring opportunities, Castagne and West Brom's Matheus Pereira also hit the woodwork in the first half.
Victory means Leicester are now four points clear of Chelsea, who occupy the final Champions League qualification spot with six games remaining. The two sides meet in the league - as well as the FA Cup final - next month.West Brom are on the brink of relegation as they remain nine points from safety and have a far inferior goal difference than 17th-placed Burnley.
After booking their place in the FA Cup final on Sunday, Leicester could not have finished the week in better fashion.They looked eager to get on the front foot from the off - carving West Brom's defence apart with through balls from Youri Tielemans and driving runs from Vardy and Castagne.
Iheanacho and James Maddison both had chances in the opening 10 minutes, before Tielemans eventually played in Castagne and he put it on a plate for Vardy to thump it in. West Brom defender Dara O'Shea's last-ditch tackle on Iheanacho prevented an immediate second for Leicester but the reprieve was short-lived as Evans then nodded to make it 2-0 within three minutes of Vardy's opener.
Striker Vardy turned provider when he skipped past his opponent and teed up Iheanacho for Leicester's third. That goal came after West Brom's Pereira and Leicester's Castagne had both hit the woodwork and there could have been another goal via Iheanacho before the break when he lashed it over from six yards out.
The relentlessness of Leicester's attack in the first half did the damage but they still enjoyed plenty of space in the second half - Iheanacho seeing a shot blocked by O'Shea in the box and a free-kick palmed away by goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, while Vardy's long-range chip sailed wide. Manager Brendan Rodgers was also able to bring off Maddison, Vardy and Wesley Fofana with Monday's game against Crystal Palace in mind.
Back-to-back victories against Chelsea and Southampton had given West Brom a glimmer of hope in their fight for safety during a week when Sheffield United's relegation was confirmed.Sam Allardyce named the same side that beat Southampton, but the contrast in performance was stark.
Leicester overwhelmed West Brom from the opening minute and they were unable to recover from a first half that could have seen more goals going the hosts' way.
Pereira's corner skimmed the crossbar, Mbaye Diagne completely fluffed a chance on the edge of the box and Matt Phillips' strike was straight at the goalkeeper in a game of few chances for West Brom.
Substitutes Semi Ajayi, Hal Robson-Kanu and Karlan Grant also failed to make an impact in the second half and Leicester coasted to victory.
It means any chance of a great escape for West Brom is all but over - they have 18 points to play for but they have only picked up 24 so far this season.
BBC Sport
Leicester opened up a four-point gap to fourth place in the Premier League with victory over relegation-bound West Brom at the King Power Stadium.
Three goals in 13 first-half minutes did the damage as striker Jamie Vardy scored one and assisted another.
Vardy was teed up by Timothy Castagne for the opener, before he set up Kelechi Iheanacho after a driving run down the left for Leicester's third.
Centre-back Jonny Evans had nodded in a deflected corner to make it 2-0.
In a game that had several goalscoring opportunities, Castagne and West Brom's Matheus Pereira also hit the woodwork in the first half.
Victory means Leicester are now four points clear of Chelsea, who occupy the final Champions League qualification spot with six games remaining. The two sides meet in the league - as well as the FA Cup final - next month.West Brom are on the brink of relegation as they remain nine points from safety and have a far inferior goal difference than 17th-placed Burnley.
After booking their place in the FA Cup final on Sunday, Leicester could not have finished the week in better fashion.They looked eager to get on the front foot from the off - carving West Brom's defence apart with through balls from Youri Tielemans and driving runs from Vardy and Castagne.
Iheanacho and James Maddison both had chances in the opening 10 minutes, before Tielemans eventually played in Castagne and he put it on a plate for Vardy to thump it in. West Brom defender Dara O'Shea's last-ditch tackle on Iheanacho prevented an immediate second for Leicester but the reprieve was short-lived as Evans then nodded to make it 2-0 within three minutes of Vardy's opener.
Striker Vardy turned provider when he skipped past his opponent and teed up Iheanacho for Leicester's third. That goal came after West Brom's Pereira and Leicester's Castagne had both hit the woodwork and there could have been another goal via Iheanacho before the break when he lashed it over from six yards out.
The relentlessness of Leicester's attack in the first half did the damage but they still enjoyed plenty of space in the second half - Iheanacho seeing a shot blocked by O'Shea in the box and a free-kick palmed away by goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, while Vardy's long-range chip sailed wide. Manager Brendan Rodgers was also able to bring off Maddison, Vardy and Wesley Fofana with Monday's game against Crystal Palace in mind.
Back-to-back victories against Chelsea and Southampton had given West Brom a glimmer of hope in their fight for safety during a week when Sheffield United's relegation was confirmed.Sam Allardyce named the same side that beat Southampton, but the contrast in performance was stark.
Leicester overwhelmed West Brom from the opening minute and they were unable to recover from a first half that could have seen more goals going the hosts' way.
Pereira's corner skimmed the crossbar, Mbaye Diagne completely fluffed a chance on the edge of the box and Matt Phillips' strike was straight at the goalkeeper in a game of few chances for West Brom.
Substitutes Semi Ajayi, Hal Robson-Kanu and Karlan Grant also failed to make an impact in the second half and Leicester coasted to victory.
It means any chance of a great escape for West Brom is all but over - they have 18 points to play for but they have only picked up 24 so far this season.
BBC Sport
Leicester 1-0 Southampton | Leicester into their first FA Cup final since 1969
Leicester City reached their first FA Cup final since 1969 as Kelechi Iheanacho's second-half goal gave them victory over Southampton at Wembley.
Iheanacho was the beneficiary of fine work by Jamie Vardy to score at the second attempt 10 minutes after the interval.
The game was played in front of 4,000 supporters as part of a pilot scheme, with research being carried out on allowing fans back in to sporting events as coronavirus restrictions are eased.
Tickets were limited to residents of Brent - the north London borough where Wembley Stadium is situated - and key workers.
Those inside Wembley witnessed a mainly dour game but Leicester, playing in their first semi-final since 1982, will not care - and neither will their followers.
Southampton were strangely lacking in intensity, barely threatening Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Ibrahima Diallo went closest to an equaliser for the Saints but his powerful drive went just wide.
Brendan Rodgers' side will now face Chelsea in the final on 15 May, their first appearance in the showpiece since they lost 1-0 against Manchester City in 1969.
BBC Sport
Leicester City reached their first FA Cup final since 1969 as Kelechi Iheanacho's second-half goal gave them victory over Southampton at Wembley.
Iheanacho was the beneficiary of fine work by Jamie Vardy to score at the second attempt 10 minutes after the interval.
The game was played in front of 4,000 supporters as part of a pilot scheme, with research being carried out on allowing fans back in to sporting events as coronavirus restrictions are eased.
Tickets were limited to residents of Brent - the north London borough where Wembley Stadium is situated - and key workers.
Those inside Wembley witnessed a mainly dour game but Leicester, playing in their first semi-final since 1982, will not care - and neither will their followers.
Southampton were strangely lacking in intensity, barely threatening Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Ibrahima Diallo went closest to an equaliser for the Saints but his powerful drive went just wide.
Brendan Rodgers' side will now face Chelsea in the final on 15 May, their first appearance in the showpiece since they lost 1-0 against Manchester City in 1969.
BBC Sport
Leicester City goalkeeper Danny Ward extends contract until 2025
Goalkeeper Danny Ward has signed a new deal with Leicester City Football Club that keeps him at King Power Stadium until at least 2025.
The Wales international signed from Liverpool in the summer of 2018 and has made 14 appearances for the Foxes in all competitions.
The 27-year-old has been at the heart of several key cup victories for the Foxes, including three penalty saves in a shootout win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux in September 2018.
Speaking to LCFC TV, he said: “It’s a really good feeling [to sign a new contract]. I had a really good feeling the first time around when I signed and, luckily, we’ve been able to grow together as a Club and as a team so I’m really excited for what lies ahead.
“Even in my short time here, you can see in terms of facilities alone, the step up has been incredible. The success we’ve had in the league too, we’ve been on a European adventure as well, so step by step, we’re going in the right direction and, as a player, to be involved in that is really exciting. I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for us.”
Ward began his career in Wales after coming through the Wrexham’s academy and going on to sign for Liverpool in 2012. He then took in several successful loan spells at Morecambe, Aberdeen and finally Huddersfield Town, where he helped the Terriers win promotion to the Premier League with two penalty saves in the Play-Off Final against Reading.
The goalkeeper has also been capped 12 times by Wales at international level – most recently in a 1-0 win over the Czech Republic last month as part of the World Cup Qualification campaign.
BBC / LCFC
Goalkeeper Danny Ward has signed a new deal with Leicester City Football Club that keeps him at King Power Stadium until at least 2025.
The Wales international signed from Liverpool in the summer of 2018 and has made 14 appearances for the Foxes in all competitions.
The 27-year-old has been at the heart of several key cup victories for the Foxes, including three penalty saves in a shootout win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux in September 2018.
Speaking to LCFC TV, he said: “It’s a really good feeling [to sign a new contract]. I had a really good feeling the first time around when I signed and, luckily, we’ve been able to grow together as a Club and as a team so I’m really excited for what lies ahead.
“Even in my short time here, you can see in terms of facilities alone, the step up has been incredible. The success we’ve had in the league too, we’ve been on a European adventure as well, so step by step, we’re going in the right direction and, as a player, to be involved in that is really exciting. I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for us.”
Ward began his career in Wales after coming through the Wrexham’s academy and going on to sign for Liverpool in 2012. He then took in several successful loan spells at Morecambe, Aberdeen and finally Huddersfield Town, where he helped the Terriers win promotion to the Premier League with two penalty saves in the Play-Off Final against Reading.
The goalkeeper has also been capped 12 times by Wales at international level – most recently in a 1-0 win over the Czech Republic last month as part of the World Cup Qualification campaign.
BBC / LCFC
Leicester concede 3 to lose at West Ham as 3 players dropped for Covid breach
Jesse Lingard continued his stunning form with West Ham by scoring twice in the first half to set the Hammers on course for a crucial victory over fellow Champions League hopefuls Leicester City.
The two sides came into the weekend occupying the last two Champions League spots, before wins for Chelsea and Liverpool on Saturday nudged West Ham down to sixth place.
But David Moyes' men showed they are up for the challenge of qualifying for Europe's top club competition for the first time, climbing back into fourth after going 3-0 up against Leicester, who had the hosts hanging on after a late rally.
The Hammers took the lead as Arthur Masuaku's cross went through to right-back Vladimir Coufal, who cut back for Lingard to sweep the ball inside Kasper Schmeichel's near post from the edge of the box.
Jarrod Bowen then beat the offside trap to race on to Issa Diop's long ball and square for Lingard to tap into an empty net for his eighth goal in nine Premier League games since arriving on loan from Manchester United.
The 28-year-old forward, whose recent form earned him an England recall, then played a part in West Ham's third goal right after half-time as Bowen poked in from Tomas Soucek's pass to round off a clinical team move.
Kelechi Iheanacho pulled a goal back to give Leicester hope, before grabbing his 11th goal in 11 games in stoppage time, but the Hammers held on to ensure they did not surrender a 3-0 lead for the second straight home game and move within a point of third-placed Leicester.
BBC NEWS
Jesse Lingard continued his stunning form with West Ham by scoring twice in the first half to set the Hammers on course for a crucial victory over fellow Champions League hopefuls Leicester City.
The two sides came into the weekend occupying the last two Champions League spots, before wins for Chelsea and Liverpool on Saturday nudged West Ham down to sixth place.
But David Moyes' men showed they are up for the challenge of qualifying for Europe's top club competition for the first time, climbing back into fourth after going 3-0 up against Leicester, who had the hosts hanging on after a late rally.
The Hammers took the lead as Arthur Masuaku's cross went through to right-back Vladimir Coufal, who cut back for Lingard to sweep the ball inside Kasper Schmeichel's near post from the edge of the box.
Jarrod Bowen then beat the offside trap to race on to Issa Diop's long ball and square for Lingard to tap into an empty net for his eighth goal in nine Premier League games since arriving on loan from Manchester United.
The 28-year-old forward, whose recent form earned him an England recall, then played a part in West Ham's third goal right after half-time as Bowen poked in from Tomas Soucek's pass to round off a clinical team move.
Kelechi Iheanacho pulled a goal back to give Leicester hope, before grabbing his 11th goal in 11 games in stoppage time, but the Hammers held on to ensure they did not surrender a 3-0 lead for the second straight home game and move within a point of third-placed Leicester.
BBC NEWS
Fuming Leicester axe THREE stars including James Maddison for West Ham clash after breaching Covid-19 lockdown rules
THREE Leicester City stars were dropped from their clash against West Ham after being reprimanded for breaching covid rules, Sun Online can reveal.
James Maddison, Hamza Choudhury and Ayoze Perez were pulled up in front of Brendan Rodgers for an alleged breach of Premier League guidelines on squad bubbles.
Under Premier League rules, players are tested for coronavirus twice weekly.
Dozens of professional football matches were postponed earlier this season after Covid outbreaks and there were calls for the season to be paused in December.
It is understood Choudhury, £100,000-a-week Maddison, 24 – who has one England cap – , Perez - and injured Harvey Barnes, 23 - were called in at 6pm on Tuesday following an alleged breach.
Of the four players, Barnes was the only one who was already unavailable for the West Ham clash due to injury.
A Leicester City spokesman said: "The club has made its expectations around adherence to Covid-19 protocols abundantly clear to all its personnel.
"It is extremely disappointing, therefore, to learn of a breach that had the potential to undermine the efforts of club staff to protect the environments in which our teams train and play. Appropriate measures have been taken to prevent our team bubbles being compromised.
"We wholly expect our people to behave in a way that reflects the national effort and the sacrifices made by our communities to control the spread of the virus.
"Those involved have apologised for their poor judgement. Our response to the matter will be concluded internally."
Meanwhile, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers remained coy when asked why the trio had been dropped. He said: "Not available for this game.
"But after this game it will be fine, they will join the group next week and be ready for next week's semi-final."
The most recent Covid breach by Premier League players comes just one month after Brighton's Aaron Connolly was caught on video breaching regulations.
And among the England internationals who have broken coronavirus rules, Aston Villa duo Jack Grealish and Ross Barkley were caught partying in London back in December.
The Sun
THREE Leicester City stars were dropped from their clash against West Ham after being reprimanded for breaching covid rules, Sun Online can reveal.
James Maddison, Hamza Choudhury and Ayoze Perez were pulled up in front of Brendan Rodgers for an alleged breach of Premier League guidelines on squad bubbles.
Under Premier League rules, players are tested for coronavirus twice weekly.
Dozens of professional football matches were postponed earlier this season after Covid outbreaks and there were calls for the season to be paused in December.
It is understood Choudhury, £100,000-a-week Maddison, 24 – who has one England cap – , Perez - and injured Harvey Barnes, 23 - were called in at 6pm on Tuesday following an alleged breach.
Of the four players, Barnes was the only one who was already unavailable for the West Ham clash due to injury.
A Leicester City spokesman said: "The club has made its expectations around adherence to Covid-19 protocols abundantly clear to all its personnel.
"It is extremely disappointing, therefore, to learn of a breach that had the potential to undermine the efforts of club staff to protect the environments in which our teams train and play. Appropriate measures have been taken to prevent our team bubbles being compromised.
"We wholly expect our people to behave in a way that reflects the national effort and the sacrifices made by our communities to control the spread of the virus.
"Those involved have apologised for their poor judgement. Our response to the matter will be concluded internally."
Meanwhile, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers remained coy when asked why the trio had been dropped. He said: "Not available for this game.
"But after this game it will be fine, they will join the group next week and be ready for next week's semi-final."
The most recent Covid breach by Premier League players comes just one month after Brighton's Aaron Connolly was caught on video breaching regulations.
And among the England internationals who have broken coronavirus rules, Aston Villa duo Jack Grealish and Ross Barkley were caught partying in London back in December.
The Sun
Manchester City 4 wins away from title after win at 3rd place Leicester City
Runaway leaders Manchester City moved to within four wins of the Premier League title as two second-half goals saw off third-placed Leicester.
In their first match since announcing club-record scorer Sergio Aguero will be leaving at the end of the season, Pep Guardiola's free-scoring side were on course for a frustrating draw before Benjamin Mendy broke the deadlock.
Fernandinho had a goal disallowed, Kevin de Bruyne's free-kick hit the bar and Riyad Mahrez was denied against his former club by Kasper Schmeichel's save.
However, France defender Mendy produced a lovely curling finish after stepping inside a challenge from Marc Albrighton before Gabriel Jesus sealed the points for the visitors from close range.
Leicester thought they had taken the lead on the stroke of half-time through Jamie Vardy but his celebrations were cut short by an offside flag.
City are 17 points clear of second-placed Manchester United, who host Brighton on Sunday (19:30 BST), after moving onto 74 points with seven games remaining.
Guardiola's side need 11 points to wrap up the title.
This was the perfect start to a huge month for Guardiola and his players as they look to close in on a historic quadruple.
Having started April with a controlled, disciplined and impressive win against a team that had taken 16 points off the supposed big six this season, they could end it with the Carabao Cup, and a place in both the FA Cup final and the semi-finals of the Champions League.
It is no longer a question of if they win the Premier League for the third time in four seasons, but when.Raheem Sterling, Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden started on the bench at the King Power Stadium yet the visitors never looked back once Mendy took advantage of a weak challenge by Albrighton to curl his side ahead.
The second goal was a delight to watch.
Following De Bruyne's defence-splitting pass, Sterling and Jesus played a one-two before the latter poked the ball over the line for his side's 105th goal in 47 matches in all competitions this season.
Guardiola's side turn their attentions back to the Champions League and the visit of Borussia Dortmund to the Etihad on Tuesday.
On this evidence, it has hard to see City losing again this season.
BBC Sport
Runaway leaders Manchester City moved to within four wins of the Premier League title as two second-half goals saw off third-placed Leicester.
In their first match since announcing club-record scorer Sergio Aguero will be leaving at the end of the season, Pep Guardiola's free-scoring side were on course for a frustrating draw before Benjamin Mendy broke the deadlock.
Fernandinho had a goal disallowed, Kevin de Bruyne's free-kick hit the bar and Riyad Mahrez was denied against his former club by Kasper Schmeichel's save.
However, France defender Mendy produced a lovely curling finish after stepping inside a challenge from Marc Albrighton before Gabriel Jesus sealed the points for the visitors from close range.
Leicester thought they had taken the lead on the stroke of half-time through Jamie Vardy but his celebrations were cut short by an offside flag.
City are 17 points clear of second-placed Manchester United, who host Brighton on Sunday (19:30 BST), after moving onto 74 points with seven games remaining.
Guardiola's side need 11 points to wrap up the title.
This was the perfect start to a huge month for Guardiola and his players as they look to close in on a historic quadruple.
Having started April with a controlled, disciplined and impressive win against a team that had taken 16 points off the supposed big six this season, they could end it with the Carabao Cup, and a place in both the FA Cup final and the semi-finals of the Champions League.
It is no longer a question of if they win the Premier League for the third time in four seasons, but when.Raheem Sterling, Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden started on the bench at the King Power Stadium yet the visitors never looked back once Mendy took advantage of a weak challenge by Albrighton to curl his side ahead.
The second goal was a delight to watch.
Following De Bruyne's defence-splitting pass, Sterling and Jesus played a one-two before the latter poked the ball over the line for his side's 105th goal in 47 matches in all competitions this season.
Guardiola's side turn their attentions back to the Champions League and the visit of Borussia Dortmund to the Etihad on Tuesday.
On this evidence, it has hard to see City losing again this season.
BBC Sport
Kelechi Iheanacho: Leicester forward signs new deal until 2024
Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho has signed a new deal to keep him at the club until 2024.
The 24-year-old has scored seven times in his last four appearances for the Foxes, and was named Premier League player of the month for March.
He has made 117 appearances, scoring 32 goals in total, since moving to Leicester from Manchester City on a five-year contract in 2017.
"I can't express how I'm feeling," said Nigeria international Iheanacho. "I'm excited, I'm happy, I'm overwhelmed! It's a great moment and I'm happy that Leicester City gave me a new contract.
"It's been a great time here. It's not been easy, but there's a lot of people here that are good people, great people to work with. They are nice people and they make me feel comfortable and welcome since I came in.
"It's been really great being here. It's like a family. I'm happy being here and hopefully I can stay here many more years."
BBC Sport
Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho has signed a new deal to keep him at the club until 2024.
The 24-year-old has scored seven times in his last four appearances for the Foxes, and was named Premier League player of the month for March.
He has made 117 appearances, scoring 32 goals in total, since moving to Leicester from Manchester City on a five-year contract in 2017.
"I can't express how I'm feeling," said Nigeria international Iheanacho. "I'm excited, I'm happy, I'm overwhelmed! It's a great moment and I'm happy that Leicester City gave me a new contract.
"It's been a great time here. It's not been easy, but there's a lot of people here that are good people, great people to work with. They are nice people and they make me feel comfortable and welcome since I came in.
"It's been really great being here. It's like a family. I'm happy being here and hopefully I can stay here many more years."
BBC Sport
Frank Worthington dead at 72: Tributes paid to Leicester legend dubbed ‘working man’s George Best’ after dementia battle
FORMER ENGLAND star Frank Worthington has passed away aged 72 after a long battle with dementia.
A forward in his playing days, Worthington represented the likes of Leeds, Huddersfield, Bolton, Birmingham and Southampton.
But it was at Leicester City that he made his biggest mark, appearing over 200 times for the Foxes during the 1970s.
One of the country's finest players during that decade, Worthington also earned eight England caps in 1974, scoring twice. In recent years he suffered with Alzheimer's disease, and died peacefully in hospital yesterday. His wife Carol said: "Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life.
"He will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him so much."
As popular for his off-field personality as well as on it, Worthington developed a reputation as a 'man's man'. The Foxes icon, a maverick through and through, could party with the best of them during his 1970s pomp. Worthington was labelled 'the working man’s George Best' by a former manager and was popular with the ladies - with his 1994 autobiography - titled 'One Hump Or Two' - revealing that Hollywood legend Raquel Welch once tried to kiss him after a game. He also had a brilliant sense of humour - in an interview with Shoot magazine he was asked to name his most difficult opponent, to which he replied: "The taxman". In the same interview, he quipped that among his former clubs were notorious night spots The Playboy, Tramps and Sandpiper.
The peak of his career was undoubtedly a memorable goal against Ipswich, when he controlled the ball on his head, flicked it up twice, over his shoulder and volleyed home.
That, too, came with a quip, as he pointed to the stand behind the goal and told centre back Terry Butcher “you should have gone up there, you’d have had a better view!”
When he turned up for his first England call-up, he arrived wearing cowboy boots, a red silk shirt and a lime velvet jacket. Then Three Lions manager Sir Alf Ramsey was not impressed.
The BBC's Phil McNulty led the tributes on social media, writing: "Frank Worthington. Footballer as entertainment. Wonderful player, maverick character. And what a memory to leave for everyone who has ever seen his most famous goal." And Leicester fan Gary Lineker added his own touching tribute: "Profoundly saddened to hear that Frank Worthington has died. He was my boyhood hero when he was at @LCFC. "A beautiful footballer, a maverick and a wonderful character who was so kind to this young apprentice when he joined the club. RIP Frank (Elvis)."
A fan added: "RIP Frank Worthington, a true maverick, a true entertainer and a wonderful footballer." While another said: "More awful news with the passing of the great Frank Worthington, what a footballer and what a boy he was, back in the day when football was magic to watch, not many better entertainers than Frank."
A terrific goalscorer, and a scorer of terrific goals, Worthington won the First Division Golden Boot in 1979 with 24 strikes for Bolton - beating the likes of Kenny Dalglish along the way.
In January, Worthington's former Trotters team-mate Peter Reid called on the government to 'urgently review the possible link between heading a ball and neurodegenerative diseases,' after seeing his pal's fight against the illness up close. England legends Jack Charlton and Nobby Stiles also passed away after suffering with dementia last year.
And just last week, Lineker called for heading to be 'limited' in training. He said: "If I’d known what I know now, I would have certainly limited the amount of heading I did.
"It’s hard to imagine the game without heading, but maybe it’s worth trialling."
The Sun
FORMER ENGLAND star Frank Worthington has passed away aged 72 after a long battle with dementia.
A forward in his playing days, Worthington represented the likes of Leeds, Huddersfield, Bolton, Birmingham and Southampton.
But it was at Leicester City that he made his biggest mark, appearing over 200 times for the Foxes during the 1970s.
One of the country's finest players during that decade, Worthington also earned eight England caps in 1974, scoring twice. In recent years he suffered with Alzheimer's disease, and died peacefully in hospital yesterday. His wife Carol said: "Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life.
"He will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him so much."
As popular for his off-field personality as well as on it, Worthington developed a reputation as a 'man's man'. The Foxes icon, a maverick through and through, could party with the best of them during his 1970s pomp. Worthington was labelled 'the working man’s George Best' by a former manager and was popular with the ladies - with his 1994 autobiography - titled 'One Hump Or Two' - revealing that Hollywood legend Raquel Welch once tried to kiss him after a game. He also had a brilliant sense of humour - in an interview with Shoot magazine he was asked to name his most difficult opponent, to which he replied: "The taxman". In the same interview, he quipped that among his former clubs were notorious night spots The Playboy, Tramps and Sandpiper.
The peak of his career was undoubtedly a memorable goal against Ipswich, when he controlled the ball on his head, flicked it up twice, over his shoulder and volleyed home.
That, too, came with a quip, as he pointed to the stand behind the goal and told centre back Terry Butcher “you should have gone up there, you’d have had a better view!”
When he turned up for his first England call-up, he arrived wearing cowboy boots, a red silk shirt and a lime velvet jacket. Then Three Lions manager Sir Alf Ramsey was not impressed.
The BBC's Phil McNulty led the tributes on social media, writing: "Frank Worthington. Footballer as entertainment. Wonderful player, maverick character. And what a memory to leave for everyone who has ever seen his most famous goal." And Leicester fan Gary Lineker added his own touching tribute: "Profoundly saddened to hear that Frank Worthington has died. He was my boyhood hero when he was at @LCFC. "A beautiful footballer, a maverick and a wonderful character who was so kind to this young apprentice when he joined the club. RIP Frank (Elvis)."
A fan added: "RIP Frank Worthington, a true maverick, a true entertainer and a wonderful footballer." While another said: "More awful news with the passing of the great Frank Worthington, what a footballer and what a boy he was, back in the day when football was magic to watch, not many better entertainers than Frank."
A terrific goalscorer, and a scorer of terrific goals, Worthington won the First Division Golden Boot in 1979 with 24 strikes for Bolton - beating the likes of Kenny Dalglish along the way.
In January, Worthington's former Trotters team-mate Peter Reid called on the government to 'urgently review the possible link between heading a ball and neurodegenerative diseases,' after seeing his pal's fight against the illness up close. England legends Jack Charlton and Nobby Stiles also passed away after suffering with dementia last year.
And just last week, Lineker called for heading to be 'limited' in training. He said: "If I’d known what I know now, I would have certainly limited the amount of heading I did.
"It’s hard to imagine the game without heading, but maybe it’s worth trialling."
The Sun
Leicester 3-1 Man Utd
Iheanacho brace and Tielemans stunner set up Foxes FA Cup semi-final with Southampton
Leicester City reached their first FA Cup semi-final for 39 years with a fully deserved win over Manchester United at the King Power Stadium.
Brendan Rodgers' side will face Southampton at Wembley with Chelsea and Manchester City meeting in the other semi-final.
Leicester, who lost to eventual winners Tottenham in the 1982 semi-final, were the more vibrant and positive team against off-colour United as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once again tasted defeat in the latter stages of a cup competition, his ploy of resting the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw failing to produce the desired result.
The Foxes' hero was in-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who struck twice and now has nine goals in nine games.
He took advantage of Fred's awful backpass to round Dean Henderson to score in the 24th minute after the hapless Brazilian was played into trouble by captain Harry Maguire.
Mason Greenwood crowned a crisp United move to equalise before half-time but Youri Tielemans restored Leicester City's lead with a fine low shot seven minutes after the break before Iheanacho took advantage of shocking marking at a free-kick to head in Leicester's third after 78 minutes.
Injuries have robbed Leicester of the creative edge provided by James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, as well as the defensive excellence of James Justin, but they still had too much for miserable Manchester United here.
And it was fitting that the two players who got the goals to secure that precious semi-final place, and only their second win over United in 23 years, were Iheanacho and Tielemans - the Foxes' two most influential performers.
Iheanacho has had mixed fortunes since his £25m move from Manchester City in August 2017 but it is testimony to the player's own attitude and persistence, alongside the patience and coaching of manager Rodgers, that he has re-emerged as such an influential figure.
He has always had the natural scorer's instinct but here he provided goals and link-up play while the cultured Belgian Tielemans was the architect of most good things.
Leicester City will now face Southampton - the team they beat 9-0 at St Mary's last season - but the prize at stake is now so enticing it is unlikely there will be a hint of complacency from Rodgers and his players.
There could have been nerves when Jamie Vardy missed the sort of opportunity he normally gobbles up at 2-1 but there was no wavering in self-belief and Iheanacho's second sealed the deal.
Leicester are in a very favourable position in the Premier League's top four and now have an FA Cup semi-final to look forward to in what is shaping up to be a potentially memorable season.
The Sun / BBC
Iheanacho brace and Tielemans stunner set up Foxes FA Cup semi-final with Southampton
Leicester City reached their first FA Cup semi-final for 39 years with a fully deserved win over Manchester United at the King Power Stadium.
Brendan Rodgers' side will face Southampton at Wembley with Chelsea and Manchester City meeting in the other semi-final.
Leicester, who lost to eventual winners Tottenham in the 1982 semi-final, were the more vibrant and positive team against off-colour United as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once again tasted defeat in the latter stages of a cup competition, his ploy of resting the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw failing to produce the desired result.
The Foxes' hero was in-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who struck twice and now has nine goals in nine games.
He took advantage of Fred's awful backpass to round Dean Henderson to score in the 24th minute after the hapless Brazilian was played into trouble by captain Harry Maguire.
Mason Greenwood crowned a crisp United move to equalise before half-time but Youri Tielemans restored Leicester City's lead with a fine low shot seven minutes after the break before Iheanacho took advantage of shocking marking at a free-kick to head in Leicester's third after 78 minutes.
Injuries have robbed Leicester of the creative edge provided by James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, as well as the defensive excellence of James Justin, but they still had too much for miserable Manchester United here.
And it was fitting that the two players who got the goals to secure that precious semi-final place, and only their second win over United in 23 years, were Iheanacho and Tielemans - the Foxes' two most influential performers.
Iheanacho has had mixed fortunes since his £25m move from Manchester City in August 2017 but it is testimony to the player's own attitude and persistence, alongside the patience and coaching of manager Rodgers, that he has re-emerged as such an influential figure.
He has always had the natural scorer's instinct but here he provided goals and link-up play while the cultured Belgian Tielemans was the architect of most good things.
Leicester City will now face Southampton - the team they beat 9-0 at St Mary's last season - but the prize at stake is now so enticing it is unlikely there will be a hint of complacency from Rodgers and his players.
There could have been nerves when Jamie Vardy missed the sort of opportunity he normally gobbles up at 2-1 but there was no wavering in self-belief and Iheanacho's second sealed the deal.
Leicester are in a very favourable position in the Premier League's top four and now have an FA Cup semi-final to look forward to in what is shaping up to be a potentially memorable season.
The Sun / BBC
LEICESTER CITY 5-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
Five of the best as The Foxes put sorry blades to the sword
Kelechi Iheanacho scored a superb hat-trick as Leicester City maintained their push for a top-four finish with a commanding Premier League victory over Sheffield United, in the Blades' first game since the departure of manager Chris Wilder.
Having been appointed interim manager until the end of the season on Saturday, Under-23s boss Paul Heckingbottom took charge of bottom club United following Wilder's departure by "mutual consent" after almost five years in charge.
But Leicester were far superior at King Power Stadium on Sunday, where Iheanacho continued his fine goalscoring form as the Foxes ran riot in the second half.
Iheanacho scored for a third successive Premier League game for the first time as he met Jamie Vardy's cut-back to break the deadlock shortly before the interval.
Ayoze Perez had come closest to an early opener with a flicked header that Aaron Ramsdale diverted onto the post, but the Spaniard got the goal his performance deserved with a fine finish into the bottom corner after 64 minutes.
Iheanacho got his second from Vardy's excellent pass five minutes later, before the Nigeria forward's powerful strike sealed his treble.
Vardy thought he had ended a six-game goal drought with his shot 10 minutes from time, but Blades defender Ethan Ampadu made the decisive touch.
Leicester move into second place, above Manchester United, who face West Ham later on Sunday (19:15 GMT), while Sheffield United remain 12 points from safety.
For the first time since a 1-0 defeat by Bolton Wanderers on the opening day of the 2016-17 League One campaign, Sheffield United took to the field without Wilder as manager. Tasked with lifting the players for their final 10 Premier League games with relegation to the Championship looming, Heckingbottom was only able to link up with his players on Sunday due to Covid-19 protocols.
But the former Barnsley, Leeds United and Hibernian boss could not have been further from inspiring his side to a shock victory in a tough opening assignment against Leicester.
United failed to register a single attempt at goal in a one-sided first-half but they at least had Ramsdale to thank for not finding themselves further behind before the interval.
Chris Basham headed Vardy's shot off the line as the Blades offered resistance early in the second half, but Heckingbottom's side were torn apart as they shipped four goals in the space of 16 desperate minutes.
Having never lost by more than a three-goal margin under Wilder, United fell limply to their heaviest defeat since September 2008, bringing to a close a week that few could have envisaged less than one year on from the club's remarkable ninth-placed finish on their top-flight return.
BBC
Five of the best as The Foxes put sorry blades to the sword
Kelechi Iheanacho scored a superb hat-trick as Leicester City maintained their push for a top-four finish with a commanding Premier League victory over Sheffield United, in the Blades' first game since the departure of manager Chris Wilder.
Having been appointed interim manager until the end of the season on Saturday, Under-23s boss Paul Heckingbottom took charge of bottom club United following Wilder's departure by "mutual consent" after almost five years in charge.
But Leicester were far superior at King Power Stadium on Sunday, where Iheanacho continued his fine goalscoring form as the Foxes ran riot in the second half.
Iheanacho scored for a third successive Premier League game for the first time as he met Jamie Vardy's cut-back to break the deadlock shortly before the interval.
Ayoze Perez had come closest to an early opener with a flicked header that Aaron Ramsdale diverted onto the post, but the Spaniard got the goal his performance deserved with a fine finish into the bottom corner after 64 minutes.
Iheanacho got his second from Vardy's excellent pass five minutes later, before the Nigeria forward's powerful strike sealed his treble.
Vardy thought he had ended a six-game goal drought with his shot 10 minutes from time, but Blades defender Ethan Ampadu made the decisive touch.
Leicester move into second place, above Manchester United, who face West Ham later on Sunday (19:15 GMT), while Sheffield United remain 12 points from safety.
For the first time since a 1-0 defeat by Bolton Wanderers on the opening day of the 2016-17 League One campaign, Sheffield United took to the field without Wilder as manager. Tasked with lifting the players for their final 10 Premier League games with relegation to the Championship looming, Heckingbottom was only able to link up with his players on Sunday due to Covid-19 protocols.
But the former Barnsley, Leeds United and Hibernian boss could not have been further from inspiring his side to a shock victory in a tough opening assignment against Leicester.
United failed to register a single attempt at goal in a one-sided first-half but they at least had Ramsdale to thank for not finding themselves further behind before the interval.
Chris Basham headed Vardy's shot off the line as the Blades offered resistance early in the second half, but Heckingbottom's side were torn apart as they shipped four goals in the space of 16 desperate minutes.
Having never lost by more than a three-goal margin under Wilder, United fell limply to their heaviest defeat since September 2008, bringing to a close a week that few could have envisaged less than one year on from the club's remarkable ninth-placed finish on their top-flight return.
BBC
Brighton 1-2 Leicester: Daniel Amartey scores late to boost Leicester's top-four hopes in comeback win
Daniel Amartey's late header from a Robert Sanchez error gave Leicester a vital comeback victory as they beat Brighton 2-1 at the Amex.
Leicester struggled for rhythm in the first half, going behind through Adam Lallana's first goal for Brighton (10), composing himself to tuck past Kasper Schmeichel from Neal Maupay's slipped pass.
But Leicester improved in the second half as Kelechi Iheanacho's cool finish from a brilliant Youri Tielemans through ball levelled things up (62), before Amartey capitalised on Sanchez's error, reacting to convert from a corner after the goalkeeper had missed his punch (87).
It was a much-needed win for Leicester in their quest for the top four, giving them a seven-point cushion ahead of Everton in fifth, though the Toffees do have two games in hand. Brighton stay 16th, three points above the drop zone.
Both sides have been struggling with injuries of late, but Leicester, who went with a back three again after the 1-1 draw with Burnley, struggled to get going for the first 45 minutes. Brighton, whose 66 attempts in the previous three games had yielded just one goal, took the lead after 10 minutes as Maupay shrugged off the challenge of Tielemans and slipped in Lallana, who calmly slotted into the bottom left corner past Schmeichel.
Leicester's only chance in the first half came from range as full debutant Sidnei Tavares, a cousin of former Manchester United winger Nani, saw his superb half volley from 25 yards tipped wide brilliantly by Brighton goalkeeper Sanchez.
But top-four chasing Foxes, hoping to avoid a repeat of last term's late-season collapse which saw them drop out of the Champions League places, looked uncomfortable in defence as the three-man backline were stretched by a positive and organised Brighton.
Lallana then nearly grabbed his second, glancing a header from Pascal Gross' corner against the post, while Maupay thought he had doubled Brighton's lead from Lallana's clever flick, finishing almost identically to Lallana's goal, but the assistant rightly flagged for a close offside.
Leicester began to find rhythm after the break - Timothy Castagne's through ball was slammed into the side-netting by Iheanacho - but Brendan Rodgers' side got their equaliser thanks to a world-class piece of creativity from Tielemans.
Spotting the run of Iheanacho in behind Lewis Dunk, the Belgian threaded an inch-perfect pass from deep into his path in the box, and the Nigerian duly finished off with poise for his second goal in two games.
Leicester looked to have their tails up, but Brighton settled again and took the sting out of their attacking play, and had a chance of their own as Leandro Trossard and Steven Alzate combined to present Lallana with an opening, but he failed to properly test Schmeichel unmarked from just inside the box.
Leicester felt they should have had a penalty after Dunk slid in on Jamie Vardy in the box, and though Michael Oliver and the VAR saw a touch from Dunk on the tackle, Brighton shot themselves in the foot from a corner moments later.
Sanchez came to punch sub Marc Albrighton's cross, but got caught under the ball, prompting Amartey to react quickly behind him, stooping low to head into the empty net for only his second Premier League goal - the last coming 1,540 days ago.
Leicester won having been nowhere near their best, a good sign ahead of a crucial final 10 games of the season without several of their key men, but for Brighton it was late heartache again, having now lost 17 points from winning positions this season, the second-highest in the Premier League.
Sky Sports
Daniel Amartey's late header from a Robert Sanchez error gave Leicester a vital comeback victory as they beat Brighton 2-1 at the Amex.
Leicester struggled for rhythm in the first half, going behind through Adam Lallana's first goal for Brighton (10), composing himself to tuck past Kasper Schmeichel from Neal Maupay's slipped pass.
But Leicester improved in the second half as Kelechi Iheanacho's cool finish from a brilliant Youri Tielemans through ball levelled things up (62), before Amartey capitalised on Sanchez's error, reacting to convert from a corner after the goalkeeper had missed his punch (87).
It was a much-needed win for Leicester in their quest for the top four, giving them a seven-point cushion ahead of Everton in fifth, though the Toffees do have two games in hand. Brighton stay 16th, three points above the drop zone.
Both sides have been struggling with injuries of late, but Leicester, who went with a back three again after the 1-1 draw with Burnley, struggled to get going for the first 45 minutes. Brighton, whose 66 attempts in the previous three games had yielded just one goal, took the lead after 10 minutes as Maupay shrugged off the challenge of Tielemans and slipped in Lallana, who calmly slotted into the bottom left corner past Schmeichel.
Leicester's only chance in the first half came from range as full debutant Sidnei Tavares, a cousin of former Manchester United winger Nani, saw his superb half volley from 25 yards tipped wide brilliantly by Brighton goalkeeper Sanchez.
But top-four chasing Foxes, hoping to avoid a repeat of last term's late-season collapse which saw them drop out of the Champions League places, looked uncomfortable in defence as the three-man backline were stretched by a positive and organised Brighton.
Lallana then nearly grabbed his second, glancing a header from Pascal Gross' corner against the post, while Maupay thought he had doubled Brighton's lead from Lallana's clever flick, finishing almost identically to Lallana's goal, but the assistant rightly flagged for a close offside.
Leicester began to find rhythm after the break - Timothy Castagne's through ball was slammed into the side-netting by Iheanacho - but Brendan Rodgers' side got their equaliser thanks to a world-class piece of creativity from Tielemans.
Spotting the run of Iheanacho in behind Lewis Dunk, the Belgian threaded an inch-perfect pass from deep into his path in the box, and the Nigerian duly finished off with poise for his second goal in two games.
Leicester looked to have their tails up, but Brighton settled again and took the sting out of their attacking play, and had a chance of their own as Leandro Trossard and Steven Alzate combined to present Lallana with an opening, but he failed to properly test Schmeichel unmarked from just inside the box.
Leicester felt they should have had a penalty after Dunk slid in on Jamie Vardy in the box, and though Michael Oliver and the VAR saw a touch from Dunk on the tackle, Brighton shot themselves in the foot from a corner moments later.
Sanchez came to punch sub Marc Albrighton's cross, but got caught under the ball, prompting Amartey to react quickly behind him, stooping low to head into the empty net for only his second Premier League goal - the last coming 1,540 days ago.
Leicester won having been nowhere near their best, a good sign ahead of a crucial final 10 games of the season without several of their key men, but for Brighton it was late heartache again, having now lost 17 points from winning positions this season, the second-highest in the Premier League.
Sky Sports
Burnley 1-1 Leicester
Kelechi Iheanacho stepped up superbly in the absence of a number of injured team-mates to earn Champions League-chasing Leicester a potentially important draw at Burnley.
With Harvey Barnes having joined James Maddison on the Foxes' injury list and Jamie Vardy having only just returned from his own lay-off, Iheanacho gave his side the attacking edge they required courtesy of a volleyed equaliser midway through the first half.
City had earlier gifted the home side the lead, with Hamza Choudhury's under-hit pass near his own box allowing Matej Vydra to nip in, beat a man and then fire a shot into the roof of the net.
There were chances to win the game for both sides, but goalkeepers Nick Pope and Kasper Schmeichel each produced a typically excellent display.
Foxes keeper Scmeichel was particularly impressive, diving to superbly save headers from James Tarkowski and Chris Wood.
Both teams also hit the post in the second half - Ashley Westwood for Burnley with a volleyed effort from a tight angle and Youri Tielemens for Leicester with a shot from the edge of the box.
It is a useful point for Burnley, who extend the gap between themselves and 18th-placed Fulham to six points.
For Leicester, the comeback and resulting confidence it may inspire is as important as the reward it yields. and they now have a six-point advantage of their own over fifth-placed Chelsea.
Having earned a reputation as a predatory finisher during a series of cameo appearances for Manchester City in the early stages of his career, Iheanacho has never fully justified a regular starting spot at Leicester since joining the club for £25m in 2017.
Now would be a fine time to start fully living up to his considerable promise, with the Foxes deprived of top-drawer attacking talent and desperate not to allow Champions League football to elude them again.
Maddison and Barnes have either scored or assisted 15 of Leicester's past 20 Premier League goals.
But in allowing Ndidi's lofted pass to float over his shoulder before volleying the ball past Pope, Iheanacho demonstrated he has the skills to take over from the England pair.
His goal on Wednesday was not only brilliant but timely, with the early concession rocking a Foxes side that came into the fixture off the back of two defeats and had a number of square pegs in round holes.
While understandably not at their best, they visibly lifted after the goal, though, and stepped up again when defender Wesley Fofana came on and Wilfred Ndidi was restored to his preferred spot in the middle of midfield.
Before that, Choudhury had a chance to make amends for his error but fired over with just Pope to beat from a central position. After the equaliser, Tielemens saw one shot hit the woodwork and another saved by Pope, who also denied Marc Albrighton from long range.
A point is not ideal, but it is a necessary check on a potentially demoralising run of results in dire circumstances.
BBC Sport
Kelechi Iheanacho stepped up superbly in the absence of a number of injured team-mates to earn Champions League-chasing Leicester a potentially important draw at Burnley.
With Harvey Barnes having joined James Maddison on the Foxes' injury list and Jamie Vardy having only just returned from his own lay-off, Iheanacho gave his side the attacking edge they required courtesy of a volleyed equaliser midway through the first half.
City had earlier gifted the home side the lead, with Hamza Choudhury's under-hit pass near his own box allowing Matej Vydra to nip in, beat a man and then fire a shot into the roof of the net.
There were chances to win the game for both sides, but goalkeepers Nick Pope and Kasper Schmeichel each produced a typically excellent display.
Foxes keeper Scmeichel was particularly impressive, diving to superbly save headers from James Tarkowski and Chris Wood.
Both teams also hit the post in the second half - Ashley Westwood for Burnley with a volleyed effort from a tight angle and Youri Tielemens for Leicester with a shot from the edge of the box.
It is a useful point for Burnley, who extend the gap between themselves and 18th-placed Fulham to six points.
For Leicester, the comeback and resulting confidence it may inspire is as important as the reward it yields. and they now have a six-point advantage of their own over fifth-placed Chelsea.
Having earned a reputation as a predatory finisher during a series of cameo appearances for Manchester City in the early stages of his career, Iheanacho has never fully justified a regular starting spot at Leicester since joining the club for £25m in 2017.
Now would be a fine time to start fully living up to his considerable promise, with the Foxes deprived of top-drawer attacking talent and desperate not to allow Champions League football to elude them again.
Maddison and Barnes have either scored or assisted 15 of Leicester's past 20 Premier League goals.
But in allowing Ndidi's lofted pass to float over his shoulder before volleying the ball past Pope, Iheanacho demonstrated he has the skills to take over from the England pair.
His goal on Wednesday was not only brilliant but timely, with the early concession rocking a Foxes side that came into the fixture off the back of two defeats and had a number of square pegs in round holes.
While understandably not at their best, they visibly lifted after the goal, though, and stepped up again when defender Wesley Fofana came on and Wilfred Ndidi was restored to his preferred spot in the middle of midfield.
Before that, Choudhury had a chance to make amends for his error but fired over with just Pope to beat from a central position. After the equaliser, Tielemens saw one shot hit the woodwork and another saved by Pope, who also denied Marc Albrighton from long range.
A point is not ideal, but it is a necessary check on a potentially demoralising run of results in dire circumstances.
BBC Sport
Leicester 1-3 Arsenal
Leicester's increasingly forlorn-looking pursuit of Premier League leaders Manchester City suffered a big blow as Arsenal came from behind to claim an impressive victory at the King Power Stadium.
On a miserable afternoon at the end of a dire week for the Foxes, they also had influential winger Harvey Barnes carried off on a stretcher with his leg in a brace to add to their already considerable injury problems.
Things had started well for the hosts, who were given an early tonic for their midweek Europa League exit as Youri Tielemens was allowed to run unchecked down the right before firing a low shot into the far corner with just six minutes played.
Arsenal refused to be adversely affected, though, and took control of the game with impressive attacking intent and far greater fluency than Leicester.
David Luiz brought them level, finding space in the box to steer a header in from Willian's free-kick.
Alexandre Lacazette then put them ahead after the video assistant referee (VAR) judged that Wilfred Ndidi had blocked Nicolas Pepe's shot in the box with an outstretched arm.
It was second time lucky for the Gunners, who had earlier had a penalty awarded on the pitch but then downgraded to a free-kick after VAR decided the offending tackle on Pepe had taken place just outside the area.
Ivory Coast forward Pepe got in on the act himself, tapping into a largely unguarded net after Willian's pass had deflected his way.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta actually chose to rest a number of key players on Sunday, including Bukayo Saka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, whose late winner had won their Europa League tie against Benfica on Thursday.
However, it came at a potential cost, though, with Emile Smith Rowe - such a bright spark in recent months - having to leave the field injured in the first half.
The Foxes' sixth home loss of the campaign leaves them 10 points behind a Manchester City side who have won their past 20 games.
Arsenal move up to ninth, eight points off the top four but with a renewed interest in events above them in the table.
In naming a stronger side on paper for the Europa League tie against Benfica and resting key players at the King Power, Arteta appeared to be suggesting that success in Europe represented his side's best route back into the Champions League.That may still be the case, but what the Spaniard and his squad proved on Sunday is that they are far more capable than they have demonstrated for much of this season.
Granted, they got off to an appalling start, practically waving Tielemens in for his early opening goal.
But they did not allow the incident to alter the gameplan - one designed to sensibly take the game to Brendan Rodgers' side.
They fashioned the better chances over the 90 minutes as a result.
Aside from the goals, Willian fired a low shot just past the post, Luke Thomas's superb sliding tackle denied Pepe from close range and substitute Aubameyang curled a shot narrowly wide late on.
With eight points and four other teams between themselves and fourth-placed West Ham, a late dart for the Champions League places remains a long shot for the Gunners, but with big players firing and talent in reserve they are in a good place to challenge for their ultimate goal.
BBC Sport
Leicester's increasingly forlorn-looking pursuit of Premier League leaders Manchester City suffered a big blow as Arsenal came from behind to claim an impressive victory at the King Power Stadium.
On a miserable afternoon at the end of a dire week for the Foxes, they also had influential winger Harvey Barnes carried off on a stretcher with his leg in a brace to add to their already considerable injury problems.
Things had started well for the hosts, who were given an early tonic for their midweek Europa League exit as Youri Tielemens was allowed to run unchecked down the right before firing a low shot into the far corner with just six minutes played.
Arsenal refused to be adversely affected, though, and took control of the game with impressive attacking intent and far greater fluency than Leicester.
David Luiz brought them level, finding space in the box to steer a header in from Willian's free-kick.
Alexandre Lacazette then put them ahead after the video assistant referee (VAR) judged that Wilfred Ndidi had blocked Nicolas Pepe's shot in the box with an outstretched arm.
It was second time lucky for the Gunners, who had earlier had a penalty awarded on the pitch but then downgraded to a free-kick after VAR decided the offending tackle on Pepe had taken place just outside the area.
Ivory Coast forward Pepe got in on the act himself, tapping into a largely unguarded net after Willian's pass had deflected his way.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta actually chose to rest a number of key players on Sunday, including Bukayo Saka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, whose late winner had won their Europa League tie against Benfica on Thursday.
However, it came at a potential cost, though, with Emile Smith Rowe - such a bright spark in recent months - having to leave the field injured in the first half.
The Foxes' sixth home loss of the campaign leaves them 10 points behind a Manchester City side who have won their past 20 games.
Arsenal move up to ninth, eight points off the top four but with a renewed interest in events above them in the table.
In naming a stronger side on paper for the Europa League tie against Benfica and resting key players at the King Power, Arteta appeared to be suggesting that success in Europe represented his side's best route back into the Champions League.That may still be the case, but what the Spaniard and his squad proved on Sunday is that they are far more capable than they have demonstrated for much of this season.
Granted, they got off to an appalling start, practically waving Tielemens in for his early opening goal.
But they did not allow the incident to alter the gameplan - one designed to sensibly take the game to Brendan Rodgers' side.
They fashioned the better chances over the 90 minutes as a result.
Aside from the goals, Willian fired a low shot just past the post, Luke Thomas's superb sliding tackle denied Pepe from close range and substitute Aubameyang curled a shot narrowly wide late on.
With eight points and four other teams between themselves and fourth-placed West Ham, a late dart for the Champions League places remains a long shot for the Gunners, but with big players firing and talent in reserve they are in a good place to challenge for their ultimate goal.
BBC Sport
Leicester City 0-2 Slavia Prague
Leicester were dumped out of the Europa League by Czech side Slavia Prague after turning in a miserable display at the King Power Stadium.
With playmaker James Maddison missing with a hip injury and in-form winger Harvey Barnes left on the bench for the first hour, Brendan Rodgers' side were a shadow of the vibrant team pushing for Champions League qualification at the top of the Premier League.
Jamie Vardy was kept quiet by efficient if limited opposition, and a spirited second-half showing from the visitors earned a shock win.
Midfielder Lukas Provod volleyed in the opener before 19-year-old striker Abdallah Sima wrapped up a thoroughly deserved victory with a fine low drive late on.
Slavia were raided by West Ham for defender Vladimir Coufal and midfielder Tomas Soucek in the last year and could soon be fielding more Premier League interest after this superb win.
Sima, in particular, looks a real asset.
Rodgers - who has now lost at this stage of the competition on five occasions - could still steer the Foxes into the Champions League next year, of course.
But he will have to hope that this insipid display was a one-off and not a sign that last season's late collapse could be about to be repeated.
BBC Sport.
Leicester were dumped out of the Europa League by Czech side Slavia Prague after turning in a miserable display at the King Power Stadium.
With playmaker James Maddison missing with a hip injury and in-form winger Harvey Barnes left on the bench for the first hour, Brendan Rodgers' side were a shadow of the vibrant team pushing for Champions League qualification at the top of the Premier League.
Jamie Vardy was kept quiet by efficient if limited opposition, and a spirited second-half showing from the visitors earned a shock win.
Midfielder Lukas Provod volleyed in the opener before 19-year-old striker Abdallah Sima wrapped up a thoroughly deserved victory with a fine low drive late on.
Slavia were raided by West Ham for defender Vladimir Coufal and midfielder Tomas Soucek in the last year and could soon be fielding more Premier League interest after this superb win.
Sima, in particular, looks a real asset.
Rodgers - who has now lost at this stage of the competition on five occasions - could still steer the Foxes into the Champions League next year, of course.
But he will have to hope that this insipid display was a one-off and not a sign that last season's late collapse could be about to be repeated.
BBC Sport.
Aston Villa 1-2 Leicester City
James Maddison and Harvey Barnes scored as Leicester City edged out an Aston Villa side missing the injured Jack Grealish.
Maddison found the net inside the opening 20 minutes, side-footing the ball into the far corner. Moments later, Barnes was on hand to strike home a rebound, giving the Foxes a deserved two-goal lead.
Villa lacked creativity without captain Grealish - who has a leg injury that is set to keep him out for around a month - but were given a lifeline when Bertrand Traore volleyed home a loose ball.
The hosts struggled to create further openings as Leicester held on to go second in the Premier League, three points clear of Manchester United, who host Newcastle later on Sunday (19:00 GMT).
With England manager Gareth Southgate watching on, English duo Maddison and Barnes barely put a foot wrong for Leicester in the first half.
Maddison, 24, had been involved in eight goals in his past nine league appearances coming into this fixture, and it took him just 19 minutes to curl Leicester in front after a lay-off from Barnes.
And Barnes was then in the right place moments later, tapping in after Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez parried a close-range Jamie Vardy effort.
Maddison was substituted midway through the second half after a minor knock to his hip.
But Barnes continued to orchestrate from midfield, playing through Vardy who fired a dangerous effort across the face of goal late on.
For the first time since November 2019, club captain Jack Grealish was not in the Aston Villa squad for a Premier League match.
"He had some discomfort in training this week. At the end of the week, we decided he wasn't right to play," Villa boss Dean Smith told Sky Sports before the game.
Nobody has been involved in more Villa goals than Grealish this season, and without their captain, Smith's side looked a shadow of their usual selves in the first half.
Forward Traore halved the deficit three minutes after the restart, pouncing on a loose ball after Matt Targett's cross was flicked on by John McGinn.
But Leicester easily wrestled back control, with a late Tyrone Mings header the only other chance of note for the hosts.
Grealish had started Villa's previous 48 league fixtures - but they must learn to adapt to life without him for the next few games.
BBC Sport
James Maddison and Harvey Barnes scored as Leicester City edged out an Aston Villa side missing the injured Jack Grealish.
Maddison found the net inside the opening 20 minutes, side-footing the ball into the far corner. Moments later, Barnes was on hand to strike home a rebound, giving the Foxes a deserved two-goal lead.
Villa lacked creativity without captain Grealish - who has a leg injury that is set to keep him out for around a month - but were given a lifeline when Bertrand Traore volleyed home a loose ball.
The hosts struggled to create further openings as Leicester held on to go second in the Premier League, three points clear of Manchester United, who host Newcastle later on Sunday (19:00 GMT).
With England manager Gareth Southgate watching on, English duo Maddison and Barnes barely put a foot wrong for Leicester in the first half.
Maddison, 24, had been involved in eight goals in his past nine league appearances coming into this fixture, and it took him just 19 minutes to curl Leicester in front after a lay-off from Barnes.
And Barnes was then in the right place moments later, tapping in after Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez parried a close-range Jamie Vardy effort.
Maddison was substituted midway through the second half after a minor knock to his hip.
But Barnes continued to orchestrate from midfield, playing through Vardy who fired a dangerous effort across the face of goal late on.
For the first time since November 2019, club captain Jack Grealish was not in the Aston Villa squad for a Premier League match.
"He had some discomfort in training this week. At the end of the week, we decided he wasn't right to play," Villa boss Dean Smith told Sky Sports before the game.
Nobody has been involved in more Villa goals than Grealish this season, and without their captain, Smith's side looked a shadow of their usual selves in the first half.
Forward Traore halved the deficit three minutes after the restart, pouncing on a loose ball after Matt Targett's cross was flicked on by John McGinn.
But Leicester easily wrestled back control, with a late Tyrone Mings header the only other chance of note for the hosts.
Grealish had started Villa's previous 48 league fixtures - but they must learn to adapt to life without him for the next few games.
BBC Sport
Slavia Prague 0-0 Leicester City
Leicester City came away with a goalless draw in their Europa League last-32 tie against Slavia Prague.
Brendan Rodgers' side, who currently sit third in the Premier League, failed to create many clear-cut chances on a frustrating evening in Prague.
Harvey Barnes came closest, when he was denied from close range in the first half, but the hosts put Leicester under some pressure after the break.
The return leg will be played at King Power Stadium on Thursday, 25 February.
It was though a Valuable clean sheet on a quiet night for the Foxes
When Marc Albrighton fired inches wide within seconds of kick-off, it looked like it could be a promising night for Leicester. But despite showing glimpses of creativity in the first half, they never really got going.
In-form Barnes, who has contributed to 11 goals in 23 league games so far this season, was played in by Youri Tielemans and raced through one-on-one with the goalkeeper only to poke it straight at his legs.
He was the most likely provider for Leicester - dragging another shot wide from a corner in the first half before almost setting up substitute Kelechi Iheanacho late on.
Slavia Prague full-back Alexander Bah and midfielder Nicolae Stanciu had half-chances for the hosts but Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was never truly troubled.
And when Rodgers took off key players Jamie Vardy and James Maddison after an hour, he looked resigned to settle for a point away from home and a clean sheet, with the only regret being the yellow card shown to Iheanacho that rules him out of the next match.
BBC Sport
Leicester City came away with a goalless draw in their Europa League last-32 tie against Slavia Prague.
Brendan Rodgers' side, who currently sit third in the Premier League, failed to create many clear-cut chances on a frustrating evening in Prague.
Harvey Barnes came closest, when he was denied from close range in the first half, but the hosts put Leicester under some pressure after the break.
The return leg will be played at King Power Stadium on Thursday, 25 February.
It was though a Valuable clean sheet on a quiet night for the Foxes
When Marc Albrighton fired inches wide within seconds of kick-off, it looked like it could be a promising night for Leicester. But despite showing glimpses of creativity in the first half, they never really got going.
In-form Barnes, who has contributed to 11 goals in 23 league games so far this season, was played in by Youri Tielemans and raced through one-on-one with the goalkeeper only to poke it straight at his legs.
He was the most likely provider for Leicester - dragging another shot wide from a corner in the first half before almost setting up substitute Kelechi Iheanacho late on.
Slavia Prague full-back Alexander Bah and midfielder Nicolae Stanciu had half-chances for the hosts but Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was never truly troubled.
And when Rodgers took off key players Jamie Vardy and James Maddison after an hour, he looked resigned to settle for a point away from home and a clean sheet, with the only regret being the yellow card shown to Iheanacho that rules him out of the next match.
BBC Sport
Leicester 3-1 Liverpool: Alisson blunders again as Foxes score three goals in eight minutes to go second
Liverpool suffer another setback with goals from James Maddison, Jamie Vardy and Harvey Barnes inflecting a fifth defeat in their last seven games; Mohamed Salah had earlier put visitors in front
Leicester scored three goals in seven breathtaking second-half minutes as another Alisson mistake contributed to a 3-1 defeat for Liverpool at the King Power Stadium.
The Premier League champions looked in relative control and deservedly led when Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock after 67 minutes but Jurgen Klopp's side imploded to slip six points behind their opponents.
James Maddison hauled Leicester level when his free-kick was allowed to stand following VAR review for an offside call on Daniel Amartey (78) before a terrible breakdown in communication between Alisson and new boy Ozan Kabak allowed Jamie Vardy to tap home from close range (81).
Harvey Barnes compounded Liverpool's misery with a well-taken third (85) as Leicester moved up to second in the table ahead of the weekend's remaining fixtures, with the visitors still fourth - 10 points behind leaders Manchester City having played two games more.
Sky Sports
Liverpool suffer another setback with goals from James Maddison, Jamie Vardy and Harvey Barnes inflecting a fifth defeat in their last seven games; Mohamed Salah had earlier put visitors in front
Leicester scored three goals in seven breathtaking second-half minutes as another Alisson mistake contributed to a 3-1 defeat for Liverpool at the King Power Stadium.
The Premier League champions looked in relative control and deservedly led when Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock after 67 minutes but Jurgen Klopp's side imploded to slip six points behind their opponents.
James Maddison hauled Leicester level when his free-kick was allowed to stand following VAR review for an offside call on Daniel Amartey (78) before a terrible breakdown in communication between Alisson and new boy Ozan Kabak allowed Jamie Vardy to tap home from close range (81).
Harvey Barnes compounded Liverpool's misery with a well-taken third (85) as Leicester moved up to second in the table ahead of the weekend's remaining fixtures, with the visitors still fourth - 10 points behind leaders Manchester City having played two games more.
Sky Sports
James Justin: Leicester defender suffered ACL injury in FA Cup win over Brighton
Brendan Rodgers confirms James Justin faces lengthy spell out after being stretchered off with ACL injury suffered in Leicester's 1-0 FA Cup win over Brighton; defender had played every minute of Foxes' Premier League campaign so far this season
Leicester defender James Justin is set for an operation after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury, says Brendan Rodgers.
The 22-year-old was stretchered off with a knee injury during Leicester's 1-0 win over Brighton in the FA Cup on Wednesday.
Justin is with the club doctor in London and will need an operation, meaning he will face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Sky Sports
Brendan Rodgers confirms James Justin faces lengthy spell out after being stretchered off with ACL injury suffered in Leicester's 1-0 FA Cup win over Brighton; defender had played every minute of Foxes' Premier League campaign so far this season
Leicester defender James Justin is set for an operation after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury, says Brendan Rodgers.
The 22-year-old was stretchered off with a knee injury during Leicester's 1-0 win over Brighton in the FA Cup on Wednesday.
Justin is with the club doctor in London and will need an operation, meaning he will face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Sky Sports
FA Cup 5th Round - Leicester City 1-0 Brighton
Kelechi Iheanacho scored a 94th-minute winner as Leicester edged past Brighton to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Substitute Iheanacho nodded in from Youri Tielemans' cross to settle an otherwise unremarkable contest.
With both sides making seven changes for the tie, the first half was a slow burner and neither team were able to register a single shot on target.
The second half improved slightly with Andi Zeqiri and Cengiz Under both having efforts ruled out for offside. The quarter-final draw takes place on Thursday, with matches being played across the weekend of 20-21 March
Brendan Rodgers' side, now beaten just once in 13 games, reached the last eight of the competition for the second successive season - but a nasty-looking knee injury to James Justin will take the gloss off the result.
The in-form English full-back landed awkwardly in the second half and seemed to jar his leg on impact with the turf. He was carried off on a stretcher.
The two best openings of a lacklustre 45 minutes fell to Adam Lallana but the Brighton midfielder was unable to work goalkeeper Danny Ward with either of his strikes from outside the area.
The lively Zeqiri curled wide and had a low shot kept out by Leicester's second-choice keeper Ward. At the other end Turkey international Under's effort, following a lovely one-two with James Maddison, was pushed away by Christian Walton.
With the prospect of extra time and penalties looming on a chilly evening, the Foxes played a quick corner deep in injury time and Iheanacho popped up to nod home his fifth of the season.
BBC
Kelechi Iheanacho scored a 94th-minute winner as Leicester edged past Brighton to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Substitute Iheanacho nodded in from Youri Tielemans' cross to settle an otherwise unremarkable contest.
With both sides making seven changes for the tie, the first half was a slow burner and neither team were able to register a single shot on target.
The second half improved slightly with Andi Zeqiri and Cengiz Under both having efforts ruled out for offside. The quarter-final draw takes place on Thursday, with matches being played across the weekend of 20-21 March
Brendan Rodgers' side, now beaten just once in 13 games, reached the last eight of the competition for the second successive season - but a nasty-looking knee injury to James Justin will take the gloss off the result.
The in-form English full-back landed awkwardly in the second half and seemed to jar his leg on impact with the turf. He was carried off on a stretcher.
The two best openings of a lacklustre 45 minutes fell to Adam Lallana but the Brighton midfielder was unable to work goalkeeper Danny Ward with either of his strikes from outside the area.
The lively Zeqiri curled wide and had a low shot kept out by Leicester's second-choice keeper Ward. At the other end Turkey international Under's effort, following a lovely one-two with James Maddison, was pushed away by Christian Walton.
With the prospect of extra time and penalties looming on a chilly evening, the Foxes played a quick corner deep in injury time and Iheanacho popped up to nod home his fifth of the season.
BBC
Wolves 0-0 Leicester: Brendan Rodgers' side unable to find a way past Nuno Espirito Santo's stubborn defence
Leicester missed the chance to pull level on points with second-placed Manchester United in the Premier League table after a series of Wolves blocks denied them in a 0-0 at Molineux.
Brendan Rodgers' side were below their best throughout the contest but would have found the net if Jonny - on his return from a cruciate injury - had not made a brilliant double-block to deny James Maddison in the first half, or Max Kilman hadn't put his body on the line to keep out Harvey Barnes' effort after the break.
Wolves wasted a couple of good early moments of their own, with Ruben Neves volleying badly off target before James Justin got in the way of Adama Traore's shot, and when they did eventually hit the target for the first time in the 77th minute, Kasper Schmeichel was quick off his line to deny sub Fabio Silva.
The result leaves Leicester in third, while Wolves stay 14th, 12 points above the drop zone.
Both teams had been boosted by important midweek wins and there were big chances - and crucial blocks - at both ends of the pitch during a fascinating first half, which saw a blockbuster battle between Leicester left-back Justin and Wolves winger Traore.
It was the hosts who had the first opening, with Neves surprisingly getting a volley all wrong from a flicked-on corner, which had been won by Traore, before Justin made a vital intervention on 15 minutes to get in the way of Traore's shot from 15 yards out after Pedro Neto brilliance on the left flank.At the other end, Kelechi Iheanacho fired wildly off target before James Maddison whipped a cross through the Wolves box which just needed to be turned in. More Neto skill saw him skip past Ricardo Pereira before sending a similarly tempting pass through the Leicester six-yard area soon after.
Maddison warmed Rui Patricio's hands with a couple of tame efforts from range - but there was some brilliant defending from the returning Jonny in between.
The defender was making his first appearance of the season after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury but was perfectly placed to make a double block to deny Maddison a certain opener.
Jonny was taken off at half-time but his team-mates were nearly celebrating shortly after the restart when Traore - who increasingly got the better of Justin after the break - fired across goal, but Ricardo was handily placed to prevent Neto from tucking in.
Rodgers sent on Jamie Vardy on 60 minutes to try to come up with the breakthrough but Neto almost orchestrated the opener for Wolves when he beat Ricardo and cutback for Joao Moutinho, who wasted time and space on the edge of the box by shooting badly over.
Barnes was the latest Leicester player to be denied by a brilliant block, when Max Kilman threw himself in front of the winger's shot, before Wolves finally registered a shot on target, with Silva halted by a sharp Schmeichel.
There was a late chance for fit-again Vardy in stoppage time but the striker was unable to steer his header on target and clinch all three points on his return to the side.
Sky Sports
Leicester missed the chance to pull level on points with second-placed Manchester United in the Premier League table after a series of Wolves blocks denied them in a 0-0 at Molineux.
Brendan Rodgers' side were below their best throughout the contest but would have found the net if Jonny - on his return from a cruciate injury - had not made a brilliant double-block to deny James Maddison in the first half, or Max Kilman hadn't put his body on the line to keep out Harvey Barnes' effort after the break.
Wolves wasted a couple of good early moments of their own, with Ruben Neves volleying badly off target before James Justin got in the way of Adama Traore's shot, and when they did eventually hit the target for the first time in the 77th minute, Kasper Schmeichel was quick off his line to deny sub Fabio Silva.
The result leaves Leicester in third, while Wolves stay 14th, 12 points above the drop zone.
Both teams had been boosted by important midweek wins and there were big chances - and crucial blocks - at both ends of the pitch during a fascinating first half, which saw a blockbuster battle between Leicester left-back Justin and Wolves winger Traore.
It was the hosts who had the first opening, with Neves surprisingly getting a volley all wrong from a flicked-on corner, which had been won by Traore, before Justin made a vital intervention on 15 minutes to get in the way of Traore's shot from 15 yards out after Pedro Neto brilliance on the left flank.At the other end, Kelechi Iheanacho fired wildly off target before James Maddison whipped a cross through the Wolves box which just needed to be turned in. More Neto skill saw him skip past Ricardo Pereira before sending a similarly tempting pass through the Leicester six-yard area soon after.
Maddison warmed Rui Patricio's hands with a couple of tame efforts from range - but there was some brilliant defending from the returning Jonny in between.
The defender was making his first appearance of the season after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury but was perfectly placed to make a double block to deny Maddison a certain opener.
Jonny was taken off at half-time but his team-mates were nearly celebrating shortly after the restart when Traore - who increasingly got the better of Justin after the break - fired across goal, but Ricardo was handily placed to prevent Neto from tucking in.
Rodgers sent on Jamie Vardy on 60 minutes to try to come up with the breakthrough but Neto almost orchestrated the opener for Wolves when he beat Ricardo and cutback for Joao Moutinho, who wasted time and space on the edge of the box by shooting badly over.
Barnes was the latest Leicester player to be denied by a brilliant block, when Max Kilman threw himself in front of the winger's shot, before Wolves finally registered a shot on target, with Silva halted by a sharp Schmeichel.
There was a late chance for fit-again Vardy in stoppage time but the striker was unable to steer his header on target and clinch all three points on his return to the side.
Sky Sports
Fulham 0-2 Leicester City
Foxes win away at the cottage to keep Fulham in trouble
Leicester strengthened their position in the Premier League's top four with victory over Fulham, whose survival hopes suffered a further blow at Craven Cottage.
James Maddison played a key role in both the visitors' goals, delivering a delightful in-swinging cross for Kelechi Iheanacho to head home before teeing up James Justin to double the Foxes' lead on the stroke of half-time.
Brendan Rodgers' side had three goals disallowed - Caglar Soyuncu's first-half header was ruled out for a push on Tosin Adarabioyo before Iheanacho and Ricardo Pereira were denied by the linesman's flag in the second half. Fulham had chances too - notably when Adarabioyo's header was palmed over the crossbar by Kasper Schmeichel moments before the visitors' second goal.
That header, however, was the Cottagers' only effort on target in the entire 90 minutes. The result lifts Leicester two points behind second-placed Manchester United, while Fulham remain seven points adrift of safety in 18th.
Rodgers admitted his team "weren't good enough" in Sunday's defeat by Leeds United - a result that saw them miss the chance to move two points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City. The Foxes were without injured defenders Timothy Castagne and Wesley Fofana at Craven Cottage, while key duo Wilfred Ndidi and Jamie Vardy were also still sidelined.
Leicester had earned just one point from their past four league fixtures without Vardy, while winning only six of their 22 league matches without Ndidi since the Nigerian's debut in January 2017. However, two superb assists from Maddison steered the Foxes to victory in west London.
The 24-year-old's teasing delivery from the right gave Iheanacho the simple task of directing a close-range header past Areola, while he showed great composure to tee up Justin for the visitors' crucial second goal. Leicester were happy to contain their opponents for the majority of the second half, as Fulham struggled to penetrate their resolute, well-drilled defence.
Only Manchester United have collected more points on their travels this season than Rodgers' side, who have now won eight of their 11 away league matches in 2020-21.
BBC Sport
Foxes win away at the cottage to keep Fulham in trouble
Leicester strengthened their position in the Premier League's top four with victory over Fulham, whose survival hopes suffered a further blow at Craven Cottage.
James Maddison played a key role in both the visitors' goals, delivering a delightful in-swinging cross for Kelechi Iheanacho to head home before teeing up James Justin to double the Foxes' lead on the stroke of half-time.
Brendan Rodgers' side had three goals disallowed - Caglar Soyuncu's first-half header was ruled out for a push on Tosin Adarabioyo before Iheanacho and Ricardo Pereira were denied by the linesman's flag in the second half. Fulham had chances too - notably when Adarabioyo's header was palmed over the crossbar by Kasper Schmeichel moments before the visitors' second goal.
That header, however, was the Cottagers' only effort on target in the entire 90 minutes. The result lifts Leicester two points behind second-placed Manchester United, while Fulham remain seven points adrift of safety in 18th.
Rodgers admitted his team "weren't good enough" in Sunday's defeat by Leeds United - a result that saw them miss the chance to move two points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City. The Foxes were without injured defenders Timothy Castagne and Wesley Fofana at Craven Cottage, while key duo Wilfred Ndidi and Jamie Vardy were also still sidelined.
Leicester had earned just one point from their past four league fixtures without Vardy, while winning only six of their 22 league matches without Ndidi since the Nigerian's debut in January 2017. However, two superb assists from Maddison steered the Foxes to victory in west London.
The 24-year-old's teasing delivery from the right gave Iheanacho the simple task of directing a close-range header past Areola, while he showed great composure to tee up Justin for the visitors' crucial second goal. Leicester were happy to contain their opponents for the majority of the second half, as Fulham struggled to penetrate their resolute, well-drilled defence.
Only Manchester United have collected more points on their travels this season than Rodgers' side, who have now won eight of their 11 away league matches in 2020-21.
BBC Sport
Leicester City 1-3 Leeds United
Foxes miss chance to go second as Leeds come from behind to take all 3 points
Patrick Bamford had a role in all three goals as Leeds United fought back to end Leicester City's seven-game unbeaten run in the Premier League with a deserved victory at King Power Stadium.
Harvey Barnes had opened the scoring for Leicester after a wonderful run and quick exchange with James Maddison, but the Foxes' lead lasted just 127 seconds.
Bamford found Stuart Dallas with a well-timed pass and the midfielder picked out the far corner with a low, right-footed strike.
The forward then fired into the top corner to put Leeds in front with his first goal in five league games, before unselfishly setting up Jack Harrison.
Ayoze Perez thought he had restored the Foxes' lead in a frantic opening 20 minutes but was flagged offside, while Leeds substitute Mateusz Klich also had a goal ruled 10 minutes later.
Kasper Schmeichel made a smart save to tip Bamford's header on to the crossbar and Klich was in an offside position when he hacked in the rebound from close range.
Bamford had to wait until the 70th minute for his goal and then had the awareness to tee up Harrison for a tap-in as Leeds broke for a third late on.
Marcelo Bielsa's side remain 12th after their victory, while third-placed Leicester missed the chance to go second and could be overtaken by Liverpool later.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers revealed after his side beat Leeds 4-1 in November that he was delighted to not get dragged into the sort of "basketball match" Bielsa's outfit thrive on.
Sunday's enthralling encounter was exactly that, however, as Leeds responded to going a goal down by levelling two minutes later through Dallas' well-taken effort.
They may even have been ahead at the break had it not been for two fine Schmeichel saves.
Leeds, who beat Newcastle last time out to stop run of three defeats in all competitions, continued to produce their counter-attacking best despite more Leicester pressure in the second half.
After setting up the first, Bamford got the goal his performance deserved with 20 minutes remaining when he fired into the top corner with his left foot following Raphinha's pass.
With Leicester trying to force an equaliser, Leeds pounced for a third on the break as Bamford ran clear, drew Schmeichel and squared for Harrison to roll into an empty net.
The 27-year-old has been directly involved in 15 goals in his 20 Premier League appearances for Leeds this season, with England boss Gareth Southgate present to witness this 11th and perhaps most spectacular strike in the competition this season.
BBC
Foxes miss chance to go second as Leeds come from behind to take all 3 points
Patrick Bamford had a role in all three goals as Leeds United fought back to end Leicester City's seven-game unbeaten run in the Premier League with a deserved victory at King Power Stadium.
Harvey Barnes had opened the scoring for Leicester after a wonderful run and quick exchange with James Maddison, but the Foxes' lead lasted just 127 seconds.
Bamford found Stuart Dallas with a well-timed pass and the midfielder picked out the far corner with a low, right-footed strike.
The forward then fired into the top corner to put Leeds in front with his first goal in five league games, before unselfishly setting up Jack Harrison.
Ayoze Perez thought he had restored the Foxes' lead in a frantic opening 20 minutes but was flagged offside, while Leeds substitute Mateusz Klich also had a goal ruled 10 minutes later.
Kasper Schmeichel made a smart save to tip Bamford's header on to the crossbar and Klich was in an offside position when he hacked in the rebound from close range.
Bamford had to wait until the 70th minute for his goal and then had the awareness to tee up Harrison for a tap-in as Leeds broke for a third late on.
Marcelo Bielsa's side remain 12th after their victory, while third-placed Leicester missed the chance to go second and could be overtaken by Liverpool later.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers revealed after his side beat Leeds 4-1 in November that he was delighted to not get dragged into the sort of "basketball match" Bielsa's outfit thrive on.
Sunday's enthralling encounter was exactly that, however, as Leeds responded to going a goal down by levelling two minutes later through Dallas' well-taken effort.
They may even have been ahead at the break had it not been for two fine Schmeichel saves.
Leeds, who beat Newcastle last time out to stop run of three defeats in all competitions, continued to produce their counter-attacking best despite more Leicester pressure in the second half.
After setting up the first, Bamford got the goal his performance deserved with 20 minutes remaining when he fired into the top corner with his left foot following Raphinha's pass.
With Leicester trying to force an equaliser, Leeds pounced for a third on the break as Bamford ran clear, drew Schmeichel and squared for Harrison to roll into an empty net.
The 27-year-old has been directly involved in 15 goals in his 20 Premier League appearances for Leeds this season, with England boss Gareth Southgate present to witness this 11th and perhaps most spectacular strike in the competition this season.
BBC
Leicester City sell winger Demarai Gray to Bayer Leverkusen
Demarai Gray completes Bayer Leverkusen switch, with Leicester City set to receive around £2m for the midfielder; 23-year-old who had fallen out of favour under Brendan Rodgers signs one-and-a-half-year deal until 2022
Leicester City midfielder Demarai Gray has completed a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen for around £2m.
Gray has signed a contract with the Bundesliga club until June 2022.
The midfielder had fallen out of favour under manager Brendan Rodgers and was set to leave the Foxes with his deal at the club about to expire in the summer.Crystal Palace and Marseille were also believed to be interested in signing Gray, with Palace boss Roy Hodgson admitting on Friday he was "aware" of his situation.
Leverkusen believe Gray could make an impact in the Bundesliga as other young English players have done, such as Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, who have starred for Borussia Dortmund since their moves to the German top flight.
"It's a great opportunity to gain new experience at a very interesting foreign club," Gray told Leverkusen's website."When the Bundesliga was the first big league to play again after the coronavirus break last year, the whole world looked over here. I like German football.
"I've seen Bayer 04 attack, move forward aggressively and technically, and dictate the game through possession. I fit in well here. I can and would like to develop further here and be successful with this attractive team."
The former Birmingham player has scored 13 goals in 169 appearances since joining Leicester for £3.5m in January 2016. Gray helped the Foxes win the Premier League in 2016 under Claudio Ranieri.
Gray becomes Bayer Leverkusen's third signing from the UK in January after they secured Timothy Fosu-Mensah from Manchester United and Jeremie Frimpong from Celtic.
Leicester are considering the possibility of a move for Watford midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah as they seek cover before the window closes on Monday night.
Dennis Praet is out for up to three months and Wilfred Ndidi will miss another week through injury - those absences have prompted Leicester to explore a number of possible midfield replacements on loan.
Hamza Choudhury's potential move to Newcastle United would be sanctioned if Leicester can make a midfield acquisition before the transfer deadline.
Sky Sports
Demarai Gray completes Bayer Leverkusen switch, with Leicester City set to receive around £2m for the midfielder; 23-year-old who had fallen out of favour under Brendan Rodgers signs one-and-a-half-year deal until 2022
Leicester City midfielder Demarai Gray has completed a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen for around £2m.
Gray has signed a contract with the Bundesliga club until June 2022.
The midfielder had fallen out of favour under manager Brendan Rodgers and was set to leave the Foxes with his deal at the club about to expire in the summer.Crystal Palace and Marseille were also believed to be interested in signing Gray, with Palace boss Roy Hodgson admitting on Friday he was "aware" of his situation.
Leverkusen believe Gray could make an impact in the Bundesliga as other young English players have done, such as Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, who have starred for Borussia Dortmund since their moves to the German top flight.
"It's a great opportunity to gain new experience at a very interesting foreign club," Gray told Leverkusen's website."When the Bundesliga was the first big league to play again after the coronavirus break last year, the whole world looked over here. I like German football.
"I've seen Bayer 04 attack, move forward aggressively and technically, and dictate the game through possession. I fit in well here. I can and would like to develop further here and be successful with this attractive team."
The former Birmingham player has scored 13 goals in 169 appearances since joining Leicester for £3.5m in January 2016. Gray helped the Foxes win the Premier League in 2016 under Claudio Ranieri.
Gray becomes Bayer Leverkusen's third signing from the UK in January after they secured Timothy Fosu-Mensah from Manchester United and Jeremie Frimpong from Celtic.
Leicester are considering the possibility of a move for Watford midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah as they seek cover before the window closes on Monday night.
Dennis Praet is out for up to three months and Wilfred Ndidi will miss another week through injury - those absences have prompted Leicester to explore a number of possible midfield replacements on loan.
Hamza Choudhury's potential move to Newcastle United would be sanctioned if Leicester can make a midfield acquisition before the transfer deadline.
Sky Sports
Newcastle trying to sign Hamza Choudhury on loan from Leicester
NEWCASTLE UNITED are in talks to try to sign Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline – but Steve Bruce will not be making a move for former Magpies loanee Jetro Willems.
Bruce is hoping to make a couple of additions in the next three days, and is talking to at least two different Premier League clubs about loan targets.
Talks with Leicester have been ongoing for more than a week, with Bruce hoping to add Choudhury to his midfield ranks.
He said: “He’s (Choudhury) somebody we’ve liked, and it’s (Newcastle’s interest) been reported. I’m never going to speak about anybody else’s players, I think that would be wrong. “But he’s somebody that we do like, yes.
“We’ve had to be patient, but we’re still hopeful things will happen. I’ve got one or two calls to make to certain managers in the next 24 hours, but I always knew it was going to be a difficult window, certainly when you’re in the loan market.
“We’re not alone. A lot of teams are financially struggling, especially in the Championship, for example.
“It’s been very difficult in that respect, but we’re still hopeful we can get one or two over the line. We’ll see what the next couple of days brings.”
Newcastle have been linked with a return move for Willems throughout the first half of the season, but Bruce does not anticipate an approach for the left-back, who impressed on loan in the early stages of last season before picking up a serious knee injury that resulted in his return to his native Holland.
Bruce said: “I think Jetro hasn’t played enough, unfortunately.
“The problem we’ve got, in the loan market in particular, is whether there’s someone out there who has been playing, or who has been in and around it.
“We’re trying desperately to try to bring a couple through the door if we can. I said from the outset this would easily be the quietest transfer window that we’ve all known because of the consequences of Covid on clubs financially.
“But make no mistake, if there’s somebody out there who can improve us, then I’ll knock the door down to bring him in.”
northernecho.co.uk
NEWCASTLE UNITED are in talks to try to sign Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline – but Steve Bruce will not be making a move for former Magpies loanee Jetro Willems.
Bruce is hoping to make a couple of additions in the next three days, and is talking to at least two different Premier League clubs about loan targets.
Talks with Leicester have been ongoing for more than a week, with Bruce hoping to add Choudhury to his midfield ranks.
He said: “He’s (Choudhury) somebody we’ve liked, and it’s (Newcastle’s interest) been reported. I’m never going to speak about anybody else’s players, I think that would be wrong. “But he’s somebody that we do like, yes.
“We’ve had to be patient, but we’re still hopeful things will happen. I’ve got one or two calls to make to certain managers in the next 24 hours, but I always knew it was going to be a difficult window, certainly when you’re in the loan market.
“We’re not alone. A lot of teams are financially struggling, especially in the Championship, for example.
“It’s been very difficult in that respect, but we’re still hopeful we can get one or two over the line. We’ll see what the next couple of days brings.”
Newcastle have been linked with a return move for Willems throughout the first half of the season, but Bruce does not anticipate an approach for the left-back, who impressed on loan in the early stages of last season before picking up a serious knee injury that resulted in his return to his native Holland.
Bruce said: “I think Jetro hasn’t played enough, unfortunately.
“The problem we’ve got, in the loan market in particular, is whether there’s someone out there who has been playing, or who has been in and around it.
“We’re trying desperately to try to bring a couple through the door if we can. I said from the outset this would easily be the quietest transfer window that we’ve all known because of the consequences of Covid on clubs financially.
“But make no mistake, if there’s somebody out there who can improve us, then I’ll knock the door down to bring him in.”
northernecho.co.uk
Leicester aim for third time lucky in James Tarkowski transfer chase
Exclusive: Leicester are increasingly hopeful of finally landing long-term target Tarkowski this summer
Leicester are plotting to finally land James Tarkowski this summer. The Foxes have been on the trail of Burnley stopper Tarkowski the last two close seasons as the Clarets have fought to keep him.
But Tarkowski,28, will only have 12 months left on his contract at Turf Moor this summer after declining a new deal.
Leicester, who are third in the Premier League, are now planning a fresh move and hope potential European football will seal it.
They could face competition from West Ham who had an offer in excess of £30million rejected in the last window.
But Leicester are likely to offer more lucrative personal terms and may even be in the Champions League next term.
In the meantime, Tarkowski is knuckling down at Burnley who have won four of their last eight League games including winning 1-0 at champions Liverpool last week.
Sean Dyche's side, who host Aston Villa on Wednesday, are also into the FA Cup fifth round after beating Fulham.
But Tarkowski, signed from Brentford in 2016, still sees his long-term future elsewhere as he bids to boost his England ambitions after two caps.
Leicester want him to add to their central defensive options which include Jonny Evans,33, Wesley Fofana,20, and Caglar Soyuncu, aged 24.
Evans recently penned a new deal until the end of the 2022-2023 season when he will be 35.
Daily Mirror
Exclusive: Leicester are increasingly hopeful of finally landing long-term target Tarkowski this summer
Leicester are plotting to finally land James Tarkowski this summer. The Foxes have been on the trail of Burnley stopper Tarkowski the last two close seasons as the Clarets have fought to keep him.
But Tarkowski,28, will only have 12 months left on his contract at Turf Moor this summer after declining a new deal.
Leicester, who are third in the Premier League, are now planning a fresh move and hope potential European football will seal it.
They could face competition from West Ham who had an offer in excess of £30million rejected in the last window.
But Leicester are likely to offer more lucrative personal terms and may even be in the Champions League next term.
In the meantime, Tarkowski is knuckling down at Burnley who have won four of their last eight League games including winning 1-0 at champions Liverpool last week.
Sean Dyche's side, who host Aston Villa on Wednesday, are also into the FA Cup fifth round after beating Fulham.
But Tarkowski, signed from Brentford in 2016, still sees his long-term future elsewhere as he bids to boost his England ambitions after two caps.
Leicester want him to add to their central defensive options which include Jonny Evans,33, Wesley Fofana,20, and Caglar Soyuncu, aged 24.
Evans recently penned a new deal until the end of the 2022-2023 season when he will be 35.
Daily Mirror
Rob Lee says Danny Ings could be Vardy’s successor
Leicester City are putting this season’s title contenders under some pressure with their flurry of impressive performances.
As the table stands, they sit in third place, just two points behind leaders Manchester City. Their most recent result was a draw against Everton but the Foxes have come out on top against the likes of Chelsea, Spurs and even the league leaders Man City in previous games.
Jamie Vardy is currently the joint-third highest scorer in the Premier League this season with 11 goals, level with Bruno Fernandes and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Only Son Heung-min, Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah have scored more times so far, as per BBC Sport.
But at 34, some questions are being raised over Vardy’s ability to carry on his clinical displays at the top level. Rob Lee spoke to Football FanCast about the England international and who he thinks, if anyone, could eventually fill his shoes at Leicester.
I think Brendan Rodgers knows that Vardy can’t go on forever,” the pundit said. “Although Jamie probably thinks he can – at the moment, (the way) he’s still going!”
Indeed, Leicester fans will be dreading the day that their star striker decides to hang up his boots at the King Power Stadium. According to Transfermarkt, Vardy has contributed 143 goals and 57 assists in his 330 appearances for the Foxes in his career.
His output will be sorely missed when he eventually leaves the club and Lee believes that Danny Ings could be a good option to bring in to replace him. 90min recently reported that the Midlands outfit are keeping a watchful eye on the Southampton forward, who has notched seven goals and three assists in 14 Premier League games this season.
“He [Rodgers] will be looking for a replacement for Vardy because that’s what you have to do and yes, Ings can do what Vardy does.”
The 28-year-old Ings has seriously impressed since his torrid days of injury at Liverpool. Clinton Morrison recently waxed lyrical about Ings, lauding him as a “first-class” player and comparing him to Robbie Keane.
He would certainly be a very exciting signing for Leicester if talks move beyond their initial stages.
Ings reportedly has his eyes on a potential move to play Champions League football so if the Foxes can secure a top-four finish, they could well be a serious contender to sign the England international.
Ing’s relationship with Rodgers, the man who took him to Liverpool, could also make The Foxes an interesting proposition for the striker if he does look to leave Southampton.
footballfancast.com
Leicester City are putting this season’s title contenders under some pressure with their flurry of impressive performances.
As the table stands, they sit in third place, just two points behind leaders Manchester City. Their most recent result was a draw against Everton but the Foxes have come out on top against the likes of Chelsea, Spurs and even the league leaders Man City in previous games.
Jamie Vardy is currently the joint-third highest scorer in the Premier League this season with 11 goals, level with Bruno Fernandes and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Only Son Heung-min, Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah have scored more times so far, as per BBC Sport.
But at 34, some questions are being raised over Vardy’s ability to carry on his clinical displays at the top level. Rob Lee spoke to Football FanCast about the England international and who he thinks, if anyone, could eventually fill his shoes at Leicester.
I think Brendan Rodgers knows that Vardy can’t go on forever,” the pundit said. “Although Jamie probably thinks he can – at the moment, (the way) he’s still going!”
Indeed, Leicester fans will be dreading the day that their star striker decides to hang up his boots at the King Power Stadium. According to Transfermarkt, Vardy has contributed 143 goals and 57 assists in his 330 appearances for the Foxes in his career.
His output will be sorely missed when he eventually leaves the club and Lee believes that Danny Ings could be a good option to bring in to replace him. 90min recently reported that the Midlands outfit are keeping a watchful eye on the Southampton forward, who has notched seven goals and three assists in 14 Premier League games this season.
“He [Rodgers] will be looking for a replacement for Vardy because that’s what you have to do and yes, Ings can do what Vardy does.”
The 28-year-old Ings has seriously impressed since his torrid days of injury at Liverpool. Clinton Morrison recently waxed lyrical about Ings, lauding him as a “first-class” player and comparing him to Robbie Keane.
He would certainly be a very exciting signing for Leicester if talks move beyond their initial stages.
Ings reportedly has his eyes on a potential move to play Champions League football so if the Foxes can secure a top-four finish, they could well be a serious contender to sign the England international.
Ing’s relationship with Rodgers, the man who took him to Liverpool, could also make The Foxes an interesting proposition for the striker if he does look to leave Southampton.
footballfancast.com
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