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Like five years ago, nobody talks about them. However, just like five years ago, Leicester is there again, in the middle of the battle.
While it will be incredibly difficult to repeat the 2016 title win, Leicester’s aim is to correct last season’s mistake when they spent all but a week inside the top four.
Unfortunately for Brendan Rodgers, that week was the last of the season and it meant they were put into a Champions League spot.
There are still 20 games to go, starting with a crucial home game against Chelsea on Tuesday, but there is every reason to believe Leicester can do better this time.
The team is deeper, thanks to the clever hiring that brought defenders Timothy Castagne and Wesley Fofana to the club.
Young English players are on the rise too: between them, James Maddison and Harvey Barnes have 17 goals in all competitions this season, while winger James Justin had another impressive performance against England manager Gareth Southgate.
The caveat, as always, is what would happen if Jamie Vardy suffered a long-term injury. Leicester’s top scorer is a doubt for Chelsea’s game after another outbreak of his ongoing hip problem.
However, Ayoze Perez impressed as a false No. 9 in the FA Cup win at Stoke, while Barnes’ pace and energy make him a potential substitute for Vardy.
“The common denominator of our downfall in the last 10 games of last season was that we were losing our best players. It’s as simple as that, ‘Rodgers said.
“If we look at the team now, a year later, I think there has been progress from a tactical and mentality perspective.”
Southampton were tough opponents in an excellent game, but a brilliant shot from Maddison eight minutes before half-time opened the door and, after Leicester squandered several chances at half-time, Barnes settled the matter in stoppage time with his 10th goal. it’s from the season.
The Saints will always fight without Danny Ings, who was unavailable after his recent positive test for Covid-19, but Stuart Armstrong was outstanding in midfield and Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team will regret not scoring when they were up in the first 25 minutes. .
“We did our best with the options that we have,” Hasenhuttl said. “We have nine injured but we are fighting for everything.”
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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