Leicester City 2-0 Southampton
The much-anticipated Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester United will not be a battle of the top two after all. That’s because Leicester City have sneaked into second place after a 2-0 home win over Southampton.
Goals from James Maddison and Harvey Barnes gave the Foxes all three points as they continue their unexpected title challenge this season.
As for Saints, a nearly two-week break in between games still wasn’t enough to see them improve upon a poor run form that’s seen them win just once in their previous six league matches.
Talking Points
The big Premier League 2021 news for Southampton was that top scorer Danny Ings tested positive for COVID-19 and would miss the match.
However, strike partner Che Adams did make his return to the line-up, and he created Saints’ first big chance on 17 minutes. From his own half, Adams was able to get behind the Leicester backline and sprinted all the way to the six-yard box, where his cross was blocked for a corner.
It was Leicester who almost took the lead just a couple of minutes later, though. Saints carelessly turned the ball over inside their own third, which led to Harvey Barnes getting a clear sight on goal. But his powerful shot was parried away by Alex McCarthy.
Adams then had his turn to force a good save out of Kasper Schmeichel, who covered his near post well.
But the Foxes finally took the lead on 37 minutes. James Maddison did brilliantly to get away from his marker, then he unleashed a thunderous strike which beat McCarthy on his near post.
Saints very nearly struck back just a few minutes later. James Ward-Prowse’s excellent pass sent Ryan Bertrand through on goal, but Schmeichel pulled off a fine save to deny the Southampton left-back.
The visitors had another great chance to equalise mere moments into the second half. Stuart Armstrong led a quick counterattack and passed off to William Smallbone, who couldn’t beat Schmeichel with his strike.
Theo Walcott was in the right place to pounce on the rebound, but he was unable to control the ball and get a good shot away.
Jamie Vardy, who had been quiet for most of the match, suddenly came to life after the hour mark. The Foxes frontman had a trio of half-chances but was unable to get any on target.
On the other end, Southampton once again came so close to tying things up as Armstrong hit the bar with his long-range effort.
And minutes later, Harvey Barnes looked as if he had given Leicester a crucial second goal, but his shot was headed off the line by Jack Stephens.
As Southampton continued to push forward in search of an equaliser, Leicester caught them on the counterattack five minutes from time. Surprisingly, though, Jamie Vardy failed to finish Saints off as McCarthy produced a terrific save.
However, the Foxes finally got that second goal with essentially the final kick of the game. Again, Leicester were able to break quickly as Harvey Barnes found himself one-on-one with McCarthy, and he kept his composure to slot past the Saints keeper.
Key statistics
Leicester were clearly the superior side as they doubled Saints’ shot output, 16-8. Although, the shots on target tally was much closer at 5-3.
Jamie Vardy accounted for nearly half of the Foxes’ shots by himself with 7, but he only got one of them on target as the Leicester top scorer was unable to find the back of the net for the fourth game in a row.
As for Southampton, they were clearly missing Danny Ings up front. With their leading scorer out, their front two of Che Adams and Theo Walcott combined for just two shots.
Meanwhile, Youri Tielemans continues his promising run of form. The Belgian midfielder assisted on both of Leicester’s goals, and now has a goal and three assists in his last four appearances.
What’s next?
Leicester have another huge home matchup coming up in midweek as they host Chelsea, who picked up a much-needed 1-0 victory in the west London derby against Fulham. A victory over the Blues could do wonders to Leicester’s SBOTOP Premier League 2021 betting odds to win another title.
Southampton will also be in action in midweek, this time in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury. Their next Premier League match will be on Jan. 26 at home against Arsenal, who had a goalless draw against Crystal Palace last time out.
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