Leicester Away Lost 5 – 0
The effect of the defeat at Cardiff meant that Southampton were relying on a late and complete loss of form by at least two of the teams above them to secure automatic promotion. Manager Martin wisely felt that was unlikely so did not risk Downes at Leicester, his place taken by Charles while Rothwell started in place of Smallbone. Well, that bit didn’t go well as Rothwell failed to last the first half with the club later announcing an injury, although the change may well have been tactical anyway. Although Saints weren’t out of it early on, the hosts were the only side creating chances and they deserved their 25th minute goal, scored by Fatawu who got the wrong side of left back Walker-Peters as Southampton maybe waited for a free kick their way, but rightly not given for a ‘foul’ on Adams. Saints were eager to tackle at the start of the second half and the approach seemed to be disconcerting the Foxes. OK, there were still no shots on target, but to change things on the hour seemed to be in accordance with a set plan rather than evidence on the pitch. As a result, and within a couple of minutes, Manning and Edozie were able to have a closer view of the game’s second goal, headed in by Ndidi from Mavididi’s cross as Manning found himself outgunned at the far post in a new-look defence. That was it for the revival and Leicester found themselves largely unchallenged as they filled their scoring boots in the closing phase of the game – in fact they notched three goals in a seven minute period. The first was the pick of the entire bunch as Fatawu cut inside to unleash a shot into the top corner from distance. Number four was scored by the odious Vardy with a close range finish from Fatawu’s assist as Saints were unsure whether to play for offside or track the striker’s run, and then Vardy returned the favour for the impressive Fatawu to complete an also impressive hat trick with his easiest finish at the end of a four v. three break.
Three LSSC Man of the Match candidates to choose from, all from midfield. That’s based on the match statistics – we can’t have a defender as they let in five, we can’t have an attacker as they didn’t manage a shot on target, somehow, though, we enjoyed 66% possession… no, I couldn’t believe that stat either.
7. Joe Aribo, his best moments coming in the first half.
16. Will Smallbone, behind that 15 minutes of competitiveness at the start of the second half.
24. Shea Charles. OK, he’s no Flynn Downes, but Downes wasn’t there.
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