The Foxes begin a busy Christmas period in eight days’ time that will test the true strength of their title-challenge credentials.
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Manchester City’s dismal 2-0 defeat at Stoke City in the early kickoff opened the door for pre-season relegation tips Leicester to reach the summit after 15 games and they responded in style in south Wales.
If Leicester are still top come the new year, maybe another outing in the superhero costumes will be in order.
Mahrez’s hat-trick moved him into double figures for the season but Ranieri said he was more delighted with his strikers’ link-up play than the efforts of any particular individual. Champions Chelsea host Bournemouth later on Saturday.
“I will work as hard as I can and continue to do so until I am told not to”, Monk said.
But Mahrez remains focused on ensuring Ranieri’s men maintain their Premier League status, even though they are two points clear of nearest rivals Arsenal with 32 points. Missing Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla through injury Arsenal took a 33rd-minute lead when Mesut Ozil’s 12th assist of the season allowed Joel Campbell to slot the home side in front.
Man United drops to 4th with a goalless draw with West Ham United.
“I could debate their first two goals”.
“The club deserve better than what we are giving them”.
Winston Reid and Mauro Zarate missed good early chances for the Hammers but United piled on more pressure in the second half and Marouane Fellaini was only denied by a brilliant save from Adrian.
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Bottom club Aston Villa earned a 1-1 draw at Southampton, while Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo struck as Watford beat Norwich City 2-0. Fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur also failed to make ground on the teams above them drawing 1-1 at West Bromwich Albion after James McClean canceled out Dele Alli’s volleyed 15th-minute opener for Spurs.
