Premier League leaders Leicester suffered a blow in their challenge to land a maiden top-flight title after being held to a 2-2 draw in an enthralling clash at home to resurgent West Brom.
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The Baggies raced to an early 3-0 lead as midfielder Craig Gardner, defender Craig Dawson, and striker Saido Berahino each scored a goal in the first half, at the 12th, 20th, and 31st minutes respectively.
In the first game between the two teams this season, at The Hawthorns in October, Leicester won a thriller 3-2. “It was important not to lose the match too, as they could have counter-attacked”.
In the very last minute, Argentina’s Leonardo Ulloa needed to get a feint touch to a ball that was squared across the West Brom box, but it wasn’t to be for Ranieri and his team. “So they have got my backing and I think most of football will hope they are able to achieve what will be an absolutely remarkable, remarkable success story”.
“It is OK. Four points from two hard matches, it is fantastic”.
Upon their 74th-minute exit, signifying when Villa were founded in 1874, they had endured the best part of an 18th Barclays Premier League defeat of the season as goals from Ramiro Funes Mori, Aaron Lennon and Romelu Lukaku had Everton firmly in control.
Yet while Ranieri maintained the courageous face, the result means that Spurs will leapfrog them on goal difference if they beat West Ham on Wednesday.
The Italian told Sky Sports that he and his players “believe in ourselves” and said: “We must believe until the end, every match is important for us to understand what we can do in our life”.
Shinji Okazaki and Jamie Vardy – Leicester’s effervescent strike pairing – both wasted close-range opportunities before Drinkwater took aim from 30 meters with a shot that struck Jonas Olsson, looped over goalkeeper Ben Foster, and nestled in the corner of the net.
The Foxes with 54 points are ahead of Spurs by 2, while Arsenal are third on 51 with Manchester City in fourth on 47.
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The support tonight from home fans every time they conceded was commendable; cheers and applause encouraging their team. We try to do our best. They play Stoke on the final day of the season, a fixture that at the beginning of the season probably looked like a nothing game, but now could have real significance on which English teams feature in Europe’s top competition next season. “They are fantastic and never stop”.
