The Argentinian and his second-placed side did not receive one. Although they have to face Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea in their last three games of the season, Leicester haven’t given any reason to doubt them this season.
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It’s now six league games without a goal for Leicester’s top scorer.
The phrase “don’t count your eggs before they hatch” certainly comes to mind and many have drawn comparisons with Liverpool’s capitulation in 2014.
“Another 1-0 win for Leicester sees them continue their march towards the title and it won’t be long before we’re paying out customers who chanced them at four-figure prices”, said Sky Bet’s Sandro Di Michele. The difference? A new scorer.
While this was an occasionally edgy victory, with Southampton bemoaning the non-award of two penalties, Ranieri recognised the significance of a win secured by Wes Morgan’s first goal in 11 months.
Leicester’s breakthrough came in the 38th when Morgan rose above Jordy Clasie to meet Christian Fuchs’ cross from the left flank, sending a header beyond goalkeeper Fraser Forster.
“We saw the (Tottenham) game yesterday was a draw and wanted to make the most of our opportunity”.
‘They have also got a really tough run of games coming up, and I would not be at all surprised if their lead is cut to just four points by this time next week. “I had to get through it today but obviously it’s important that we all dig in”.
When Southampton launched a counter attack, Graziano Pelle played the ball through to Mane with the forward one-on-one with Kasper Schmeichel who was caught in no man’s land.
The first – what Koeman described as “the big one” – was when Simpson blocked Mane’s shot, which the Dutchman believed warranted a penalty and a red card. Like so often this season, Schmeichel rescued his team by tipping away Jose Fonte’s powerful strike from 25 yards (meters). But the better chances soon fell to the hosts. Ten minutes later Forster was at it again, parrying from right on the goal-line after Simpson took aim at a gaping goal.
Indeed they have scored 55 goals this season – behind only second place Tottenham Hotspur (57) and Manchester City (56).
“But this (win against Southampton) just feels like another win and another three points”.
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Leicester’s best-ever finish was as runners-up in 1929 and the last time they made any kind of push for the title was in 1963 when they finished fourth and were beaten in the FA Cup final.
