In Rafa Benitez’s first match in charge, Newcastle put in an improved performance following their defeat by Bournemouth last weekend, and Ranieri admitted he anticipated a reaction from the relegation strugglers.
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“Shinji works his socks off week-in, week-out so he deserves something like that”.
“We had to dig in today”, Leicester captain Wes Morgan told Sky Sports.
“It’s the kind of opportunity I’m always on the lookout for, and this time it led to a goal”, said Okazaki, who is frequently well positioned to score but has lacked consistent touch.
The Magpies had a few more half chances but ultimately the champions-elect held on for what could be a huge three points.
Now Benitez, who took over from Steve McClaren last Friday, is looking forward to getting the players back on the training ground for a longer period of time building towards Sunday’s significant Tyne-Wear derby with Sunderland.
After a season where the club have taken the league by storm, it’s of little surprise they will want such a clause removed, and Ranieri tied down to a more secure deal.
Okazaki had it all to do when he received the ball with his back to goal but the Japanese guided the ball expertly into the corner. Credit to them, they played a high tempo and they are doing really. It’s not easy for any team. Leicester will not fear any of the eight teams they have still to play; in fact they have beaten majority already.
Foxes manager Claudio Ranieri this season famously promised his team free pizza if they kept a clean sheet.
The Italian sidestepped the notion his side were heading for unexpected glory.
“The race is open”.
“I feel very good but it was a hard match”, Ranieri was quoted as saying by Leicester’s official site on Monday.
“We will have to analyse it but I like to think about the positives toddy, the team was going for the game, reacting well in the second half so that for me is the positive thing”.
The Foxes are now five points clear at the top of the table with 63 points.
“We were all happy and now we have nine games left and he will bring his experience and we can be in the Premier League next season with him”.
“It’s not a nice scoreline but we dug in and I thought our game management towards the end was superb”.
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“We defended very well…and we fought”.
