After a 5-0 win over Southampton, Leicester are on the brink of Premier League promotion. A loanee from Sporting Lisbon came up trumps with a brace
Leicester City have overcome their brief period of weakness in time and are on the verge of returning to the Premier League. The relegated team from the previous season celebrated a 5:0 victory in the catch-up game against fourth-placed Southampton FC on Tuesday evening, meaning that they have practically squandered their chances of direct promotion and will have to plan for the play-offs.
Abdul Fatawu, a 20-year-old Ghana international who had scored three times in his other 37 Championship appearances this season, scored a treble on a memorable evening for him. In the 25th minute, the right-winger, who is on loan from Sporting Lisbon until the end of the season, gave the Foxes a deserved lead at the break, which Wilfred Ndidi extended to 2-0 with a header on the hour mark.
Fatawu then flicked the ball superbly left-footed into the far corner to make it 3-0 (75′), set up Jamie Vardy for his 18th goal of the season to make it 4-0 (79′) and then used his assist to make it 5-0 (81′). When he was substituted six minutes later, the man of the evening was finally able to celebrate
Leicester only need one more win – or Leeds’ defeat on Friday
Leicester, who recently suffered four defeats in six games, now need just one win from their remaining two games at Preston North End on Monday and against Blackburn Rovers five days later to gain promotion. If Leeds United and coach Daniel Farke lose at Queens Park Rangers on Friday, their return to the Premier League would be a foregone conclusion. Alongside Leeds (90 points), newcomers Ipswich Town (89 points, one game less) also have their sights set on the direct promotion places.
“We need one more win and then the job is done,” said a jubilant Leicester coach Enzo Maresca, who refused to be dazzled by the 5-0 win: “It wasn’t our best performance today, but we took our chances. “
Leicester face a points deduction for the new season
It is already clear that Leicester are facing a difficult year in the Premier League. Due to massive financial losses – even if they remain in the Championship – a points deduction at the start is on the cards. In addition, a transfer ban has been imposed on the 2016 champions, which means they are only allowed to make transfers and extend contracts with the approval of the English Football League (EFL). The Foxes are still defending themselves against the sanctions
