Tag: Leicester City

  • Wilfred Ndidi Poised for EPL Comeback via Nottingham Forest Transfer

    Wilfred Ndidi Poised for EPL Comeback via Nottingham Forest Transfer

    By  Milcah  Tanimu

    In a potential twist, Wilfred Ndidi, the midfielder from Leicester City, might make a return to the Premier League in the upcoming season.

    The prominent Super Eagles player has emerged in connection with a possible transfer to Nottingham Forest.

    A recent tweet by Fabrizio Romano on Sunday conveyed: “EXCLUSIVE: Wilfred Ndidi targeted by Nottingham Forest, with an imminent proposal anticipated for the Nigerian defensive midfielder. Personal terms are believed to be settled, paving the way for club negotiations to commence. Forest is determined to facilitate the transfer.”

    Following Leicester City’s relegation last season, Ndidi’s fate took a new turn.

  • Vardy writes pro-LGBT message on Rainbow Laces corner flag he smashed

    Vardy writes pro-LGBT message on Rainbow Laces corner flag he smashed

    Jamie Vardy caused a stir when he smashed a Rainbow Laces corner flag after scoring the winner for Leicester City against Sheffield United but he has used the moment to show his support for the Foxes’ LGBT supporters’ group.

    Vardy scored a 90th-minute winner as Leicester beat the Blades 2-1 in the Premier League on Sunday. In his joy after netting against the rivals of his boyhood club, Sheffield Wednesday, the former England international performed a sliding tackle on a corner flag, smashing the plastic pole into smithereens.

    The forward was booked for his over-exuberance, and images of the celebration went viral.

    Foxes Pride, the official fan group for LGBTQ+ Leicester City supporters, said they had seen multiple homophobic and transphobic comments in response to the celebration. The flag, to mark Rainbow Laces, had been rainbow-coloured, with some taking Vardy’s actions as a repudiation of the Premier League’s support for inclusivity in football.

    However, Foxes Pride have now revealed that Vardy had sent them a message of support, written on the flag which he had broken.

    On the rainbow-coloured fabric, Vardy had written: “Foxes Pride, keep up the good work!”, with his signature beneath.

    “All at Foxes Pride have been saddened by LGBT-phobic comments online over the last few days after Vardy’s corner flag goal celebration,” the group tweeted. “We are proud and grateful for the support that Vardy and Leicester City FC continue to show for Rainbow Laces, LGBT fans and Foxes Pride.”

    Wednesday marked Rainbow Laces day, with sportspeople across Britain wearing shoelaces in the colours of various pro-LGBT flags, along with other gestures to promote inclusion for all people in sport regardless of sexuality or gender identity.

    Vardy’s late goal provided a crucial three points for Leicester, who had not won in four games in all competitions prior to beating Sheffield United.

    The win lifted Leicester to fourth in the Premier League, three points behind leaders Tottenham.

  • Leicester City boss Rodgers delivers fresh update on injured Ghana defender

    Leicester City boss Rodgers delivers fresh update on injured Ghana defender

    Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers does not expect injured Ghana midfielder Daniel Amartey to be back in action in the next few weeks but reveals the defender’s rehabilitation has been progressing.

    The centre-back has been out of action since hurting his hamstring during a Premier League clash with West Ham United in October.

    The game was just his second match in the Championship this season.

    “I can’t wait, [to see them back on the pitch],” Rodgers said on the injury return of Ricardo Pereira, Caglar Soyuncu and Wilfred Ndidi in his team news during a pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday’s Europa League encounter with Ukrainian club Zorya Luhansk.

    “The players, up until now, have done amazingly to sit where we are after 10 games and, at this early stage of the Europa League, we’re qualified.

    “It’s a huge testament to the guys that have performed. However, to have this level of player coming back, especially from a defensive side, it can just get us back working to how we want to work.

    “We’ve had to adapt during this early period of the season, in terms of our style and identity at times, but to get those players back, with their level of mobility and quality is really going to help us.

    “It’ll make the squad super competitive when they do (return from injury and play regularly), so we’re really looking forward to seeing the three boys play tomorrow.

    “Hopefully they get through as much of the game as they can and the likes of Timothy Castagne (hamstring) are not too far away too.

    “Daniel Amartey’s (hamstring) a little bit away, but he’s progressing really well. It gives us a really exciting squad.”

    The current injury is no doubt a straight major blow to Amartey’s hopes of becoming a key member of Rodgers’ set-up.

    The 25-year-old had just returned from a two-year injury layoff when he suffered the setback against West Ham.

    In all, he has made just 33 Premier League appearances for The Foxes since joining the club from Danish outfit FC Copenhagen in 2016.

    Five of those outings helped Leicester win the 2015-16 league title.

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  • Jota sets new scoring record in win against Leicester City

    Jota sets new scoring record in win against Leicester City

    Diogo Jota became the first player in Liverpool history to score in his first four top-flight home matches following his opener against Leicester City on Sunday.

    Jota has enjoyed a scintillating start to life at Anfield following his £41 million ($53m) move from Wolves in pre-season.

    Before Sunday’s visit of Leicester, Jota had scored seven goals in 11 matches for the Reds across all competitions, forcing his way into the team despite the settled nature of their first-choice attack of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

    That haul included strikes in three successive Premier League home games, equalling a club record, and he went one better against Leicester.

    Arriving on to Andy Robertson’s precise cross from the left, Jota got in front of his marker and sent a glancing header past Kasper Schmeichel in the Foxes’ net to make it 2-0 just before half-time.

    Firmino would go on to add a third before the final whistle as the champions earned a comprehensive 3-0 win.

    Jota was starting in the Liverpool attack in place of Salah, who was ruled out due to contracting coronavirus during the international break. 

    His goal came after a sequence of 30 passes; since Opta have this data available from 2006-07, it was the most in the build up to any Premier League goal by the Reds.

    Jota, who had his first season the Premier League with Wolves in 2018-19, has regularly terrorised Leicester City since, with his four goals in five appearances against the Foxes the most he has scored against any club.

    The 23-year-old’s progression in recent months has seen a former coach say the forward will eventually succeed Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal’s talisman – after making the prediction early on in Jota’s career.

    “Nobody does what Jota is doing now without having real ambition,” Jorge Simao told The Athletic, after having worked with the player at Pacos de Ferreira.

    “When he signed for Porto [in 2016], I told a Portuguese website that, for me, Jota would be the successor to Cristiano Ronaldo.

    “Obviously, that was quite a big claim to make at that time, because Jota had only played for Pacos and had not had a good time at Atletico Madrid.

    “When Jota signed for Liverpool, I sent him a message to congratulate him. He replied, five seconds later, with a link to that old article about him and Ronaldo.

    “It was the very first thing he sent! He must have had it bookmarked. Incredible! He hadn’t forgotten.”

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  • Leicester City’s Iheanacho reacts after Europa League win over Braga

    Leicester City’s Iheanacho reacts after Europa League win over Braga

    Kelechi Iheanacho believes Leicester City cannot afford to rest on their laurels as they still have a long way to go in the Europa League.

    The 24-year-old produced a man of the match performance in their 4-0 victory over Sporting Braga in the European competition on Thursday night.

    Iheanacho, who was handed his second start in the tournament, scored twice and set up another to help his side secure their third consecutive win in the competition.

    The victory ensured the King Power Stadium outfit strengthens their lead at the top of Group G with nine points from three games.

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    The Nigeria international has expressed his delight with his side’s current form but warned that much work still needs to be done to ensure their progress in the tournament.

    “We’re in a great position in the group. We still have a long way to go, but it’s about keeping going, taking it game by game and let’s see,” Iheanacho told the Europa League website.

    “The first goal came from a rebound and I was maybe a little bit lucky with the second too. Thankfully they all count! I’m happy to score again.

    “It was a good win for us. We did well, scored some good goals and deserved to win in the end.”

    Iheanacho has now scored three goals in the Europa League since he made his debut against Zorya Luhansk in October.

    The centre-forward is hoping to continue his eye-catching performances for the Foxes in the 2020-21 campaign.

    “I just need to keep working in training and doing my job. We have a great squad and everyone is doing his best,” he continued.

    Leicester will take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in their next Premier League game on Sunday and Iheanacho is already looking forward to the match.

    “This game is gone now. We enjoy it today but we focus on the Premier League now. I hope we can keep our winning run going,” he added.

    The Nigeria international has featured in seven games across all competitions for Leicester in the current campaign, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

    The forward will be expected to replicate his scintillating performances for the Super Eagles in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game against Sierra Leone on November 13.

  • Rodgers explains why Mendy can’t play with Ndidi at Leicester City

    Rodgers explains why Mendy can’t play with Ndidi at Leicester City

    Nampalys Mendy is “showing the quality player he is”, says Brendan Rodgers, with the midfielder “performing to the level” Leicester City wanted in the absence of Wilfred Ndidi.

    The French midfielder of Senegalese descent joined the Foxes from Nice in 2016 on a four-year deal worth £13 million, a club record at the time. In his first season, he featured in 31 Premier League games for Claudio Ranieri’s men – with 23 of them as a starter.

    However, the arrival Ndidi from Genk meant the 28-year-old was confined to the bench. In the 2019-20 campaign, he featured in just seven English elite division encounters.

    In a positive twist of fate, Mendy has demonstrated to be a perfect replacement for the injured Nigeria international who is out of the team owing to an abductor injury. He has churned out impressive displays in all nine games played so far this term.

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    Commending the contributions of the former France youth international, the Northern Irish manager feels the midfielder is fast grasping his opportunity as a main cog in his starting line-up.

    “He is performing to the level the club wanted when they brought him in,” Rodgers told the club website.

    “He’s a defensive midfield player, tactically very good, understands the role, and does a lot of dirty work for the team. 

    “Of course, before he’s played with Wilf [Ndidi], who’s something similar beside him and it’s probably where both those players need someone creative beside them.

    “I think because of Wilf’s form, certainly since I’ve been here, he’s been so consistent, Wilf, and it’s been difficult for Papy to play but it really shows you the mark of the guy – how well he has trained, how concentrated he has been. He never lost his focus and was always there if an opportunity came to give his very best.

    “Now, what you’re seeing is a player that is getting a consistent run of games, and he’s really showing the quality player he is. I have been delighted with Papy. He gives the team stability with his experience and understanding of football and how we work. He has been crucial to how we play.”

    Born in La Seyne-sur-Mer, France to Senegalese parents, Mendy is eligible to represent Senegal at senior international level.

  • Bournemouth boost EPL survival hopes as they stun Leicester

    Bournemouth boost EPL survival hopes as they stun Leicester

    Bournemouth breathed life into their English Premier League (EPL) survival bid on Sunday, coming from a goal down to beat fourth-placed Leicester City 4-1 for their first win in 10 games.

    Leicester were in command after Jamie Vardy’s scrappy first-half goal.

    But with the relegation trapdoor creaking underneath their feet, Bournemouth turned the match around in stunning fashion with Dominic Solanke scoring twice.

    For Leicester, defeat was a huge blow to their hopes of a top four finish.

    Junior Stanislas equalised from the penalty kick spot in the 66th minute after a mistake by Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

    The goalkeeper was at fault again one minute later when he allowed Solanke’s shot to trickle over the line.

    To make matters worse for the foxes, defender Caglar Soyuncu was shown a straight red card after tangling with Callum Wilson immediately after Bournemouth’s goal.

    Leicester then collapsed in alarming fashion.

    Stanislas’s shot in the 83rd minute went in off Leicester defender Jonny Evans before Solanke seized on more dreadful Leicester defending to add his second.

    With Aston Villa winning earlier in the day, Bournemouth began the match second from bottom, six points behind fourth-from-bottom Watford.

    The victory —– their first since Feb. 1 —– means that with three games remaining they still have hope of securing a sixth successive season of top flight football.

    They moved back above Aston Villa to 18th place on 31 points, three behind both Watford and West Ham United, who face each other in the next round of fixtures.(Reuters/NAN)

  • Leicester City cement third spot with 4-1 win over West Ham

    Leicester City cement third spot with 4-1 win over West Ham

    Leicester City shrugged off a recent slump in form to strengthen their grip on third place in the 2019/2020 English Premier League (EPL).

    They did so with Ayoze Perez’s late double capping a 4-1 home win over lowly West Ham United on Wednesday.

    Victory came at a cost though, as Premier League leading scorer Jamie Vardy hobbled off shortly before half-time.

    Back-to-back defeats by Southampton and Burnley had cast some doubt over Leicester’s top-four credentials but goals by Harvey Barnes and Ricardo Pereira had Brendan Rodgers’ side in control by half time.

    Skipper Mark Noble gave West Ham a lifeline in the 50th minute when he converted a penalty kick, but Perez’s late double, his first from the penalty kick spot, underlined Leicester’s superiority.

    Leicester have 48 points from 24 games, eight ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea, while West Ham, who have 23 points, are only outside the relegation zone by virtue of goal difference.

    Leicester have also scored 52 goals, their highest top-flight tally after 24 games since 1930/1931.

    “I thought we played with that authority in the game and personality that the team has played with all season. Tempo was good, pressed well,” Rodgers said.

    Defeat by Leicester on Dec. 28 did bad for former West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini, paving the way for the return of David Moyes for a second stint as Hammers manager.

    But he now faces a tough task of keeping them out of the relegation zone after winning only one of his first four games in charge.

    “I knew January was going to be really, really tough. The Premier League at different times has brought shocks, we just have to make sure we bring one of those shocks in the games coming up,” he said.

    Leicester toyed with West Ham in the opening stages and the only surprise was it took them 24 minutes to score, Barnes applying the finishing touch to Ricardo’s pass across goal.

    When Vardy clutched the back of his leg and soon afterwards hobbled off, it dampened the mood but the home fans were buoyant when Barnes teed up Ricardo to double the lead.

    West Ham had been non-existent as an attacking threat in the first half.

    But they were handed an unlikely lifeline when Wilfred Ndidi was adjudged to have fouled Sebastien Haller and Noble converted from the penalty kick spot.

    From a position of comfort Leicester suddenly looked edgy and Manuel Lanzini almost equalised.

    But Leicester settled back into their rhythm and could breathe easy when Perez tucked away a penalty kick in the 81st minute after Angelo Ogbonna’s clumsy tackle on Vardy’s replacement Kelechi Iheanacho.

    Perez made absolutely sure of the points in the 88th minute when he found the corner after an intricate passing move.

    While there is no chance of another title charge, as in 2015/2016, barring an unlikely collapse in form Leicester look poised to return to the UEFA Champions League.

    They are 14 points ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United.(Reuters/NAN)

  • EPL: Burnley fight back to sink Leicester City

    EPL: Burnley fight back to sink Leicester City

    Burnley recovered from a goal down to beat high-flying Leicester City 2-1 at Turf Moor on Sunday, ending their four-match losing streak in the English Premier League (EPL).

    Sean Dyche’s Clarets failed to score a first half goal for an 11th successive league game, and their problems worsened when midfielder Harvey Barnes put the visitors ahead.

    He scored with a stunning solo effort in the 33rd minute.

    Jack Cork lost the ball in midfield and Burnley-born winger Barnes broke forward, racing goalwards and past Ben Mee before firing home.

    The hosts responded after the interval with striker Chris Wood scoring the equaliser from a rebound, after Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel saved a header from Mee.

    Third-placed Leicester had an opportunity to reclaim the lead when Mee brought down Barnes in the box, but Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope kept out Jamie Vardy’s weak penalty kick.

    The turnaround was complete, with 11 minutes remaining, when Ashley Westwood blasted in after a Charlie Taylor cross from the left to ensure Burnley took all three points.

    It lifted them to 14th place in the table, five points above the relegation zone.

    “I thought we deserved to win the game but we didn’t take our chances,” said Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers.

    “A mixture of their goalkeeper making some brilliant saves and our finishing, and we somehow lost the game,” he added.

    Dyche credited his side for delivering when many had begun to question their chances of survival this season.

    “I thought the performance was there and we had worked on it all week. So, I was pleased with that. We delivered with a mentality to perform under a few question marks,” he added.

    Pope, who made some vital saves in the second half, was delighted the team’s losing streak was over.

    “It’s a massive win for us. The lads worked so hard and the atmosphere was electric. You go on bad runs during the season. So, to snap them quickly is important,” he said.

    “To lose four on the spin is hard, but to go a goal down and react like we did against a good team is great.”(Reuters/NAN)

  • Leicester City score 3 goals to sink Newcastle United

    Leicester City score 3 goals to sink Newcastle United

    Leicester City Football Club striker Ayoze Perez came back to haunt former team Newcastle United on Wednesday, with a goal and an assist for midfielder James Maddison.

    His efforts helped the Foxes to ease to a 3-0 victory and cut the gap to runaway 2019/2020 English Premier League (EPL) leaders Liverpool.

    The win meant that Brendan Rodgers’ second-placed side have 45 points from 21 matches, 10 points behind Liverpool who have two games in hand and host Sheffield United on Thursday.

    Leicester made light of Jamie Vardy’s absence due to a calf injury as Perez pounced on a poor pass across the back line from Newcastle United defender Florian Lejeune.

    He rode a tackle from Fabian Schar before slotting past Martin Dubravka in the 36th minute.

    Lejeune was in the spotlight for the wrong reasons again as his poor clearance found its way to Perez who fed Maddison three minutes later.

    The England international blasted in a left-footed shot from distance.

    The double blow came shortly after Newcastle United had missed the chance to take the lead through Brazilian forward Joelinton.

    He had sprinted onto a pass over the top of the Leicester City defence but failed to beat goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel with two attempts.

    With Newcastle United reduced to 10 men after using up their three substitutions and Schar unable to play due to injury, Leicester City made it 3-0 in the 87th minute.

    They scored through Hamza Choudhury who curled in a shot from outside the penalty area.(Reuters/NAN)