Day 6: Leicester City

Everyday, from now until Christmas Eve, we will take a look at a Premier League club and rate their season so far. Today, it is Leicester’s turn to be put under the microscope as we continue our Premier League Christmas Countdown.

Leicester are one of just two clubs to have already parted ways with their manager, as they sacked Steve Cooper following a rough few games. They have amassed a respectable three wins so far this season and look good enough to avoid relegation, however they will need to continue this kind of form, which is something that promoted clubs often struggle to do.

Always Fighting

One thing that could be said about Leicester’s August fixtures is that they were never out of games, and always gave their opponents a good match. Their opening game was at home to Tottenham, and they managed to earn a draw with a second half strike from Jamie Vardy. Tottenham dominated that game, but Leicester’s determination helped them get a result.

While being subbed off, Jamie Vardy reminded Tottenham fans that Leicester have more Premier League titles 😅

Premier league Vardy is back 😂 pic.twitter.com/F8phtcdmYD

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 19, 2024

Their next two matches were both defeats, but in both of them, Leicester put up a fight, losing 2-1 against Fulham and Aston Villa. In the Villa match, Leicester actually dominated the ball which at least showed some progression as a team under Cooper.

Losses into Draws

September was even better for Leicester, as they managed to get two draws, against Crystal Palace and Everton. Foxes fans were likely disappointed with the Everton result, considering it was at home against another relegation candidate, and in the Crystal Palace game Leicester let a two goal lead slip to draw 2-2. With that being said, it was points on the board, and as long as they kept their heads above water, that was the most important thing.

September ended with a defeat to Arsenal, and while they did concede four goals, they scored two of their own at the Emirates, which again shows that they can be competitive. As October came around, the Foxes were still hunting for their first win, but they didn’t need to wait that long.

Draws into Wins

Leicester’s first two games in October both ended in three points. They held onto a 1-0 lead against Bournemouth to pick up their first of the season, before they fought back against Southampton to win 3-2. Surely it would take a lot for Cooper to be sacked from this position right?

Well Leicester then lost their next game against Nottingham Forest before drawing with fellow promoted side Ipswich. It took a last-gasp winner for the Foxes to get one point on this occasion too, but it was damaging to their chances of putting considerable distance between themselves and the bottom three.

Three consecutive losses to Manchester United, Chelsea and Brentford was enough to see Cooper get sacked and his replacement, Ruud van Nistelrooy, came in immediately and started getting results. So far he has played two and not lost, beating fellow strugglers West Ham, and drawing at home to Brighton, again thanks to two late goals.

Jamie Vardy is 37.

He’s just scored in the 86th minute and assisted in the 91st minute at home to Brighton to salvage a point for Leicester.

He’s genuinely timeless. You can’t not love him. pic.twitter.com/molibG9pHD

— Jacob (@JacobHorsfall_) December 8, 2024

They have Newcastle and Wolves next, two games that they could get something from, followed by Liverpool and Manchester City, two games that they probably won’t get anything from.

Player of the Season

It will come as no surprise that I think that Jamie Vardy has been Leicester’s stand out player this season even though he turns 38 next month. It is often the case that teams that go on to be relegated don’t have a good quality number nine, but Leicester do. He has been involved in nine goals this season of Leicester’s 21 in the league this season and remains the starting striker despite the summer purchases of Jordan Ayew and Odsonne Edouard.

Season Rank: C

End of Season Prediction: 15th

Check out our Christmas Countdown article from yesterday.