Crystal Palace are seven points adrift at the bottom of the WSL with one game left Relegated Crystal Palace twice fought from a goal down to claim a point against second-bottom Leicester City in a frantic finale Second-half substitute Abbie Larkin rescued a point for the Women's Super League's rock-bottom side with a 98th-minute equaliser Just minutes earlier Foxes substitute Shannon O'Brien's curling long-range strike looked to have claimed a first away win of the season for the visitors but as the game became stretched Larkin fired home to earn a share of the points It was a game short on quality before Foxes forward Hlin Eiriksdottir stepped up to provide a moment of inspiration on the stroke of half-time She worked her way to the byeline and cut a pass back to Hannah Cain who swept the ball home to put the visitors into a one goal lead into the break Leicester had controlled the home side's attacking threat well before Courtney Nevin's lunging tackle on Josie Green allowed Annabel Blanchard to equalise from the penalty spot Crystal Palace had registered almost twice as many shots as Leicester as well as enjoying the lion's share of possession but twice it seemed as though those efforts were to go unrewarded as they fell behind Nevertheless the Eagles battled back to avoid a 16th loss from 21 league games this season showing resilience that has often been lacking in a maiden top-flight campaign to forget Meanwhile Leicester's long winless run away from home continues as they become just the fourth side in WSL history - after Bristol City Liverpool and Reading - to complete a full 22-game WSL season without a victory on the road Palace will bow out of the WSL with a trip to Manchester City on Saturday This past week Crystal Palace boss Leif Smerud asked his side to learn how to "grow from adversity" as they prepare to return to the second tier next season The players did exactly that on Sunday as they battled from behind twice Having grown into the game they received a body blow in the shape of Cain's opener on the stroke of half-time However the Eagles refused to simply lie down and accept a 16th defeat of the season They came out for the second half with a point to prove enjoying the majority of possession and putting Leicester under extreme pressure This pressure told when they forced the Foxes into a mistake for the penalty O'Brien's long-range strike in the 94th minute would have been enough to deflate a team in the best of form having battled back from adversity once already the Eagles lifted themselves again to level with moments left to play While a point will not change Crystal Palace's fortunes it does offer hope that next season they can perhaps take the harsh lessons learned in the top flight and get moving in an upward trajectory once again After the opportunity to rate players has closed the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users Related topicsFootballMore on this storyGet the latest WSL news on our dedicated page To load Comments you need to enable JavaScript in your browser The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made Yellow Card at 82 minutesSubstituteshome team Yellow Card at 82 minutesSubstitutesNumber 4 Torres Match OfficialsReferee: Adewunmi SoneyeMatch StatsKey Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace Women) left footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal Lexi Potter (Crystal Palace Women) wins a free kick in the attacking half Foul by Shannon O'Brien (Leicester City Women) Shannon O'Brien (Leicester City Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner Fourth official has announced 10 minutes of added time Nelly Las (Leicester City Women) header from the centre of the box misses to the left Chantelle Swaby (Leicester City Women) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal Annabel Blanchard (Crystal Palace Women) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul Foul by Annabel Blanchard (Crystal Palace Women) Janice Cayman (Leicester City Women) wins a free kick in the attacking half Shannon O'Brien (Leicester City Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked Delay in match because of an injury Shannon O'Brien (Leicester City Women) Molly-Mae Sharpe (Crystal Palace Women) header from the centre of the box is close Vardy’s opener was the 38-year-old’s 199th goal in a Leicester shirt and set his side on their way to a first win since January Jordan Ayew added a second before half-time to leave Southampton still needing one more point to avoid a share of the competition’s lowest-ever total – Derby’s 11 from 2007-08 “The performance provided the three points,” said Ruud Van Nistelrooy “The first goal was finished in style and it gave us that lead that we needed and the first goal at home in a long Taylor Harwood-Bellis had a decent chance to head Southampton into a sixth-minute lead, but his effort from Mateus Fernandes’s corner was comfortably saved by the Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk. there could not have been a more popular opening goalscorer as Leicester finally found the net at home in the league for the first time since Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s equaliser against Brighton on 8 December 2024 Luke Thomas put Bilal El Khannouss in behind down the left and his low ball into the box was smashed high into the net by Vardy who moved within one goal of his Leicester double-century said: “The first goal just seemed to knock the confidence out of the team Maybe that’s a result of the season as a whole in that it seemed to be a step too far psychologically perhaps We can try to affect confidence levels as much as we can but the reality is we’re working together as a group that’s won two games all season.” There was then a bizarre incident when the referee took an accidental blow to the head from Ayew and required treatment – after Vardy had blown his whistle to stop the match took charge for the remainder of the contest Jamie Vardy blows David Webb’s whistle after the referee took an accidental hit to the head from Jordan Ayew Photograph: Alex Pantling/Getty ImagesLeicester were quickest to find their feet again after the 12-minute delay and doubled their lead after 44 minutes when Ayew hit a powerful drive into the bottom corner from outside the box after the Ghanaian had struck a free-kick into the wall The lively El Khannouss almost scored a third for the hosts in first-half stoppage time when his attempted cross looped on to the top of the bar Southampton’s performance could only improve after the break and they came close to pulling a goal back when Stolarczyk did well to keep out Paul Onuachu’s header from Kamaldeen Sulemana’s cross Free daily newsletterKick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football It was only a brief flurry from the visitors Leicester almost adding to their lead when Wilfred Ndidi’s shot from El Khannouss’s corner was deflected wide Vardy almost reached his 200-goal milestone when his free-kick was beaten away by the Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale El Khannouss ignored the chance to play in Vardy as he rolled a shot wide after breaking into the Southampton half with seven minutes left as the hosts coasted to a rare victory so that's an achievement that won't be missed by us but we know we've got three more games to keep building on that." Is the Queensland boss the right man to lead Australia forward And will Joe Schmidt be tempted to stick around for Rugby World Cup 2027 Leicester Tigers have been sent back to the drawing board after being thwarted once again in their search to replace Michael Cheika when he steps down at the end of the season after Leon MacDonald turned down an approach Former All Black Macdonald, who is a consultant at the Western Force, couldn’t agree on a deal and will choose between Queensland Reds and Japanese outfit Yokohama Canon Eagles RugbyPass understands the Reds could offer him an assistant coach job until Les Kiss takes charge of the Wallabies next year and he then moves in on a three-year deal as head coach Deposed Premiership champions Northampton Saints are set to finalise a deal to bring Clermont Auvergne fly-half Anthony Belleau to Franklin’s Gardens on a one-year contract when his current deal expires this summer RugbyPass reported earlier this week that Saints had emerged as surprise front-runners to sign the former French international, who spent six years at Toulon before moving to ASM three years ago Saints boss Phil Dowson moved to snap up Belleau, 29, to provide cover for England stars Fin Smith and George Furbank after Jamie Benson signed a new deal to remain at Premiership rivals Harlequins Toulon and Samoa inside centre Duncan Paia’aua has held talks with relegation-threatened Top 14 side Perpignan over a potential move when his current contract ends this season RugbyPass reported in December that former Australia A international Paia’aua, 29, had also met with Harlequins about a move to the Premiership this summer who was born in Porirua on New Zealand’s North Island before his family relocated to Melbourne when he was three made the last of his four appearances for Toulon in October Dave Walder took his first training session with Exeter Chiefs on Thursday morning after days of disruption at Sandy Park brought his arrival forward by three months Walder had been due to become the new attack and backs coach under Rob Hunter but will now work alongside Rob Baxter who is overseeing team affairs until the end of the season following Hunter’s departure Baxter issued an emergency call to Walder to step in for Ali Hepher who was demoted from head coach in March to a backs role before being placed on gardening leave after Sunday’s defeat to Gloucester Former Wales and Lions prop Wyn Jones is tipped to return to Wales when his contract with Harlequins ends this summer joined the London club last July after 13 seasons with the Scarlets He has made 20 appearances for Quins — 13 from the bench — but is expected to move on when his deal expires in July Reports in Wales suggest Jones is heading to the Dragons, who have lost 15 of their 16 United Rugby Championship games this season and are looking for experienced reinforcements Former Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe, who is leaving Gloucester after a single season has entered talks with Top 14 side Bayonne New Zealand-born Anscombe, 33, had also been linked with Provence Rugby and Leicester Tigers, but Bayonne now appear favourites to land him as they prepare for Camille Lopez’s retirement at the end of the season According toActu Rugby in France, Bayonne have also been in contact with Castres’ Luka Matkava and Argentine international Philippe Tayeb Sale Sharks owner Simon Orange and his wife Michelle are branching into football after being confirmed as lead investors in a £1.45m fundraising round for non-league club Altrincham Brian Kennedy — a former Sharks and Stockport County owner — previously moved Sale from Heywood Road to Edgeley Park The Oranges’ involvement follows last month’s news that Sale are exploring new stadium sites Exeter Chiefs are expected to send more of their top prospects down the Devon Expressway to National League One side Plymouth Albion next season Sources in Plymouth suggest Chiefs were pleased with Albion’s work with Paul Brown-Bampoe and plan to expand the partnership One of the players who could join Albion is Kane James With just a 46-mile journey between Sandy Park and Brickfields the link allows dual training and swift game access Former Fiji Sevens coach Gareth Baber is reportedly set to lead Nice’s push for a return to the Top 14 The 52-year-old Welshman previously played for Bristol and the Dragons before coaching Cardiff Blues and later Fiji Sevens. He will be supported by backs coach Barry Maddocks — formerly of Biarritz and Agen — and forwards coach Emiliano Bergamaschi Nice are hoping to win Nationale promotion for the second time in three years Former Bristol Bears openside Dan Thomas will remain at Cardiff next season after a successful first campaign in the Welsh capital Thomas, 31, made over 120 appearances for Bristol before moving and has played 21 times for Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship and Challenge Cup this season He is currently seventh in the URC turnover rankings History will be made in Cape Town at the end of June when the Barbarians men's team take to the field for the first time on South African soil for a fixture against world champions South Africa Watch USA Eagles Women v Canada Women live and for FREE on the RugbyPass app The fiasco that is Tigers search for a new coach is getting beyond parody now How on earth the club has allowed itself to be manouvered into the position it now finds itself in is a damning indictment of the people running the club why aren’t Leicester trying to hire Rowntree? Join free and tell us what you really think Is the Queensland boss the right man to lead Australia forward Northampton Saints found a way of beating the fabled Jacques Nienaber blitz and inflicting another 'horrific' Champions Cup loss on the Leinster giants Warren Gatland forged a sense of togetherness in his 2013 Lions but faced personal 'vitriol' after leaving out a legend I was able to recover all of my money from this fraudulent binary options company after losing over $300,000 to binary options in this fake investment platform Now that is something I can agree with My apologies A hard read this time Nick but as always backed by observations One of the big problems in coaching Australia seems to be speaking nicely but carry a big stick I think Les will do the nicely bit and add some variation to play but the Wallabies can easily slip back into old habits unless they are held to account Schmidt has a reputation that anyone in rugby could appreciate Not sure the current players will give Les that understanding when tough decisions need to be taken I suspect he will be a bit like Ewen McKenzie The saving grace will be that the ARU are not the soft and useless bunch Ewen had to deal with Les will also have the support of Qld and the hatred of NSW and since NSW seem to heading in their standard direction of failure BTW he needs to dramatically improve Qld D and not just Ryan Not shutting the Drua down early by utilising an umbrella(?) D and letting them run is always a recipe for disaster Wasn’t the 3 option a 50/50 hard for a breakout season 10 to go all the way and claim the title for his team Let them/him build over the next few seasons Noting the scrum too after you said that JGP did have a bit of a quite game for his standards Can Les give the Wallabies the Kiss of Life?',1);"> The very predictable and inevitable let’s bag Less Kiss article from the hasbeen Welsh analyst trying to get his other mate and employer the failed pommie Lancaster a job in Australia so that the hasbeen welshman can score some employment off him Try and spend more time trying to help your own country instead of constantly undermining them by supporting your former employer NZ rugby Yeap nip them in the bud that’s just one guys opinion which I’m sure would have been more widely known if true (points by quarter) that they just need to run these guys into the ground and cross their fingers they get through Is that how they started off winning Champs do you know This is the same line up they’ve gone with in previous games right Surely because he doesn’t have the same cohesion Sam and Jordie seemed to have a good combo going though I doubt it would have looked any different than when Jordie was on the park myself To think that the best in Europe will not be able to keep up with Aus because Aus play in SRP This is the B & I Lions we are talking about playing against Aus the #8 team on the rankings I suppose upsets do happen but how can anyone see anything less than a 3-0 to the Lions No national team made up of SRP players will be able to match the Lions on a rugby field imho If they were playing basketball maybe but not rugby They didn’t seem to have any trouble accruing points in the second half GD Sorry to hear this In the end it all came down to whether Leinster could convert that penalty to points and then Pollock pilfered the ball after going to ground lol Yes it is possible to recover your lost Bitcoin with the assistance of professional recovery experts Regardless of how long your Bitcoin has been stolen or the circumstances surrounding its loss they can help you retrieve it all just like they helped me recover my scammed $624,000 USD back to me within 48 hours they has the expertise to assist you in recovering your lost funds contact them on: Recoveryeagles009@gmail.com Have you ever fallen victim to a Bitcoin investment scam or had your assets stolen To hire a recovery expert who can help you get your assets back Don’t know where you are getting the idea that the Europeans are going to be any better than Taniela Tupou or Angus Bell at scrummaging tbh. It's been everything to me - Vardy on Leicester tenure When ref David Webb sank to the floor after being accidentally shoulder barged by Jordan Ayew in Leicester's 2-0 victory over Southampton at King Power Stadium he took the opportunity to halt a Saints attack by blowing the stricken official's whistle "I saw Southampton breaking down the left and with the ref down I thought I'll blow his whistle to stop the game," Vardy said with a smile to BBC Match of the Day Although Webb was unable to continue - replaced by fourth official Sam Barrott - he was able to walk off the pitch unaided having scored Leicester's opener moments earlier with a crisp finish in the 17th minute That was his 199th goal for Leicester - the club he is leaving after 13 years when his contract expires in the summer The striker has three more games left this season to reach the 200-goal mark make his 500th appearance for the club and cement his status as one of Leicester's greats "It's been everything," Vardy said when asked what Leicester meant to him "It's been mine and my family's life for 13 years We've been taken in by the fans and the whole city and it has meant every single thing to me personally "When it's been your life for that long and you see the camaraderie with the fans and my team-mates for the last 13 years Jamie Vardy blew referee David Webb's whistle after he went down injured Not only did Vardy's finish take him closer to that 200-goal milestone but it ended a nine-game club goalscoring drought at home "If there was one player to break this cycle it had to be Jamie," Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy said Very important for him and the team to get us in front." who announced he would leave the club last week said he "couldn't tell" what his future has in store "I am enjoying my football and I need a nice break to mentally and physically fully refresh and then we'll see where that goes," said Vardy "There's still a few more games where hopefully there can be a few more numbers added." It has been a disappointing final season for Vardy at Leicester while their relegation back to the Championship was confirmed on 20 April Leicester defender Conor Coady said the Foxes would make the remaining three games of the season all about Vardy who he said was a "pleasure to call a team-mate" I'm not going to beat around the bush," Coady said "He's Leicester's best ever player so we need to make sure the last couple of games are about him." 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Not many managers can survive a run of 17 defeats in 19 games nine consecutive defeats at home without scoring a single goal or picking up just eight points from a possible 63 such a run of statistics places the manager’s position in the untenable category such poor performances will have the supporters of that club demanding a change That hasn’t been the case for Leicester City and Ruud van Nistelrooy Leicester could have been tempted to make a second change of what has been a dire campaign having sacked Steve Cooper after 12 games when he had 10 points on the board and the club was outside the relegation zone ‘What’s the point?’ Relegation seemed a certainty anyway They then could have decided enough was enough when relegation was confirmed with five games still to play as Southampton did when they removed their second manager of the season If the Leicester fans are scratching their heads and wondering what is going on and who will be the manager next season given the overhaul needed of a failing squad, and rebuilding the club for a promotion challenge against the backdrop of EFL scrutiny over the club’s profit and sustainability rule compliance “(I am) still hoping to find out,” Van Nistelrooy said before the 2-0 home win over Southampton There’s 70 people working at the training ground who want to evaluate the season (and start) looking forward to the next.” Van Nistelrooy says he has told the senior management who have been the focal point for the supporters’ anger and frustration this season in terms of the squad and structures at the club but he is in the dark as much as everyone else chairman and owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha He rarely speaks publicly beyond his matchday magazine notes but before the visit of Southampton he did stress in his column there is a plan for moving forward including across these remaining four games where the foundations for next season will be laid,” he wrote “There are decisions to be made in a number of areas and discussions required to shape our preparation for 2025-26 and beyond One thing does seem clear — Van Nistelrooy wants the job In terms of making a case for him to retain his position He admits he has learned so much in his five months in charge of Leicester that he is now in the position to understand what is required moving forward A new manager may have to learn from scratch Jannik Vestergaard and many others will be elsewhere according to club sources who wished to remain anonymous to protect relationships has been concerned by the lack of commitment and attitude from some in the squad He has said he has felt his team has lacked the physical fitness and energy to play the style of fast That can only be rectified in a pre-season and through recruitment providing a glimpse of the direction Leicester may go in should he stay Academy graduates Kasey McAteer and Luke Thomas have come back into the side although in McAteer’s case injuries to the wingers have given him the opportunity who made his fourth appearance as a sub despite still being only 15 and studying for his GCSEs Monga has been turning up for training still in his school uniform and the pair are so young they cannot wear shirts with the club’s gambling or beer sponsors on or even change with their adult team-mates for safeguarding reasons Van Nistelrooy’s background as a coach has been in developing young players at PSV and with Leicester likely to have a clearout of the more experienced players and higher earners sacking a second manager in a season would put a dent in the financial PSR calculation Keeping Van Nistelrooy would ease the financial situation After five different managers over the past three years But the key question Khun Top has to ask himself is this: is Van Nistelrooy the right man to take the club forward Another is: will the disgruntled fans back him Khun Top wrote that the planning has begun and that will include assessing other managerial options He may have someone in mind but Leicester don’t have the luxury of taking their time. Van Nistelrooy was calling for clarity and talking about how crucial it is to start the planning for next season now which ended the barren home run and provided a second clean sheet of the league season his tone shifted as he refused to talk about the future too much emphasising his focus was only on the final three games Only one man will truly know what will happen (Top photo: Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images) Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player playVardy snaps Leicester's goalless streak vs Southampton (2:06)Mark Ogden reacts to Leicester City's 2-0 win vs Southampton in a clash at bottom of the Premier League table LEICESTER, England -- The security guard tasked with pat-down duties at the entrance to the King Power Stadium ahead of Leicester City's Premier League game against Southampton had a wry grin on his face It's a line he will have grown accustomed to saying this season. Leicester, shock champions in 2016, had already seen their relegation back to the EFL Championship confirmed and they faced Southampton having failed to score in any of their last nine home league games -- a run stretching back to a 2-2 draw against Brighton on Dec They say that there is always somebody in a worse situation than your own and also sent back to the second tier after one season and a team that arrived at Leicester still needing a point to escape the ignominy of matching Derby County's record low points tally of 11 For a fixture that had earned the billing of being the worst Premier League game in history some fans had even taken to social media to label it as "El Crapico" -- a team that can't score against a side that can't seemingly do anything 'El Crapico' tickets have arrived 🎉 pic.twitter.com/9BqnAYi7Xx Vardy will leave Leicester when his contract expires next month. The former England striker described this season as a "s---show" when he announced his impending departure recently but he can at least end on a personal high by taking his tally to 200 goals it won't make him any less of a club legend the guy who won the title here," manager Ruud van Nistelrooy said "But of course he wants that round figure because I think it looks nice." the stadium big screen had reminded supporters to wave their flags when Leicester scored Their supporters clearly have little faith that the team now under their third manager of the season in Simon Rusk "You're not fit to wear the shirt!" they chanted as Southampton handed Leicester an easy 2-0 win but there was always some gallows humor as they attempted to mock the home fans' celebrations we lose every week!" the Saints fans sang as they contemplated returning to the same stadium next season for a Championship fixture It was Southampton's 28th defeat in 35 league games and it felt like watching football in the Twilight Zone Jamie Vardy celebrates after scoring what could prove to be his last-ever goal at the King Power. Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty ImagesDerby's record low haunts SouthamptonDerby's 11-point mark has been hanging over Southampton for months. They have only collected five points in 2025 and haven't won since a 2-1 win at Ipswich Town They came tantalizingly close to reaching 12 points at home to Fulham last week, but after taking a first-half lead, Southampton conceded a 72nd minute equaliser before losing to a Ryan Sessegnon goal deep into stoppage time The trip to Leicester was Southampton's red-letter day and best chance of securing that solitary point to avoid matching Derby's unenviable record "We had to get the point at Leicester," Southampton fan Steve Grant "It was 'Leicester or Bust' because our final three games are against City but the Everton game is their last-ever match at Goodison Park so it's hard to see us getting a point there Although it would be a funny if we somehow do it at Everton and they leave the Goodison pitch for the final time to a chorus of boos "The reality now is that the Premier League has a stable 17 and three promoted clubs The gulf between the league and the Championship is massive and it's no surprise the three promoted clubs have gone down for the second successive season "Even if we end up with 11 points and match Derby's record whoever comes up from the Championship via the playoffs this season will be contenders to get fewer than 11 points next year." That will certainly be welcomed in Derby and by those associated with the team's humiliation in 2007-08 who made his name as a manager by guiding unfancied Bradford City and Wigan Athletic to promotion to the Premier League took charge of Derby in November 2007 with the team already anchored to the foot of the table and he admits he should never have taken the job "I remember driving to Derby and I took a call from David Moyes on the way down," Jewell told ESPN "David asked what I was doing and I told him I was about to join Derby He asked where I was and when I told him I was on the motorway he said to turn around and go home because Everton had beaten them in October and he had told his staff that Derby wouldn't win another game all season was jeered by the away supporters. Gareth Copley/Getty Images"We lost a few early games by the odd goal and then drew 2-2 at Newcastle after conceding an 88th-minute equaliser I could never tell the players that a win today would help us close a gap because the gap was already massive That's exactly what it will be like for Leicester and Southampton "But do I want Southampton to end up on 11 points like Derby Because somebody else will be able to take this phone call next season rather than me!" and they have been marooned in the relegation zone all season Leicester, having lost promotion-winning manager Enzo Maresca to Chelsea, spent £78 million on reinforcements and hired Steve Cooper, the former Nottingham Forest manager But Cooper was fired in November after just 15 games in charge -- the Foxes were outside the relegation zone at this stage -- and replaced by Van Nistelrooy who has managed just four wins in 24 matches fired Russell Martin in December and replaced him with Ivan Juric who lasted just 16 games -- losing 13 and winning just two -- before he was dismissed in April Southampton's Premier League malaise is deep-rooted have been achieved by five different managers: Juric It will be a surprise if Rusk adds his name to that list this season "Our problem is that we stuck in a rut of being too good for the Championship but too weak for the Premier League," Saints fan Grant said "It has been fairly tedious watching us this season and I have not bothered with the games at the big clubs because you know how they will end up but I'm still a fan who wants those big moments so of course I will want us to be promoted back to the Premier League next season." Leicester and Southampton were both already doomed to relegation long time and we were ready to break that cycle today," Van Nistelrooy said I can't remember the last time we did that Just look at the stat -- eight games without scoring but I'm pleased for the players that the run is broken "I need to find way to motivate the team because we know we are not staying up The objective now is to be in best place possible for next season." Van Nistelrooy declined to address his own future and whether he will still be in charge next season but it is unlikely that he will survive after such a woeful run of results "I'm in a difficult situation," Rusk told reporters We were relegated with seven games to go and it's not easy "We need the people who travel to support us but we're not good enough and we're finding it hard But it can feel very lonely on the pitch and sometimes your legs can't do what you want them to do and maybe that's what happened today." So while Leicester and their supporters can celebrate a win and an end to their home goal drought Southampton still need that one point to avoid ignominy -- and their next opponents are Manchester City "The points thing is the points thing," Rusk said "Our draw at West Ham moved the first barrier [of getting fewer than 11 points] but we haven't got something out of this game We wanted something here to get past the points record You have reached ESPN's UK edition. Stay on current site or go to US version With Leicester leading 1-0 after taking a 17th-minute lead through Jamie Vardy's 199th goal for the club the game was halted in the 21st minute after Webb who was taking charge of the first Premier League match of his career was knocked to the ground in an accidental collision with Ayew Vardy crouched beside him and blew the whistle that was still in the stricken referee's hand Jamie Vardy appeared to blow the referee's whistle while he was lying injured on the pitch. Alex Pantling/Getty ImagesVardy then walked away from Webb as the seriousness of the referee's injury prompted concern among players who called for medical treatment to help the official "I saw Southampton breaking down the left and with the ref down I thought I'll blow his whistle to stop the game," Vardy told BBC Sport After five minutes of treatment on the pitch Webb appeared unsteady as he returned to his feet but was able to walk off the pitch before heading to the dressing room for further treatment He was replaced by fourth official Sam Barrott who restarted the game between the two already-relegated teams after the 11-minute delay Ayew recovered to score Leicester's second as they earned all three points at the King Power Stadium. "I felt sorry for the ref," Leicester head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy told a pos-tmatch news conference. "He hit a brick wall called Jordan Ayew, and that 's not easy. Vardy blew the whistle to help him out. I hope he's OK. "We had to wait for 12 minutes, warm up and then start again, but I have not seen a body check like that for a long time." Jeremy Monga would be at the top of any list Other clubs may be interested in acquiring certain players from the relegation-bound Foxes side In terms of someone who all Leicester City fans will hope remains at the club for a long time to come The prospect of potentially losing the 15-year-old would take away one of the few bright spots of the club from this past season. The interest is understandable. Since making his Premier League debut, he saw an increased run against Southampton during City's 2-0 win The teenager showed an ability to be physical and confident on the ball as well as a willingness to go forward and play within a senior-level side Unfortunately for LCFC supporters, everyone else can see the talent of the young attacking player. In an exclusive to Sportsboom, the media outlet confirms the high interest of Chelsea in Monga It's typical for clubs throughout all of their sides to constantly be on the lookout for ways to improve their roster The interest itself is understandable enough It does appear that Enzo Maresca would like to take the promising talent from the East Midlands and have Monga follow him to London City's current form could end up being the main reason why Monga sticks with the Foxes he'd be able to play in the first team at a club he'd get continued run and training with the LCFC first team Taking on defenders in the Championship will be more of a showcase for the teenager compared to being another player in the academy system with the Blues In a clip that has falsely attributed Monga to declaring that he will definitely stay at City, a part of that TikTok Live does provide something of an insight. During that conversation So far under Ruud van Nistelrooy, he has been lined up on the outside. If his goal is to be more of a central attacking midfielder, this too would come easier and sooner at LCFC. Particularly with the potential departures from the club which will still be one of the better Championship sides in England Monga could carve a nice role for himself at King Power Stadium for the foreseeable future © 2025 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only Betting and gambling content is intended for individuals 21+ and is based on individual commentators' opinions and not that of Minute Media or its affiliates and related brands All picks and predictions are suggestions only and not a guarantee of success or profit If you or someone you know has a gambling problem crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER ","https://fansided.com/",{"alt":"5i","src":"5j","url":"5k"},{"type":"5h","value":"5l"},"link","Minute Media","https://www.minutemedia.com/",{"text":"5o","url":"5p"},{"type":"5n","value":"5q"},"All Rights Reserved Betting and gambling content is intended for individuals 21+ and is based on individual commentators' opinions and not that of Minute Media or its affiliates and related brands He enjoys writing about and covering multiple sports across all aspects He can usually be found catching a current game or rewatching one from the past His prior work has been featured on Yardbarker and MSN he's listening to a podcast or enjoying some good tunes ",{"type":"3y","value":"8p"},{"type":"3y","value":"8i"},"image",800,{"x":"8t","y":"8t"},"Gabriel S The prospect of potentially losing the 15-year-old would take away one of the few bright spots of the club from this past season. The interest is understandable. Since making his Premier League debut, he saw an increased run against Southampton during City's 2-0 win Unfortunately for LCFC supporters, everyone else can see the talent of the young attacking player. In an exclusive to Sportsboom, the media outlet confirms the high interest of Chelsea in Monga In a clip that has falsely attributed Monga to declaring that he will definitely stay at City, a part of that TikTok Live does provide something of an insight. During that conversation Referee David Webb went down with a knock to his head after an accidental collision with Leciester’s Jordan Ayew during the Foxes’ Premier League match against Southampton I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Leicester City captain Jamie Vardy took matters into his own hands on Saturday by blowing the referee’s whistle to stop play after the official had gone down injured Midway through the first half of Leicester’s Premier League game with fellow relegated side Southampton, referee David Webb suffered an accidental collision with Leicester’s Jordan Ayew and collapsed to the floor holding his head while play continued around him Vardy – who will leave Leicester at the end of the season after 13 years at the club – jumped into action which was wrapped around the referee’s right hand was treated by medics and got to his feet before being removed from the pitch and replaced in the middle by fourth official Sam Barrott Vardy had scored his 144th Premier League goal taking him level in the charts with Robin van Persie The 38-year-old’s 199th goal in a Foxes shirt set Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side on their way to a first win since January It ended Leicester’s long wait for a home goal since Bobby De Cordova-Reid's equaliser against Brighton on 8 December 2024 and Ayew then added a second after scoring a rebound from his own free-kick which had hit the wall The delay in treating Webb and readying Barrott to replace him led to 12 minutes being added on to the end of the first half at the King Power Stadium Vardy was a key member of the Foxes’ side which against all the odds lifted the Premier League title in 2016 and will depart in the summer in the wake of a relegation from the top-flight he has described as “such a s*** show” He also won the FA Cup with the club he joined as a 25-year-old from non-league Fleetwood for £1m in May 2012 and will go with almost 500 appearances and approaching 200 goals to his name but has insisted he will play on elsewhere Speaking in a video message to fans last month, Vardy said: “To the fans of Leicester, I’m gutted that this day is coming, but I knew it was going to come eventually. “I’ve had 13 unbelievable years at this club with lots of success, some downs, but the majority all highs. But it’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about, but I think the timing is right. “I just want to sincerely thank you all for taking me in as one of your own. Leicester will always, always have a massive place in my heart and I’ll make sure that I will be following for the years to come in what I hope will be even more success for the club. “But as for now, this is my goodbye but you will see me again soon, I promise. Thank you.” Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Manchester United battle Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of Leicester City’s Jake Evans Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester are heading to the Championship after a dreadful season in England’s top flight the emergence of several young talents is being seen as a major positive and could help the Foxes return back to the Premier League quickly 20-year-old attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss has earned plenty of plaudits for his strong presence in and out of possession The likes of Jeremy Monga and Jake Evans have also caught the attention of fans and pundits alike after making their senior debuts in the second half of the campaign it is going to be very difficult for Leicester to keep hold of their exciting prospects as a number of Premier League clubs are preparing to take advantage of their situation According to Fichajes United are looking to sign the 16-year-old prodigy this summer It is claimed that the Red Devils have offered around €15 million (£12.78m) for the England U16 international Evans is capable of playing all across the front line but he mainly thrives as a striker or a right-winger He has scored an impressive 10 goals in 14 Premier League 2 appearances this term, leading to suggestions that he could become heir to Jamie Vardy’s throne at King Power Stadium It is understood that ex-United striker Van Nistelrooy has “complete confidence” in Evans’ abilities and believes the starlet with immense potential could spearhead Leicester’s attack in the future It is suggested that United face competition from Spurs for the youngster’s services The North Londoners are also prepared to make a significant offer to win the race for the Leicester wonderkid Meanwhile, United are also going head-to-head with Chelsea for Blackburn Rovers gem Igor Tyjon but the Mancunians have already seen their opening bid turned down by the Championship side Featured image Christopher Furlong via Getty Images Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years and editing content for several major outlets he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012 Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration Ayew joined Leicester City after the season had started and missed out on pre-season with his new club The Foxes have endured one of their worst attacking seasons in recent memory going nine consecutive home games without scoring - a club record and one of the longest barren spells in Premier League history The team has consistently ranked near the bottom for chances created and Expected Goals (xG) making it a tough environment for any forward to shine Leicester this season have so far scored the second-lowest number of goals (29) in the Premier League and 30.5 xG are the worst by any side in the top flight Ayew has managed to score five league goals making him Leicester’s second-highest scorer this season He has achieved this feat in just 27 appearances demonstrating his impact despite not always starting His five goals have come from an expected goals (xG) tally of 3.5 indicating he is outperforming the quality of chances created for him Ayew's xG map in the Premier League this seasonOpta by StatsPerformAyew’s efficiency is further highlighted by his minutes-per-goal ratio With five goals in roughly 1,425 league minutes a strong return for a player in a struggling attack The 33-year-old’s value goes beyond just scoring often winning free kicks in dangerous areas and relieving pressure on Leicester’s struggling midfield He is also among the top four in progressive carries and shots showing his willingness to drive the attack even when service is limited His 79% pass completion rate and high defensive work rate (noted for tackles and interceptions) further demonstrate his all-round contribution A look at Ayew's stats in the Premier League this seasonOpta by StatsPerformFor comparison, last season at Crystal Palace he scored just four goals in 32 appearances-despite playing in a more settled team despite joining Leicester late and playing fewer full matches Ayew’s ability to deliver in an underperforming side is not new he has often played for teams fighting relegation yet consistently ranks among their top scorers and hardest-working players While five goals may not seem prolific on paper the context of Ayew’s season at Leicester makes his tally a notable achievement and provided a rare attacking spark for a team that has struggled to create or finish chances all season Ayew’s efforts deserve recognition as a bright spot in a difficult campaign for Leicester City the Ghanaian has proved he can be one of the few players the Leicester faithful can rely on in the Championship AuthorFlashscoreBlack Star Watch is a compelling weekly column written by Owuraku Ampofo a seasoned sports journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Ghanaian players and illuminate trending topics surrounding Ghanaian footballers Katherine Walsh Digital sports reporterPublished: Invalid Date LEICESTER CITY'S Premier League clash with Southampton was DELAYED for 12 minutes after the referee was forced to go off for treatment Ref David Webb - who was later replaced during his Prem debut - fell to the deck holding his face after Jordan Ayew collided with him as he ran past The unfortunate incident happened in the 22nd minute after Jamie Vardy scored Leicester's first goal at home since December 8 The official dropped to the turf and held his face for several seconds after catching the shoulder of Leicester star Ayew in the middle of the pitch As play went on, Foxes captain Vardy felt compelled to step in as he bent down to lift Webb's arm to cheekily blow the whistle. PREMIER LEAGUE LIVE - LATEST GOAL UPDATES Vardy - who scored his 199th goal for Leicester - then instantly walked off, before physios stormed the pitch to come to the official's aid. A stretcher was brought onto the field but Webb, who has been a referee since the age of 20 and has officiated in the EFL since 2008, was helped up by medical staff. He came back to his feet after a few minutes before heading down the tunnel for a concussion check at the King Power Stadium. With play formally suspended thanks to Vardy's intervention both sets of players were milling around on the pitch waiting And Webb couldn't continue the rest of the game so fourth official Sam Barratt was subbed in to resume play after the lengthy delay A commentator said: "Webb is said to be OK and is under observation." Referee's delegate Phil Sharp was forced to step in as the fourth official during the unprecedented scenes And it was Ayew who then extended relegated Leicester's lead in the 44th minute The former Crystal Palace star's free-kick hit the wall from 25 yards before he hammered in a half-volley into the bottom left corner The 2-0 win marked Leicester's fifth victory of the season with relegated Southampton suffering their 28th defeat tied with Derby County for the worst Premier League season Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/ This was the best chance to get that elusive 1th point of the season, Saints fans were the 12th man, but this was a sorry performance that lacked just about everything you could name. There is not a lot that can be said about this game that hasn't been said week in week out before, Simon Rusk put out the same side and it looked tired, the players lacked motivation and put bluntly we did the same old things and got the same results. At the back we played 3 central defenders, but there was no variation, all three lack pace and they lack marking skills and leadership. Simon Rusk has no excuses here, he has clearly decided that these are his men, he left Nathan Wood on the bench and Armel Bella-Kotchap and Charlie Taylor at home, he had the personnel, he needed to change something here and he didn't. In the rest of the team it was the same story and at half time at least Rusk realised his error and changed things, but it was too little too late, however the one thing that turned Saints fans was the substitution of Mateus Fernandes with only 57 minutes gone, I don't have anything against Will Smallbone, but he is not going to get you back into a game when you are behind, Mateus Fernandes is. This was Rusk throwing in the towel, Jay Robinson also came on for Sulemana, but he is a youngster, we needed a point, why is Ryan Fraser sat at home, why is Adam Lallana not named on the bench. I have seen some horrible abuse aimed at Rusk on social media, that is unfair, Rusk's only crime is not to be up to the job in hand and making some poor selections, but it is not his fault he is left holding the wheel till the end of the season. Rusk is clearly a good coach, but he is not yet ready for management at the top level, perhaps he will be in the future, but not at the moment. So it seems that we will limp to the end of the season doing the same things and getting the same results, unless Rusk decides that plan A has failed and he has a plan B. This was perhaps the worst game of the season, it was awful to watch, two sides who were fairly evenly matched, probably not in a good way, once Leicester got in front, you felt that was it, when they got the second just before the break it effectively ended the game as a contest, Leicester concentrated on not doing anything silly and letting us back in the game and we did pretty much the same, a total lack of leadership and motivation. The only positive point was once again the travelling fans, the departure of Fernandes just before the hour mark prompted a long and loud rendition of a song in his honour, that seemed to continue for most of the rest of the game. When Vardy broke Van Nistelrooy's Premier League record 1411 CommentsLeicester City captain Jamie Vardy will leave the club at the end of the season but intends to continue his playing career the Foxes described Vardy as "our greatest ever player" who joined in 2012 from non-league side Fleetwood Town is the club's record Premier League scorer with 143 and in all competitions has scored 198 goals in 498 appearances Vardy scored 24 times in the 2015-16 Premier League campaign helping Leicester to the first ever top-flight title in their history The former England international was also part of their 2021 FA Cup-winning side when the Foxes beat Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley but I knew it was going to come eventually," Vardy said in a video posted by Leicester on social media "I've spent 13 unbelievable years at this club "It's finally time to call it a day always have a massive place in my heart." He added: "This isn't retirement I want to keep on playing and doing what I enjoy most - scoring goals "I may be 38 but I still have the desire and ambition to achieve so much more." Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy said Vardy had stuck with the club "through thick and thin" adding: "He has achieved everything and now can go and enjoy these last years with his family he is one of the most open and honest people I have met "He will tell you how he feels and what he is thinking Vardy described the club's season as "miserable" and a "total embarrassment" after the Foxes were relegated earlier this month having collected 18 points from their 33 matches 'A very unique character' - Vardy will 'never be forgotten' by Foxes 'Gutted this day has come' - reaction as Vardy to leave Leicester at end of the season Van Nistelrooy unsure if he will keep Leicester job After helping the club back into the top flight during his second season in the Midlands Vardy was then an instrumental figure in the side's 'great escape' in the 2014-15 campaign Bottom of the table at Christmas and with just four wins by the start of April the Foxes seemed destined to return to the Championship But 22 points from their final nine matches helped Nigel Pearson's side complete the most unlikely of revivals Leicester, 5,000-1 outsiders at the start of the season, went on to win their first ever top-flight title as they were crowned Premier League champions in 2015-16 under the management of Claudio Ranieri Vardy was named the Premier League Player of the Season after scoring 24 times in 36 appearances including a record-breaking run that saw him find the net in 11 consecutive league matches - a mark that still stands today Vardy would go on to score in the side's subsequent Champions League campaign and he was the winner of the Premier League Golden Boot in 2019-20 with 23 goals The forward became the first player in FA Cup history to appear in 13 of the 14 rounds of the competition when he played in the 2021 FA Cup final as the Foxes, managed by Brendan Rodgers, lifted the trophy for the first time in their history. Jamie Vardy is Leicester's all-time leading scorer in the Premier League Vardy remained with the Foxes after their relegation from the Premier League in 2023 He hit 18 goals in 35 matches in the Championship after being named club captain by Enzo Maresca helping them to win the title 10 years after Vardy's first promotion with Leicester Vardy has featured in 31 of the east Midlands club's 33 Premier League matches this term His final game at the King Power Stadium will be on 18 May View comments | 1411Top storiesTrailblazer Zhao set to take snooker to 'another level' in China 303 CommentsRuud van Nistelrooy says he is still waiting to find out if he will keep his job as Leicester City manager following the club's relegation from the Premier League The Foxes, whose 1-0 defeat by Liverpool at the King Power Stadium last weekend confirmed they would be returning to the Championship have earned just eight points from 20 matches under the Dutchman said he has sat down with the owners and the board and told them "how we move forward as a club" "I know what my plan is to bring the club back but I am waiting on alignment," he added "The quicker the better for the football club." Leicester face Wolves at Molineux on Saturday at 15:00 BST Van Nistelrooy signed a three-year deal with Leicester in November following the sacking of Steve Cooper after just 157 days in charge the former Manchester United striker's appointment failed to rally the club and their second relegation in three seasons was on the cards for months was the Foxes' ninth consecutive Premier League home game without scoring a goal - a new top-flight record A light aircraft was flown over the stadium before kick-off on Sunday trailing a banner reading "King Power Clueless Sack The Board" Vardy to leave Leicester at end of the season Latest Leicester news View comments | 303Top stories Trailblazer Zhao set to take snooker to 'another level' in China The 28-year-old's clause was activated last weekend when the Foxes lost 1-0 to now-champions Liverpool and were relegated to the Championship with five games to go Leicester have since lost 3-0 away at Wolves and the Nigeria international is among several members of the squad now considering his future The Midlands club feel well placed to revamp the squad with release clauses rare at the King Power Stadium and only three players out of contract - goalkeepers Daniel Iversen and Danny Ward who has announced he will leave Leicester after 13 glorious years at the club had interest from clubs like Marseille and Everton while available on a free transfer last summer Leicester managed to sign Ndidi to a new three-year deal last summer He was signed in 2017 in a £17m deal from Genk but the pressure from interested parties likely led to the inclusion of a release clause as part of his most recent deal Ndidi has won an FA Cup and the Championship last season while at Leicester and has played 27 times in all competitions during this campaign Liverpool 1 at Full timeLeicesterLeicester CityLeicester City01LiverpoolLiverpoolLiverpoolFull timeFTHalf Time Leicester City 0 Liverpool 0 HT 0-0Key EventsLeicester CityLiverpoolT Alexander-Arnold (76')Goal 76 minutesVenue:King Power StadiumAttendance:30,402Anger at Amorim & Foxes Fall Liverpool now need three points to win title via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only Liverpool are closer than ever to a 20th championship crown Will they be crowned champions on Wednesday Leicester City will be playing in the Championship next season 1259Shareclose panelShare pageCopy link About sharingget involvedLiverpool one win from title - your reactionpublished at 19:57 British Summer Time 20 April19:57 BST 20 April#bbcfootball WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only If Liverpool win remaining games we'll have 94 points 61337Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingget involvedLiverpool one win from title - your reactionpublished at 19:54 British Summer Time 20 April19:54 BST 20 April#bbcfootball It might be his last goal for Liverpool - who knows But the fire in his eyes in the celebration makes me think maybe he could stay 58659Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingHow the table lookspublished at 19:53 British Summer Time 20 April19:53 BST 20 AprilFT: Leicester 0-1 Liverpool This is how the table looks after this weekend's games Southampton and Leicester City are relegated 20621Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'Questions must be asked of decisions made at top'published at 19:50 British Summer Time 20 April19:50 BST 20 AprilFT: Leicester 0-1 Liverpool Jamie CarragherFormer Liverpool defender on Sky Sports You can talk about what's happened here this season and the clubs that were promoted They are an established Premier League club They then go from eighth in the league to getting relegated This is not just about a certain Ruud van Nistelrooy or the players who are here now This goes back to decisions that were made over the years The decisions that are made at the top level filter down to the ground and that is where the questions need to be asked 19422Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingget involvedLiverpool one win from title - your reactionpublished at 19:48 British Summer Time 20 April19:48 BST 20 April#bbcfootball AC: A memorable goal to settle a turgid game that was played like a pre-season friendly Glad that Trent had his big moment with the travelling fans Don't want him to go but grateful for his tremendous service 56239Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'Liverpool can score more goals'published at 19:46 British Summer Time 20 April19:46 BST 20 AprilFT: Leicester 0-1 Liverpool Liverpool were in better form in the winter months but they are getting the job done you come away thinking if it can be a bit more spectacular but then you look at the amount of shots and big chances they created Liverpool have scored 75 goals in Premier League this season And I still feel they can score more goals They could do it with someone else there alongside Mohamed Salah - someone who is as clinical as him 36433Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingget involvedLiverpool one win from title - your reactionpublished at 19:44 British Summer Time 20 April19:44 BST 20 April#bbcfootball Everyone likes to take the shine off the winners but I don’t think it’s been an easy season and have taken points off the big teams - or if not at least made Liverpool/Arsenal/Man City look average several times this season Apart from the lack of excitement in the last few weeks I think it’s been a great season for the Premier League Far better than watching two or three teams streets ahead of everyone else 87268Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'Special for Trent'published at 19:42 British Summer Time 20 April19:42 BST 20 AprilFT: Leicester 0-1 Liverpool Liverpool speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "Special for him [Trent Alexander-Arnold] because he worked so hard to be back in the squad and as a result of that he had a big moment today." On Liverpool's fans support towards Trent Alexander-Arnold: "I'm here for a year now and all the players who wear the Liverpool shirt have a great reception from the fans whatever they do we always have full support from our fans I wouldn't have expected it any other way today when Trent come on." 41428Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingget involvedLiverpool one win from title - your reactionpublished at 19:40 British Summer Time 20 April19:40 BST 20 April#bbcfootball Liverpool winning the league supposedly because the Premier League is weak this year So weak in fact that four PL teams are in European semi finals 1277105Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingVan Nistelrooy on Leicester futurepublished at 19:38 British Summer Time 20 April19:38 BST 20 AprilFT: Leicester 0-1 Liverpool Leicester City speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about being relegated: "I'm very disappointed that it's a definite now but over the last weeks we saw the gap growing although we never gave up and we shifted the focus towards the future to use these games and finish the season as best as possible Next season the Championship will start and it is my job to do the best things possible for the club "I'm working in the coming weeks it is my job to do everything in the best interests of Leicester City." On his future: "I'm waiting on the clarity of the club and how they want to continue I have to wait on how the club sees things and take it from there." 9248Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingget involvedLiverpool one win from title - your reactionpublished at 19:36 British Summer Time 20 April19:36 BST 20 April#bbcfootball All the bitter rival fans trying to put a dampener on LFC’s impending title win do make me laugh This league has been more competitive than ever More teams than ever before fighting for European places Just because there’s not two teams on 90+ they claim it’s a weak league where in fact it proves the opposite Anyone saying the Premier League has been poor this season is probably a fan of a team who expected to challenge for the title For Liverpool to be so far ahead is an incredible achievement 1578138Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingSlot on the winning the title at Anfieldpublished at 19:34 British Summer Time 20 April19:34 BST 20 AprilFT: Leicester 0-1 Liverpool 62748Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingPostpublished at 19:32 British Summer Time 20 April19:32 BST 20 AprilFT: Leicester 0-1 Liverpool Liverpool will be confirmed champions on Wednesday if Arsenal lose at home to Crystal Palace (20:00 BST) Otherwise victory over Tottenham next Sunday in front of their own fans at Anfield will secure a record-equalling 20th championship 55355Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'Leicester must look into the mirror'published at 19:30 British Summer Time 20 April19:30 BST 20 AprilFT: Leicester 0-1 Liverpool Roy KeaneFormer Manchester United midfielder on Sky Sports You have to look into the mirror if you are Leicester It was a good effort today it is too little and too late But it's a big few months coming for them - what to do with the recruitment which players to hold on to and what to do with the manager They have a brilliant training ground and they have won the league and the FA Cup They have had a rollercoaster ride in the past few seasons 19938Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingget involvedLiverpool one win from title - your reactionpublished at 19:27 British Summer Time 20 April19:27 BST 20 April#bbcfootball It is ok to struggle as along as enough is done for the win and that is what Liverpool have been doing Should have been a far more comfortable day against one of the league’s lessor sides 634107Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'Nice to have players that step up'published at 19:24 British Summer Time 20 April19:24 BST 20 AprilFT: Leicester 0-1 Liverpool 79041Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingget involvedLeicester relegated - your reactionpublished at 19:22 British Summer Time 20 April19:22 BST 20 April#bbcfootball David: You feel for those Leicester fans after a decent start to their campaign having not been in the bottom three until sacking their manager for an inexperienced one in order to play more attractive football Don’t know about you but no goals at home for 9 matches isn’t very appealing a prime example of why you should be careful of what you wish for 75670Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'My job to put the club in the best place' - Nistelrooypublished at 19:19 British Summer Time 20 April19:19 BST 20 AprilFT: Leicester 0-1 Liverpool speaking to Sky Sports about his future: "We have to use this time to get better 17194Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingget involvedLiverpool one win from title - your reactionpublished at 19:17 British Summer Time 20 April19:17 BST 20 April#bbcfootball As a red it would have been great if we'd blown the opposition away these last few games but we haven't it's the business end of the season and all that matters is we get over the line Let's go do it in style next weekend reds Chief football writer at The King Power StadiumTrent Alexander-Arnold came off the bench to claim a late winner and move Liverpool within three points of the Premier League title and relegate Leicester City who has yet to sign a new contract and been heavily linked with a free transfer move to Real Madrid at the end of the season struck 14 minutes from time at King Power Stadium after the leaders had been frustrated by the doomed Foxes by scoring with a left-footed angled effort following efforts by Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota against the woodwork in a goalmouth scramble And the 26-year-old showed what the moment meant by ripping off his shirt then celebrating wildly with the joyous Liverpool fans before hanging it from the corner flag Arne Slot's side are now set for a title party at Anfield against Tottenham Hotspur next Sunday - although the celebrations could start sooner depending on the result of Arsenal's home game against Crystal Palace on Wednesday Alexander-Arnold's finish came as a relief after Salah almost opened the scoring in the opening seconds while Wilfred Ndidi also hit the woodwork for Leicester early on The stage is now set for Liverpool's coronation as champions while the Foxes - who became the first side in top-flight history to go nine consecutive home games without scoring - will return to the Championship after a disappointing season back in the top flight 'Iconic moment in a special Liverpool career - but was it a farewell?' 'A club at a crossroads' - relegated Leicester in need of rebuild Liverpool one win from title - but when could they clinch it Alexander-Arnold has a great left foot - Slot The script was written for Alexander-Arnold to make the decisive contribution after his contract impasse provided an intriguing sub-plot to Liverpool's relentless march to the title While Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk signed new deals in recent days Alexander-Arnold's situation remains unresolved amid confidence in Spain that he will join Real Madrid in the summer on a free transfer This drama was all put to one side as the England defender provided a memorable picture of elation in front of Liverpool's support gathered in one corner of King Power Stadium He provided the image of the day by hanging his Liverpool shirt on the corner flag after ripping it off in a celebratory run towards the travelling fans Alexander-Arnold was then pushed towards them again by his team-mates after the final whistle with victory secured Whether these scenes make any difference to the decision on his future remains to be seen but any suggestion that Liverpool followers had fallen out of love with the player they call "the Scouser in our team" were not in evidence here This was a performance that was a trademark of much of Liverpool's season – dominant without being spectacular but getting the job done against resilient opponents 'My responsibility to lead the club in the best way' - Nistelrooy One damning statistic stands out as a painful illustration of why Leicester are on their way back to the Championship Having failed to breach the Liverpool backline they set an unwanted all-time top-flight record with their ninth home Premier League game in a row without scoring The last time they hit the target here in the league was on 8 December against Brighton which sparked demonstrations before kick-off when a light aircraft flew over the stadium trailing a banner reading "King Power Clueless Sack The Board" the Foxes have been on course for the drop for months It was confirmed here after a performance that was game although Ndidi came close to ending his side's terrible goal drought when he slid a low effort against the post in the opening exchanges Many Leicester fans left well before the end rather than wait for their fate to be officially sealed Now a decision must be made on the future of manager Ruud van Nistelrooy who has had no impact since succeeding sacked Steve Cooper in November The Foxes have earned just eight points from 20 matches under the Dutchman whose job must be in doubt as the troubled club faces another summer of upheaval and uncertainty before life in the Championship again Leicester CityManager: Ruud van Nistelrooij substituted for Diogo Jota at 60 minutesNumber 8 Diogo Jota Match OfficialsReferee: Stuart AttwellVideo Assistant Referee: Michael SalisburyAssistant Referee 1: Constantine HatzidakisAssistant Referee 2: Natalie AspinallFourth Official: Thomas BramallAssistant VAR Official: Wade SmithMatch StatsKey you need to enable JavaScript in your browser 1:17:57Head to HeadSeason so farPremier League Scroll LeftScroll RightLeicester have won just two of their last 13 Premier League games against Liverpool (D1 L10) with both these wins coming consecutively at home in 2021 (3-1 in February Liverpool have won their last four Premier League games against Leicester while they’ve only failed to score in one of their last 15 against the Foxes in the league Leicester have lost both of their league games played on Easter Sunday going down 0-3 at West Ham in the second tier in 1993 and 1-2 at Newcastle in the Premier League in 2022 Liverpool have lost just one of their 10 league games played on Easter Sunday (W7 D2) going down 3-0 at Manchester United in 2008 They will be the second team (after Arsenal earlier today) to play on Easter Sunday in three consecutive years drawing 2-2 with Arsenal in 2023 and beating Brighton 2-1 last year Leicester City have lost their last eight home Premier League games without scoring a single goal Only six teams have ever lost nine home games in a row in the top-flight most recently Southampton between November and March this season If Arsenal lose and Liverpool win on Sunday It’d be just the sixth time a side has won the top-flight title with five games to spare with Liverpool in 2019-20 the last occasion that happened Leicester are looking to avoid becoming the first side in top-flight history to go nine consecutive home games without scoring a goal In Football League history across all divisions only Mansfield (9 in third tier between August and December 1971) and Wolves (10 in second tier between December 1984 and April 1985) have achieved this unwanted feat Mohamed Salah has scored in all five of Liverpool’s Premier League games against newly promoted sides this season (7 goals) No player in the competition’s history has scored in six separate matches against promoted clubs in a single campaign Stephy Mavididi has scored in four Premier League games for Leicester this season but is yet to end on the winning side (D3 L1) The only Foxes player to score in more games without winning in a season is Mark Draper in 1994-95 (5) Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has been involved in 45 Premier League goals this season (27 goals by Andrew Cole in 1993-94 and Alan Shearer in 1994-95 (both 34 goals BBC Sport football news reporter Published20 April 2025839 CommentsThe banner flown over the King Power Stadium made its point 'King Power Clueless Sack The Board,' it read just before Leicester City stepped into the last chance saloon for their game against Liverpool A second relegation in three seasons, and instant return to the Championship, was confirmed soon afterwards as Trent Alexander-Arnold's second-half winner put the visitors within three points of the Premier League title It has been a calamitous season after last year's Championship triumph four wins and no home league goals for almost five months The drop had been coming - Leicester have won just once since December - and there was an air of resignation around the ground even before Alexander-Arnold's strike but the majority of home fans had already left Those who stayed offered a smattering of applause It reflected a club in need of a rebuild but how are the biggest questions as Leicester - champions of England nine years ago - face one of their biggest crossroads Leicester relegated as Alexander-Arnold moves Liverpool closer to title When the Foxes sacked Steve Cooper in October they were 16th The teething problems in moving away from Enzo Maresca's style - less expansive and working the ball quicker - were just part of the issue who led them to the Championship title last season before joining Chelsea was well-liked by the squad and Cooper struggled to connect with players even if some of the senior members of the squad - including Jamie Vardy - were onside There was growing concern from the club that any disconnect would impact their survival prospects and one of the reasons why they dismissed Cooper Former Manchester City Elite Development Squad coach Brian Barry-Murphy with the players enjoying the variety and clarity he brought to training since the opening two games - a 3-1 win over West Ham and 2-2 comeback draw with Brighton in December - Leicester have won just four points They have equalled their club-record run of defeats (eight) and despite performances which deserved more and the desire for the Dutchman to succeed The Foxes were more competitive under Cooper - who sacrificed his beliefs to try to find a way to survive - and they drew a blank just once in his 12 Premier League games That is in stark contrast to the lack of goals under Van Nistelrooy - a revered striker for Manchester United Real Madrid and the Netherlands - and they have scored just six times in the league since the draw with Brighton on 8 December Another goalless outing against Liverpool extended the home goal drought to nine league games and 810 minutes - the worst in top-flight history Former England striker Alan Shearer told BBC Match of the Day: "They have some big decisions to make Some players have recently raised concerns over the standard and intensity of training with the drop-off being connected to Leicester's impending relegation which was becoming increasingly inevitable The fall-out with midfielder Harry Winks - Van Nistelrooy has dropped him for the last four games for refusing to agree to stay at the training ground one night a week - emphasises the growing tensions When asked about whether he had been able to improve the standards and culture in his five months at the club "When you don't combine them with results it's always hard There's no negotiation on these standards and I hold everyone accountable on those," the Dutchman said this month "I know how I worked from a village of 5,000 people in the middle of nowhere to Manchester United and Real Madrid I know what is necessary to stay at the highest level and I know there are so many people working at this football club who have the quality to do so "In difficult moments you get to know people and characters very well I speak about standards and what is needed to perform at the highest level and that's a culture which needs to be created in this club." Defender Conor Coady has been one trying to raise spirits at the club's Seagrave training base but it has been an almost impossible task with results - and he admitted Leicester have not been good enough "We've took a bit of stick and we'll continue to take stick because it's deserved," said the former England centre-back we haven't been at a level to fully compete in the Premier League and you have to be because it'll chew you up and spit you out." Jon Rudkin and Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha watched Leicester's defeat to Liverpool director of football Jon Rudkin and the board have been the target for fans this season They see Rudkin as a root cause of their decline in recent seasons in the same position when the Foxes stunned the world to win the Premier League in 2016 It does not help that the hierarchy rarely speak publicly allowing supporters to understand and digest the situation Chief executive Susan Whelan twice met with the Foxes Trust and the club's Fan Advisory Board in February for candid and constructive meetings but the wider fanbase remain disconnected Does chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha decide to make a change at the top does head of recruitment Martyn Glover's position come under more scrutiny following a number of poor transfer windows Van Nistelrooy's position remains a doubt and it is hard to see a long-term future in the wake of damning statistics Defeat against Liverpool leaves him with the unenviable record of having lost 17 of his 22 games He has lost 16 of his last 18 matches in charge and what manager with that record survives who confirmed there was no date set for talks on his future said on Sunday: "I'm waiting on the clarity of the club and how they want to continue I have to wait on how the club sees things and take it from there In a situation like this you have to sit very carefully with the club to discuss the matters." Yet sacking a second manager of the season has financial consequences and with money tight Can Leicester financially afford to sack Van Nistelrooy but There is also an acceptance the squad needs a reset but only three players are out of contract - goalkeepers Daniel Iversen and Danny Ward What happens with Vardy - influential at the club as their last remaining title winner and the scorer of 198 goals - remains open but it's the biggest decision the club has to make in terms of the squad given his reputation and achievements It means Leicester must shift big earners to make wholesale changes to a squad which has Wilfred Ndidi signed a new three-year contract last summer but his appetite for another Championship campaign is likely to have waned and the same will go for defenders Ricardo Pereira and Wout Faes Goalkeeper Mads Hermansen has been a rare bright spot and will have his admirers despite an underwhelming first season in England while Winks' situation could depend on Van Nistelrooy's exit Profit and Sustainability Rules will be a concern so sales are inevitable and the threat of possibly further action from the EFL remains Leicester escaped a points deduction for a PSR breach in the three years to 30 June 2023, successfully arguing the Premier League had no power to punish them as they were already in the EFL at the time of the charge and the club remains in talks with the Premier League and EFL they have to fall under some jurisdiction and cannot be left to float Leicester know they will be a Championship club next season and deep-rooted problems - which pre-date and go beyond Van Nistelrooy - need to be dealt with They made an immediate return last time they went down in 2023 This time their short-term future is far less certain View comments | 839Top storiesTrailblazer Zhao set to take snooker to 'another level' in China 460 CommentsLeicester City captain Jamie Vardy has described his club's season as "miserable" and a "total embarrassment" after their relegation from the Premier League Leicester's 1-0 defeat by Liverpool on Sunday confirmed an immediate return to the Championship meaning they have been relegated from the top flight in two of the past three seasons "No words I have can ever express my feelings of anger and sadness with the way this season has gone There are no excuses," Vardy wrote on social media "Having been at this club for so long we've experienced so many highs and successes - and this season has been nothing but miserable and for me personally Striker Vardy was part of the Leicester side that won the Premier League title in 2015-16 before reaching the Champions League quarter-finals in 2016-17 and winning the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2021 Leicester are 19th in the Premier League table having won just 18 points from 33 games Their fortunes did not improve after appointing Ruud van Nistelrooy as manager in November and the Foxes are now unable to match the 34 point-tally that saw them relegated two years ago Vardy has made 496 appearances for Leicester since joining the club from Fleetwood Town in 2012 He scored 18 goals as Leicester won the Championship last season but this term he has managed just seven in the league View comments | 460Top storiesTrailblazer Zhao set to take snooker to 'another level' in China 540 CommentsIt has been 720 minutes since Leicester last scored at home in the Premier League With Monday's 3-0 defeat by Newcastle the Foxes became the first side in the top four tiers of English football to lose eight successive home league games without scoring Ruud van Nistelrooy's relegation-bound side have not found the back of the net at the King Power Stadium since 8 December - a 2-2 draw with Brighton "Nothing surprises me with this group and this manager and this football club at the minute," ex-Foxes winger Matt Piper told BBC Radio Leicester This is as bad as it's ever been and we are a club that has dropped down to League One football." Leicester have registered 82 shots on goal this term but have only accumulated an expected goals (xG) tally of 6.58 Leicester's possession was at a healthy 58% but that creative spark was missing once again with an xG of only 0.47 This from a side that have seen the tremendous highs of lifting the Premier League title travelled Europe in the Champions League and hoisted the FA Cup high at Wembley Stadium "This season they are not good enough "Then there is a manager that goes missing in the dugout There are major things wrong at this football club and it's been like this for some time There are so many things wrong and I really fear for this football club in the coming years." Leicester not good enough - Van Nistelrooy on 'difficult night' Leicester's current run of eight games without a goal at home equals that of Manchester City in May 2007 And with table-toppers Liverpool next to visit Van Nistelrooy is only the second manager in Premier League history to lose eight successive home games in the competition after Daniel Farke in September 2021 with Norwich City the lack of results we can produce," he told Sky Sports different players in different positions and the results are not there especially in the run of form we're in and that's for now what I can say." Foxes defender James Justin said players are struggling for confidence as the weeks pass by with how it's been and it makes us feel awful right at the moment," he said It's a horrible moment for the club with how we're playing on the pitch and trying to regain any confidence." Despite being on a winless run of nine games Leicester still have their Premier League status intact but Justin did not provide much hope when pressed on the topic "There is still a chance for us and we have to fight and claw for it but we aren't showing it on the pitch," he said Setting new records that nobody wants every week Fans feel disconnected from a mismanaged club that once had the opportunity to be a regular mid-table Premier League team Kev: It's a Groundhog [Day] Season for us I'm a season ticket holder and haven't seen them score in 2025 James: Just goes from bad to worse - the whole club needs a clear out Despair as to next season - the fans have lost faith in this bunch of players with the manager View comments | 540Top storiesTrailblazer Zhao set to take snooker to 'another level' in China Jeremy Monga came on for the final 16 minutes of Leicester's defeat Leicester City debutant Jeremy Monga had to wear a blank shirt when he became the second-youngest player in Premier League history Monga came off the bench in the 74th minute of Leicester's 3-0 home defeat by Newcastle United on Monday Monga became the second-youngest player to play in the competition behind Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri who debuted at 15 years 181 days in September 2022 But because Leicester's home kit is sponsored by BC.GAME the England Under-16 winger could not wear it A review in 2020 of the Gambling Act 2005 - which the Premier League is committed to follow - prohibits players under the age of 18 from wearing kits displaying gambling sponsors "You could see glimpses of his great qualities He's a great winger and has speed," Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy said of Monga Monga will turn 16 on 10 July and will be able to sign his first professional contract when he turns 17 in 2026 Monga has largely played for Leicester's Under-18s and Under-23s this season while also making three appearances in the Football League Trophy He was an unused substitute in the Foxes' 2-1 FA Cup fourth round defeat by Manchester United in February The other youngest players to appear in the Premier League are Harvey Elliott who played for Fulham at 16 years and 30 days old Matthew Briggs who played for Fulham at 16 years 68 days Isaiah Brown who represented West Brom at 16 years 117 days and Aaron Lennon who was 16 years 129 days when he played for Leeds An eighth-straight league defeat without scoring leaves Leicester 19th in the table and 15 points adrift of safety with seven games remaining Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone BBC Sport football news reporter Published2 April 2025Leicester have posted a £19.4m loss in their accounts for 2023-2024 - the season they spent in the Championship Those latest losses are significantly reduced compared to deficits of £92.5m in 2021-22 and £89.7m in 2022-23 - which led to the Foxes being charged by the Premier League for an alleged breach of profit and sustainability rules (PSR) Leicester successfully appealed that charge, arguing that as they were in the EFL at the time the charge was issued the Premier League did not have jurisdiction to punish them there is still a degree of uncertainty over whether Leicester will face a PSR charge for the three-year period up to 2022-23 from the EFL with a Premier League statement in January saying the issue of "jurisdiction" was "the subject of confidential arbitration proceedings" The outcome is unlikely to be known before the Foxes - who are 12 points from top-flight safety - discover which division they are in next season Premier League clubs can lose £105m over three years which is reduced by £22 million for each year in the EFL with Leicester winning the Championship title in 2023-24 clubs cannot exceed £39m losses over a three-year cycle If Leicester are relegated again their maximum loss for their next accounts to include 2024-25 would be £83m taking in two seasons in the Premier League and one in the Championship Harvey Barnes' £38m move to Newcastle and Timothy Castagne's £15m transfer to Fulham in 2023 are included in their 2023-24 accounts while the £10m compensation banked from former manager Enzo Maresca's switch to Chelsea last summer will also ease losses Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's £30m transfer to Chelsea in summer 2024 is also included Chief executive Susan Whelan added: "As a club we still have work to do to return to the consistent heights of the last 15 years and the ability to successfully adapt to different challenges is a strength we will rely on as we build for future seasons." Leicester go to Manchester City on Wednesday having lost 13 of their past 14 games They sacked Steve Cooper in November and replaced him with Ruud van Nistelrooy but the former Manchester United striker has won just three of his 18 games in charge Fans have also protested against the running of the club during the season with director of football Jon Rudkin coming under pressure Read more“Two negative cycles have been broken “We haven’t seen enough performances like that in recent weeks.” showed the years are finally catching up with him this was yet another disappointing display from Fabian Hürzeler’s side They now find themselves five points behind seventh-placed Newcastle having played two more games and there were widespread boos from the home supporters at the final whistle not mature enough and didn’t stick together,” reflected Hürzeler whose side have now failed to beat all three promoted clubs at home this season “I wouldn’t say that’s it but we shouldn’t talk about Europe if we play like this.” Brighton could not have asked for better opponents as they attempted to get their season back on track after four games without a win A dismal run of 15 defeats from Leicester’s previous 16 games has meant that any hopes of repeating their great escape of 2015 when they took 22 points from a possible 27 under Nigel Pearson after being bottom at Christmas have long since dissipated Mavididi’s early effort that was blocked by Carlos Baleba was greeted with ironic chants of “we’ve had a shot” from their long-suffering fans Luke Thomas gets to grips with Brighton’s Matt O’Riley Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty ImagesThey had a grandstand view behind Mads Hermansen’s goal as the hosts created a number of early chances but couldn’t find a breakthrough Mavididi should have made more of another early sight of goal after a mistake from Dunk and there was something comical about the way Leicester fell behind minutes later After an incisive move started by Baleba – who was filling in at centre-back in place of the suspended Jan Paul van Hecke – Pervis Estupiñán cut the ball back for Simon Adingra just inside the area His shot was heading in before Conor Coady instinctively stuck out a hand and his sheepish reaction said it all waved play on and it still needed a lengthy VAR check to award the penalty João Pedro stroked home with ease but Brighton’s joy was short-lived who has struggled with injuries in his 15th season with Brighton was at fault as he failed to control a pass and El Khannouss picked out Mavididi João Pedro should have restored Brighton’s lead just before half-time but the Brazilian dragged his shot wide with the goal gaping before Matt O’Riley saw his strike come back off the post ShowDownload the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'.If you already have the Guardian app make sure you’re on the most recent version.In the Guardian app then Notifications.Turn on sport notifications.Was this helpful?Thank you for your feedback.Leicester again played a part in their own downfall at the start of the second half O’Riley had just forced a good save from Hermansen when he tried to connect with Adingra’s cross and was hauled back by Luke Thomas Bond allowed play to continue but was forced to reverse his decision for the second time of the afternoon as João Pedro repeated the trick from the spot O’Riley set up Yankuba Minteh for a golden opportunity to extend Brighton’s lead that once more went begging It almost proved costly when Mavididi played in the substitute Patson Daka around a statuesque Dunk but Verbruggen produced a strong save Brighton survived when Kasey McAteer headed just wide yet there was to be no reprieve when Okoli arrived at the back post to head home a free kick from El Khannouss and bring an end to Leicester’s miserable run This is the archive of The Observer up until 21/04/2025 The Observer is now owned and operated by Tortoise Media Henry Tomlinson Freelance Sports ReporterPublished: Invalid Date JAMIE Vardy could be set to leave Leicester City - but only for a move abroad SunSport can reveal there is interest from clubs in America for the former England striker But the Foxes’ hitman is undecided over Vardy's future and he plans to make a decision in the coming weeks Sources close to the star say the 38-year-old is also waiting for clarity around the future of the manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy Reports suggest he could be replaced in the wake of Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League That decision is likely to have a bearing on what Vardy decides to do.Vardy is widely regarded as Leicester’s greatest ever player, and his goals helped fire the club to a fairytale title under Claudio Ranieri Clubs in America are now monitoring developments and a move Stateside might appeal to him, wife Rebakah and their family as a glamorous way to bring down the curtain on a brilliant career Former Manchester United star Gary Neville said he still believed Vardy could do a job for Leicester if he remains at the King Power Stadium. He said: “Look, if his body feels right he should continue… it’ll come down to how he feels. These lads are so fit, they look so fit. but I think there are opportunities now that exist in America or in other parts of the world where you can go and play He added: “I think [he should] stay at Leicester… why not? Do they not need Jamie Vardy in the Championship “They’re going to have a lot more of the ball “He knows how to work in the box in short spaces – he’s got better at that "There may be a position for him for 25-30 games next season “He still could be someone [who is] important for them.” Vardy has still proved a threat at times in the Premier League this season He has netted seven goals and assisted three more for the Foxes However, his last goal in England's top flight came in January in what was the club's last win, 2-1 over Tottenham Hotspur Match of the Day pundits Alan Shearer and Joe Hart heap praise on departing Leicester striker Jamie Vardy after his goal against Southampton WATCH MORE: It's been everything to me - Vardy on Leicester career Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionEditor's recommendationsVardy the best £1m ever spent - Shearer 00:01:20Vardy the best £1m ever spent - Shearer 1:20 Up Next Watch: Fan catches ball while daughter covers his eyes 00:00:19Watch: Fan catches ball while daughter covers his eyes 0:19 'It's hard to watch' - Solskjaer discusses Man Utd woes 00:02:02'It's hard to watch' - Solskjaer discusses Man Utd woes 2:02 Moyes & Pickford share favourite Goodison Park memories 00:01:06Moyes & Pickford share favourite Goodison Park memories 1:06 Five things to know before Miami Grand Prix 00:01:51Five things to know before Miami Grand Prix 1:51 Nobody expected this - Amorim on first-leg win in Bilbao 00:01:34Nobody expected this - Amorim on first-leg win in Bilbao 1:34 Maresca praises 16-year-old Chelsea debutant Walsh 00:01:08Maresca praises 16-year-old Chelsea debutant Walsh 1:08 Beckham at 50: His first taste of Man Utd 00:01:28Beckham at 50: His first taste of Man Utd 1:28 'He's quite fussy!' - meet the craftsman who makes O'Sullivan's cues Video 00:02:09'He's quite fussy!' - meet the craftsman who makes O'Sullivan's cues 2:09 Yamal is a genius 0:52 Bompastor proud of WSL title winners Chelsea 00:01:10Bompastor proud of WSL title winners Chelsea 1:10 Arsenal need 'something special' to reach final - Arteta Video 00:01:14Arsenal need 'something special' to reach final - Arteta Jamie Vardy has scored 199 goals in 498 games for Leicester Jamie Vardy scored his 199th goal for Leicester City to help the Foxes beat bottom side Southampton 2-0 at King Power Stadium who will end his 13-year stay with Leicester when his contract expires in the summer has three games left this season to reach the 200-goal milestone The former England striker swept his strike into the roof of the net after 17 minutes - scoring Leicester's first home Premier League goal since 8 December The home fans had even more to cheer about before the break when Jordan Ayew drilled home a half-volley tucking it into the bottom corner after his initial free-kick rebounded kindly off Southampton's wall Ayew had been involved in a bizarre incident earlier in the half when he accidentally caught David Webb in the face and the referee was forced off injured making his Premier League officiating debut went down clutching his face and Vardy jokingly stopped play by blowing Webb's whistle before it was confirmed he could not continue with fourth official Sam Barrott taking his place Play resumed after a lengthy 11-minute delay piling forward before Bilal El Khannouss earned the free-kick that resulted in Ayew's goal Southampton struggled to create many clear-cut chances and when the ball did finally find the back of the Leicester net it was ruled out with Paul Onuachu deemed to be in an offside position when his header bounced off goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk before Mateus Fernandes poked in The result means the Saints are guaranteed to finish bottom of the Premier League for a record-equalling third time and still needing one more point to surpass the record-low 11 points recorded by Derby County in the 2007-08 campaign What did you make of Southampton’s display It feels great to be back to winning ways - Van Nistelrooy With relegation already confirmed for both sides pride was the only thing left on the line and it was Leicester who grabbed it - rewarding their resilient fans with two rare goals and an even rarer victory after a miserable season it was the Foxes' first victory since they won at Tottenham on 26 January - ending an 11-match winless league run Vardy's goal lifted the spirits around the King Power with comedic chants of "we've scored a goal" ringing around the stadium shortly after The 38-year-old's goal was his 144th in the top flight and moves to joint 14th in the Premier League's all-time scoring charts - level with former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie Vardy is also chasing a milestone number of Leicester appearances Aaron Ramsdale denied him his 200th goal for the Foxes diving down low quickly to save the striker's free-kick El Khannouss proved his worth - driving the ball into the box for Vardy's goal before his quick feet fooled Mateus Fernandes to set up the free-kick for Ayew's second The Morocco international could have assisted again with seven minutes remaining but rather than setting up Vardy's 200th or 15-year-old Jeremy Monga he chose to go alone and saw his strike drift wide Leicester 'were worthy winners' - Southampton's Rusk on defeat Southampton remain on course to equal the lowest-ever Premier League points tally of 11 - set by Derby 17 years ago There is still time for the Saints - under caretaker manager Simon Rusk - to avoid sharing the unwanted record but this fixture against their closest-placed rivals was undoubtedly viewed as their best chance to secure that much-needed point Their torrid season continued as the hosts took control with Vardy's clinical finish setting the tone for the rest of the game who host last season's champions Manchester City next before games against Everton and second-placed Arsenal Wood-Gordon Match OfficialsReferee: David WebbVideo Assistant Referee: Michael OliverAssistant Referee 1: Simon BennettAssistant Referee 2: Dan RobathanFourth Official: Samuel BarrottAssistant VAR Official: Simon LongMatch StatsKey Scroll LeftScroll RightFollowing their 3-2 win at St Mary’s in the reverse fixture Leicester are looking to complete the Premier League double over Southampton for the first time since 1999-00 Southampton have lost their last three league games against Leicester – they’ve never lost four in a row against the Foxes before Leicester have lost their last nine Premier League home games by an aggregate score of 22-0 The only team in English league history (top four tiers) to fail to score in 10 consecutive home games are Wolves between December 1984 and April 1985 Southampton’s 80 goals conceded this season is their most in a single league campaign since 1971-72 (also 80) while they last shipped more in 1967-68 (83) Defeat for Southampton will confirm them finishing bottom of the Premier League this season It would be the third time they’ve finished last (also 2004-05 and 2022-23) the joint-most of any side in the competition (Sunderland in 2002-03 fewer shots on target (98) and a lower xG tally (29.2) than any other side in the Premier League this season more shots on target (234) and have a higher xG against tally (78.8) than any other side in the Premier League this season Southampton have dropped more points from winning positions than any other team in the Premier League this season (28) it will be the first time they’ve lost 30+ points from ahead in a single campaign in the competition Leicester have conceded 49 goals in 21 Premier League games under Ruud van Nistelrooy it will be the joint-second fastest a team has conceded 50 under a specific manager in the competition (level with George Burley at Ipswich) beaten only by Danny Wilson at Barnsley (19 games) Though they haven’t won any of their four games under him so far this season (D2 L2) Southampton are currently averaging more points per game under Simon Rusk this term (0.5) than they did under both Russell Martin (0.31) and Ivan Juric (0.29) Paul Onuachu (Southampton) header from the centre of the box is blocked Fourth official has announced 4 minutes of added time Patson Daka (Leicester City) wins a free kick in the defensive half Kyle Walker-Peters (Southampton) wins a free kick in the attacking half Ryan Manning (Southampton) wins a free kick on the left wing James Justin (Leicester City) wins a free kick in the defensive half Boubakary Soumaré replaces Bilal El Khannouss The Conservatives have 15 seats but council leader Nick Rushton lost his seat to Reform the Greens have one and one is Independent This could be the last time Leicestershire goes to the polls to elect county councillors Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingDiscussions on the way forwardpublished at 17:01 British Summer Time 2 May17:01 BST 2 MayDeborah Taylor but she will be returning to County Hall without many colleagues The Conservatives lost control of the authority after almost a quarter of a century The council is now under no overall control wrote on X: "Thank you to everyone that voted for me and supported me "Many valued colleagues have been defeated and I am sorry to see them go "Discussions will be held over the next few days as to the way forward for Leicestershire." Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingAnd what was the turnout?published at 16:56 British Summer Time 2 May16:56 BST 2 MayAdam MossBBC News Turnout overall across Leicestershire was 32.28% - a small decrease on the 33.3% of people who voted in 2021 Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingTories and Reform share Glenfields Kirkby Muxloe and Leicester Forestspublished at 16:56 British Summer Time 2 May16:56 BST 2 MayThe final seat to declare was Glenfields The Conservatives and Reform split the honour with Nick Chapman elected for the Tories and Kevin Crook for Reform Iain Edward Cameron Smith (Liberal Democrat) - 266 Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingSileby and The Wolds go greenpublished at 16:48 British Summer Time 2 May16:48 BST 2 MayNaomi Bottomley will be the only Green Party councillor on the county council after winning the Sileby and the Wolds seat from the Conservatives Ian Robert Sharpe (Liberal Democrat) - 104 Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingReform takes Melton Eastpublished at 16:45 British Summer Time 2 May16:45 BST 2 MayAndrew Innes has won the seat in Melton East for Reform Andrew Colin Gordon Innes (Reform) - 1,090 Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingConservatives hold Loughborough South Westpublished at 16:44 British Summer Time 2 May16:44 BST 2 MayThe Conservatives have held Loughborough South West but will have a new councillor in the seat after Richard Bailey was elected to replace Jonathon Morgan Richard George Bailey (Conservative) - 1,144 David Robert Frank Walker (Liberal Democrat) - 253 Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingConservatives hold Gartreepublished at 16:39 British Summer Time 2 May16:39 BST 2 MayThe Conservatives have held Gartree but Phil King will be the new councillor after being chosen by the party to replace Kevin Feltham James Francis Lindsay (Liberal Democrats) - 360 Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingLiberal Democrats take Market Harborough Eastpublished at 16:37 British Summer Time 2 May16:37 BST 2 MaySarah Hill has won the seat for Market Harborough East from the Conservatives Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingConservatives hold Lutterworthpublished at 16:33 British Summer Time 2 May16:33 BST 2 MayRosita Page has held her seat in Lutterworth but with a reduced majority over the 2,170 she polled in 2021 Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingReform takes Forest and Meashampublished at 16:32 British Summer Time 2 May16:32 BST 2 MayAdam Tilbury will join the 24 other Reform councillors after taking the Forest and Measham seat which was previously held by the Conservatives Andrew Christopher Woodman (Conservative) - 759 Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingLib Dems win both seats in Oadbypublished at 16:28 British Summer Time 2 May16:28 BST 2 MayOadby is one of two areas on Leicestershire County Council where two seats were up for grabs - and they've both gone to the Liberal Democrats who shared the ward with the Tories after the election in 2021 Dean Adam Gamble has been re-elected and will now be joined on the council by Moin Durranti Dean Adam Gamble (Liberal Democrat) - 2,445 Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingConservatives hold Market Bosworthpublished at 16:24 British Summer Time 2 May16:24 BST 2 MayThe Conservatives have held on to Market Bosworth but will have a new councillor after Joshua Mellen was elected as Bertie Harrison-Rushden's replacement Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingReform takes Bruntingthorpepublished at 16:19 British Summer Time 2 May16:19 BST 2 MayHarrison Fowler has taken Bruntingthorpe for Reform from the Conservatives Jonathan Francis Bateman (Conservative) - 1,359 Stephen James Crozier Walkley (Liberal Democrats) - 918 Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingReform support has swept across the regionpublished at 16:18 British Summer Time 2 May16:18 BST 2 MayPete SaullPolitical correspondent A turquoise tide has swept across the East Midlands Local politicians of all parties expected Reform to do well but few thought the results would be this emphatic Nigel Farage’s party now has big working majorities in both Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire – and is also comfortably the largest party in Leicestershire where at times it’s felt like a wake because only Conservative councillors have made it in to the central results hub but as one local Tory put it to me - “Nigel Farage can’t lead all of these councils from London.” The party still doesn’t have local group leaders and it’s unclear what the process will be a deal may have to be struck with the Conservatives to get things done these new administrations inherit the same problems; increasing demand for social care and special educational needs provision Other parties point out that few of those elected today have any experience as councillors Reform UK will have a record in office to defend Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingReform takes Melton Westpublished at 16:13 British Summer Time 2 May16:13 BST 2 MayThe Melton West seat was previously held by the Conservatives who have been beaten into third place behind Reform candidate Kerry Knight and Independent Sharon Brown Victor Richard Kaufman (Liberal Democrats) - 64 Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingReform wins Shepshedpublished at 16:13 British Summer Time 2 May16:13 BST 2 MayAdam MossBBC News Reform also claimed another win from the Conservatives in Shepshed with Helen Butler taking the seat previously held by Christine Radford Katy Brookes-Duncan (Liberal Democrat) - 276 Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingLib Dems take Enderby and Lubbesthorpepublished at 16:12 British Summer Time 2 May16:12 BST 2 MayNick Holt has won Enderby and Lubbesthorpe for the Lib Dems from the Conservatives Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingReform take a big slice of the vote sharepublished at 16:11 British Summer Time 2 May16:11 BST 2 MayMatt BunnBBC News It has been a good day for Reform candidates across the East Midlands where the party has taken control of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire county councils Leicestershire has fallen into no overall control as Reform fell three seats shy of the magic 28 mark Confirmation of the results are continuing to filter through Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingReform wins Ashby de la Zouchpublished at 16:03 British Summer Time 2 May16:03 BST 2 MayAdam MossBBC News who was a Conservative member for Ibstock and Appleby until he defected to Reform a few months before the election has now been elected to the Ashby de la Zouch seat Raymond Leslie Morris (Conservative) - 665 Leicester striker Jamie Vardy tells Match of the Day host Gary Lineker what his time at the club has meant to him after he scored his 199th goal for the Foxes REPORT: Leicester 2-0 Southampton Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionEditor's recommendationsIt's been everything to me - Vardy on Leicester career 00:03:43It's been everything to me - Vardy on Leicester career 3:43 Up Next Referee David Webb’s Premier League debut lasted just 22 minutes as he was forced to leave the field during the first half of the clash between Leicester City and Southampton at King Power Stadium Webb was inadvertently struck on the side of the head by Leicester forward Jordan Ayew as he ran past him and Webb slumped to the ground Concerned players rushed to Webb and Leicester forward Jamie Vardy grabbed the official’s hand and blew his whistle to stop the game Medical staff from both clubs came on to treat Webb and a stretcher was readied but he was able to recover enough to walk off the pitch After a lengthy delay of 11 minutes and 55 seconds fourth official Sam Barrott took Webb’s place and Phil Sharp Premier League match official Akil Howson lives locally to Leicester and he was contacted by the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) the body responsible for officiating in the English professional game Howson travelled to the stadium to step in as fourth official for the second half who had briefly deputised as fourth official for the remainder of the first half had only been present at the fixture to assist as Webb was making his Premier League debut Webb was assessed at half time and was deemed to be fine having just been left disorientated following the collision with Ayew that is not easy,” Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy said at full time “And Jamie Vardy blew his whistle to stop the game “I haven’t seen a body check like that on a referee Webb has been a referee since the age of 20 and has officiated in the English Football League since 2008 He has refereed over 500 professional games and has twice acted as a fourth official in the Premier League this season but Saturday’s fixture was his first taking charge of an English top-flight match Vardy had put the hosts in front with Leicester’s first home league goal since December 8 Vardy, 38, announced in April he would be leaving Leicester at the end of the season following 13 years at the club. He is the club’s third all-time top scorer, a Premier League champion, and has earned a reputation for his unconventional antics on and off the pitch. After his quick intervention following Webb’s injury, Van Nistelrooy said the club will miss Vardy’s personality. “I don’t know how he comes up with these things, but it happens, he’s instinctive, not only in the penalty box, but also in moments like that,” Van Nistelrooy added. “It can be a celebration or can be a moment like this where he just starts to improvise. “That is also his personality, so we’ll be missing these things as well.” Leicester went on to win 2-0, with Ayew adding a second in the 44th minute to end their run of 11 Premier League games without a victory. Use 'watch & listen tab' for Final Score updates and radio commentary from across the Premier League FT: Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth - Rice opens scoring; Huijsen levels before Evanilson puts visitors in front FT: Tielemans scores winner as Villa beat Fulham 1-0 FT: Everton 2-2 Ipswich - Beto nods opener & McNeil doubles lead before Enciso scores screamer & Hirst levels FT: Leicester 2-0 Southampton - Vardy scores 199th Foxes goal; Ayew adds second That's us done and dusted for the today the final 3pm Saturday game at Goodison Park and a historic win for Bournemouth at Arsenal We'll see you at 12:30 BST to find out 306Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingMore coming tomorrowpublished at 20:27 British Summer Time 3 May20:27 BST 3 MayFT: Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth Liverpool are in action for the first time since being crowned champions of England 417Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingWhat's happened today?published at 20:25 British Summer Time 3 May20:25 BST 3 MayFT: Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth Here are the results from the four Premier League games 365Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingAs it standspublished at 20:23 British Summer Time 3 May20:23 BST 3 MayArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth Here's how the Premier League table stands ahead of tomorrow's games 485Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'Anger frustration and disappointment'published at 20:21 British Summer Time 3 May20:21 BST 3 MayFT: Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth Arsenal Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta speaking to Premier League Productions: "We had so many big spaces and big opportunities to score but we didn't When you concede goals from set pieces it's very difficult to earn the three points." On why Bournemouth won: "Because we don't finish the actions and you give so many simple balls away They (Bournemouth) run and in transition they are really good On conceding from set pieces: "We lost points against Crystal Palace and Fulham (because of set pieces) On whether the side have lost momentum before facing PSG: "It didn't create the right momentum On whether Timber will miss Wednesday's game: "Yeah there's a chance." 3044Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingget involvedGet Involvedpublished at 20:20 British Summer Time 3 May20:20 BST 3 May#bbcfootball City and Newcastle to overtake Arsenal is a big possibility now 23841Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingget involvedGet Involvedpublished at 20:20 British Summer Time 3 May20:20 BST 3 May#bbcfootball They went ahead and acted like the job had been done and could focus on Wednesday 13316Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'We needed this'published at 20:19 British Summer Time 3 May20:19 BST 3 MayFT: Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth Bournemouth Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola speaking to Sky Sports: "I like the game overall The key was the set plays in the second half In the end in these close games to make the difference with the set plays was the key to take the three points On staying patient: "I think we have been at half time talking about a good first half They (Arsenal) are going to have chances but we were playing well Antoine (Semenyo) coming from the bench was a good spark at that moment when both teams were tired On Semenyo's long throws: "Yes we hardly score any We have a couple of players who can put in dangerous throws Today (the throw) was longer than I expected but it's a nice moment to score this type of goal." On goalscorer Dean Huijsen: "I think he is playing very well Even in this scenario being on the ball he was confident I think it's the third goal he's scored on set plays he's our biggest threat there and he's helping us a lot." On getting three points:"I think we needed this one because we know the schedule we have you have to get points where you don't expect We missed a few chances recently and we needed it this time to go to our side." 695Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingget involvedGet Involvedpublished at 20:16 British Summer Time 3 May20:16 BST 3 May#bbcfootball Arsenal playing a full strength team and looking tired 19824Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'Playing for Leicester has meant everything to me'published at 20:15 British Summer Time 3 May20:15 BST 3 MayFT: Leicester 2-0 Southampton speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "The main thing is breaking a cycle Not scoring at home for a while and we know we needed to get that done especially with the situation we are in and hopefully we can improve and take that momentum into next season It's not like we have not given our all The gap being promoted to the Prem now is probably the biggest it has ever been so it's even more difficult." On playing for Leicester for 13 years: "It's been everything It's been mine and my family's life for 13 years We've been taken in for by the fans and the whole city and it has meant every single thing to me personally "When it's been your life for that long and you see the comradery with the fans and my team-mates for the last 13 years On being thought of as Leicester's best player: "There have been a lot of unbelievable players for this club so to be mentioned like that is a really nice feeling There's still a few more games where hopefully there can be a few more numbers added." On blowing the referee's whistle: "I saw Southampton breaking down the left and with the ref down I thought I'll blow his whistle to stop the game." On his future: "I couldn't tell you at this moment in time I am enjoying my football and I need a nice break to mentally and physically fully refresh and then we'll see where that goes." 426Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'We should have killed the game'published at 20:12 British Summer Time 3 May20:12 BST 3 MayFT: Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth speaking to BBC MOTD: "We started the game and a lot of the things we wanted happened "We should have killed the game and we didn't On top of that if you defend your box in two set-pieces in the way we have done you're in big nowhere near the standards that we are used to "We wanted to generate the momentum and a really positive vibe today - we haven't rage and anger - make sure we use that on Wednesday." 3097Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'Vardy wants to close Leicester career in best way possible'published at 20:09 British Summer Time 3 May20:09 BST 3 MayFT: Leicester 2-0 Southampton Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It feels great to win and be back to winning ways We wanted to end this cycle and end the season with some positivity If there was one player to break this cycle Very important for him and the team to get us in front We know with this home cycle without a win it has been difficult especially with a striker like him in the team We knew we were creating and now the two [goals] went in and that gave us a big lift "Everything comes to an end and for him it is clear he wants to move on He wants to close this in the best way possible and that's what we have to respect The most important thing is to look back at his career here The crowd start realising it is the farewell tour of Jamie With Forest and Ipswich to come for him to hopefully score his 200th goal." On young talent in squad: "It's shaping the future what we're working on Homegrown players who take responsibility for this club On checking if the referee is OK: "If you hit Jordan Ayew 279Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingPostpublished at 20:08 British Summer Time 3 May20:08 BST 3 MayFT: Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth Chris SuttonFormer Premier League striker on BBC Radio 5 Live 20637Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'The second half is not acceptable'published at 20:06 British Summer Time 3 May20:06 BST 3 MayFT: Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth speaking to Sky Sports: "Massive disappointment "I think we started the game pretty well - we got the goal and felt like we controlled pretty much everything but they score and we lose control of the game "We have to move on as we have a massive game coming up We have to get ready for that and analyse this game as well "This is what we want - we want to compete in every competition We wanted to come here and do a good game and win but we have to use today to be ready and beat PSG on Wednesday." 2784Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'The crowd was fantastic'published at 20:02 British Summer Time 3 May20:02 BST 3 MayFT: Everton 2-2 Ipswich Everton 1716Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'There was only one man to do it'published at 19:59 British Summer Time 3 May19:59 BST 3 MayFT: Leicester 2-0 Southampton Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy speaking to Premier League Productions: "It feels good to win again To break the cycle of the home games without scoring We said before the game we want to give some positivity to the fans On Vardy opening the scoring: "There's only one man to do it best that's Jamie with a great finish with his left On fans appreciating Vardy: "It's clear you can hear in the crowd they realise that the best player in the history of the football club with the most titles You can feel the crowd is realising he's leaving and that there's one home game left On teenager Jeremy Monga: "It's clear when you're 15 and it's your fourth Premier League appearance He showed today he can go past people and it looks like they're not there I've not seen that many times in my life 327Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'We want to get the best we can'published at 19:58 British Summer Time 3 May19:58 BST 3 MayFT: Aston Villa 1-0 Fulham Aston Villa speaking to TNT Sports: "We are close to being in Europe after winning today Our ambition is to try and get Champions League and the win today means we have chances in the next matches very important to win and at home to feel comfortable and strong Today was fantastic because we defended well We were pushing to try and score more goals We want to try and get the best award we can achieve It will be difficult in the last few matches We achieved it last year and we want the same this year "To play Champions League is 'wow'." 2910Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingget involvedGet Involvedpublished at 19:57 British Summer Time 3 May19:57 BST 3 May#bbcfootball Sorry Arsenal fans but it is hilarious to even consider you lot not finishing in the Top 5 32673Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingPostpublished at 19:56 British Summer Time 3 May19:56 BST 3 MayFT: Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth 16019Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'Take Rice out and Arsenal have no confidence'published at 19:54 British Summer Time 3 May19:54 BST 3 MayFT: Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth Rob GreenFormer England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live looking at that you just cannot see it [Arsenal beating PSG] You take Declan Rice out of the equation of this team and you've got a group of players bereft of confidence and ideas on how to score goals and have an incisive edge There's work to do and so little time to do it substituted for Mikel Merino at 74 minutesNumber 5 Soler Match OfficialsReferee: Jarred GillettVideo Assistant Referee: Michael SalisburyAssistant Referee 1: Richard WestAssistant Referee 2: Steven MeredithFourth Official: Tom NieldAssistant VAR Official: Derek EatonMatch StatsKey 2:00:00Everton v Ipswich Town 2:00:00 5 Live build-up 3:00:00 Sports Report 30:00Head to HeadSeason so farPremier League Scroll LeftScroll RightArsenal have won all eight of their home games against Bournemouth in all competitions Bournemouth have kept just one clean sheet in their 15 Premier League meetings with Arsenal though it was a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture this season Arsenal have lost just one of their last 35 Premier League games on the weekend immediately following a midweek European match (W24 D10) going down 2-0 at home to Aston Villa in April last year Arsenal have failed to win nine Premier League games in which they led so far this season (D9) more than they had in the previous two campaigns combined (4 in 2022-23 They’ve never failed to win 10 games from ahead in a single season before Bournemouth have won just one of their last nine Premier League games (D4 L4) It’s a run that has seen the Cherries drop from 5th to 10th in the league table Only Liverpool (1) and Arsenal (2) have lost fewer Premier League away games than Bournemouth (4) this season the Cherries are winless in their last 11 league games in London (D6 L5) with each of their last five visits ending level Each of Arsenal’s three Premier League defeats this season have come against teams starting the day in the bottom half of the table with the Gunners unbeaten in their last 18 against sides in the top 10 (W10 D8) Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard has scored four goals in his last four Premier League games Three of these four strikes have put Arsenal ahead in the match Only Mohamed Salah (120) has had more shots than Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo (118) in the Premier League this season Semenyo has the fifth lowest conversion rate of anyone with 50+ shots this term (7.6%) Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert has been involved in 13 goals in his last 10 Premier League away games (10 goals while only Mohamed Salah (16) has scored on the road than the Dutchman this term (10) he says \"it's good to finish the season with positivity.\"","thumbnailUrl":["https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1920x1080/p0l83n83.jpg","https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1232x1232/p0l83n83.jpg","https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/688xn/p0l83n83.jpg","https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/400xn/p0l83n83.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2025-05-03T16:55:44.196Z","duration":"PT3M46S"}It feels great to be back to winning ways - Van NistelrooyThere was an error Ruud van Nistelrooy praises his Leicester City side after scoring at home for the first time since December 8th in a 2-0 win over struggling Southampton he says "it's good to finish the season with positivity." MATCH REPORT: Vardy takes goal tally to 199 in win over Southampton Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionEditor's recommendationsIt feels great to be back to winning ways - Van Nistelrooy 00:03:46It feels great to be back to winning ways - Van Nistelrooy 3:46 Up Next Interim boss Simon Rusk was on the defensive afterwards explaining that it was not a tactical decision to bring off the fan favourite but that was not the only grief Saints received The players also copped it from the travelling supporters with Rusk forced to deny that they had given up in the second half We already know that Saints require a massive overhaul in the summer but there also seems to be a growing disconnect between the fans and the club That could make life in an already difficult division next season an even bigger challenge Martin Sanders has a smile on his face as he makes that comment It’s an hour before kick-off outside the King Power Stadium the club Sanders has fanatically followed for the past 34 years Second from bottom in the Premier League hosting bottom of the table “The worst game in Premier League history” was the headline in one of the tabloid newspapers in the UK on the eve of the game Two Premier League clubs had never met this late in the season with so few combined points (29) and so many defeats (51) they were still selling half-and-half scarves on the stalls outside the stadium This was always going to be a day for gallows humour who was making his debut as a Premier League referee at 49 years old after Leicester’s Jordan Ayew accidentally poleaxed him The sight of Jamie Vardy bringing the game to a halt by reaching down to blow Webb’s whistle which was still attached to the referee’s wrist as he lay prone on the turf “We want our ref back,” sang both sets of supporters as Webb was helped down the tunnel by medical staff from both clubs followed by chants of ‘Who the f***ing hell are you?’ when his replacement — Sam Barrott the fourth official — emerged 12 minutes later At least Southampton and Leicester supporters haven’t lost their sense of humour It’s genuinely hard to do justice to just how miserable the campaign has been for both clubs which is all the more worrying when you consider how much Southampton (£100million) and Leicester (£80m) spent after winning promotion Marooned at the bottom of the table and essentially doing nothing more than making up the numbers since the start of the season Southampton became the first team in Premier League history to be relegated with seven matches remaining who had picked up only four points from their previous 19 matches before this 2-0 win Ipswich Town were relegated a week after that All three promoted clubs were out of their depth Most people would probably cut Ipswich some slack They were returning to the top flight for the first time since 2002 and had been playing in League One as recently as two years ago But Southampton and Leicester knew the Premier League landscape well they had spent 10 out of the previous 11 seasons in the Premier League they struggled at times during those years but there’s a difference between circling the plug-hole and disappearing in record time As for Leicester, Vardy probably put it best a few weeks ago when he described the season as a “s***show”. his goal on Saturday was the first that Leicester have scored at the King Power Stadium in the Premier League for 146 days when Russell Martin was still in charge of Southampton The aggregate scoreline across Leicester’s previous nine home league matches Southampton have had two new managers since Leicester’s barren run at home started the bar could not be set any lower when it comes to their motivation for the remainder of this season “All we want to do is try to beat Derby’s record just that extra point,” Sanders said outside the stadium before the game alluding to the record low 11 points that Derby County accumulated in the 2007-08 season “We’re going to go down as one of the worst teams ever but not to have that on our record is a big thing I always say about Robbie Savage’s image … he’s remembered for that Derby County team And Jack Stephens or Taylor Harwood-Bellis surely wouldn’t want to be associated with (something like) that,” Sanders said especially now that the Leicester fixture has gone without one Their final three games are against Manchester City and Arsenal at home with a trip to Everton sandwiched in between talking about the challenge he faced after being asked to take over from Ivan Juric with relegation confirmed is become solid and be either level or in front at half-time and create loads of chances I’d probably be able to bring world peace as well.” Rusk has got a job on his hands just trying to keep the Southampton fans happy right now “You don’t know what you’re doing!” chanted the travelling contingent after Rusk withdrew Mateus Fernandes and replaced him with Will Smallbone shortly before the hour Bathed in sunshine in a corner of the stadium the Southampton supporters pointedly sang Fernandes’ name for the remainder of the match “I was a little taken aback by the fan’s reaction,” Rusk said before explaining that Fernandes had recently been suffering from a chest infection and travelled back to Portugal for personal reasons By the time Fernandes departed against Leicester the home team were two goals to the good and six-year-old Kush Parmar was well on the way to getting his pre-match wish granted said when asked before kick-off why he’s still coming to matches at a time when some other Leicester fans have given up on the season “… We want to win against Southampton!” interrupted Kush with a big smile on his face Kush wasn’t born when Leicester won the Premier League in 2016 but there are permanent reminders of that fairytale at the King Power Stadium where a montage of the club’s greatest moments is played on the giant screens shortly before kick-off at every match The contrast between then and now is stark in every sense from the performances on the pitch to the supporters’ feelings about the way their club is being run “Sack the board” chanted the Leicester fans only three minutes after Vardy had given the home team the lead with a lovely first-time finish from a Bilal El Khannouss cross It was Vardy’s 199th goal in Leicester colours (he departed to a standing ovation later on) and the team’s first at home in the league in 826 minutes of football “We scored a goal!” sang the Leicester supporters “We’re going down with the Leicester,” responded the Southampton fans What happened next wasn’t in the script but felt strangely fitting Ayew unintentionally cleaned the official out and it soon became clear that Webb couldn’t continue “I felt sorry for the ref,” Ruud van Nistelrooy I haven’t seen a body-check like that on a referee before.” Webb had been waiting 29 years for the opportunity to referee a game at the highest level in England Vardy had probably been waiting that long to do what he did next — blow a referee’s whistle without the referee knowing anything about it not only in the penalty box but also in moments like that,” Van Nistelrooy added Ayew landed a blow of a different kind just before half-time when he drilled home Leicester’s second after his free-kick had come back off the Southampton wall That goal quelled any more protests from the home supporters Leicester had come back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Southampton in October but there was never any prospect of a role reversal on Saturday Southampton succumbed to a humiliating 28th league defeat of the season looking like a man who has been given the job for seven years The good news is that Webb has made a full recovery How long it will take Leicester and Southampton to do the same is anyone’s guess A former professional footballer with Swindon Town, Stuart James went onto spend 15 years working for The Guardian, where he reported on far too many relegation battles to mention, one miraculous Premier League title triumph and a couple of World Cups. He joined The Athletic as a Senior Writer in 2019. Follow Stuart on Twitter @stujames75 Bradford pipped Walsall to the final League Two promotion place in dramatic style while Doncaster won the title 2d ago18.24 CESTAnd here’s a report on Leicester’s 2-0 win over hapless Southampton, who have now won two of the last 33 available points: Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy and Jordan Ayew scored their team’s first goals at the King Power Stadium in five months to secure a 2-0 Premier League victory over fellow relegated side Southampton on Saturday. Vardy, who will leave Leicester at the end of the season after 13 years with the club, put the Foxes ahead in the 17th minute when he latched on to Bilal El Khannouss’s cross and fired high into the net for his 199th goal in a Leicester shirt. Ayew doubled the lead in the 44th when he struck a free-kick into the wall only for the ball to land back at his feet for him to hammer home past the goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. The penultimate game at Goodison Park proved an occasion for relegated Ipswich to savour far more than their obliging hosts. Everton were two goals up and cruising towards a second win in 10 games when Julio Enciso changed the complexion of the contest with a stunning finish. Substitute George Hirst completed the fightback by Kieran McKenna’s spirited side with a late header. This was a big opportunity squandered by David Moyes’ team. Everton’s energy and composure declined markedly after taking a two goal lead and Ipswich’s punishment, and point, was merited. 2d ago18.13 CESTScott Murray meanwhile is girding his loins ahead of Arsenal v Bournemouth: 2d ago18.09 CESTEvery game is now over except for the one at Bradford, which is about to briefly restart before the home side’s dramatic promotion is confirmed. Here are the final (except that one) scores: 2d ago18.05 CESTFinal scores: Leicester 2-0 Southampton, Everton 2-2 IpswichThe Foxes have banked three points in the Crapico, Everton’s penultimate game at Goodison saw them give away a two-goal lead, but the real excitement this afternoon is elsewhere… 2d ago18.04 CESTThe Bradford game has been paused, and the players taken down the tunnel, because fans are on the pitch engaged in a little premature celebration. They’ll eventually come back out to play the last moments of stoppage time. 2d ago18.02 CESTDoncaster Rovers win the League Two title!They needed a win and they have got one, thanks to Robert Street’s first-half double at Notts County! County scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time to make the final moments a little nervy, but it’s finished 2-1 there, and that’ll do! 2d ago18.01 CESTFinal score: Accrington Stanley 0-1 ChesterfieldChesterfield are in the League Two playoffs thanks to their win at Accrington, while Salford were held to a 2-2 draw by Carlisle! 2d ago18.00 CESTGOAL! Bradford have just stolen promotion at the death!Antoni Sarcevic’s deflected shot dribbles past a wrong-footed Fleetwood Town keeper to put them 1-0 up in the sixth minute of stoppage time, and it looks like they’re going to pip Walsall to the last automatic promotion place from League Two! 2d ago17.55 CESTBirmingham City end the season with 111 points!Birmingham have beaten Cambridge United 2-1, and they end the season with a ludicrous, astonishing, remarkable, record points total of 111! 2d ago17.49 CESTIn Harry Kane news, Bayern could potentially win the league as soon as tomorrow, if Leverkusen fail to win at fourth-placed Freiburg, who have won their last three. 2d ago17.47 CESTThanks to Leyton Orient’s result it hasn’t made a difference, but on the day their sale was confirmed, and with a playoff place on the line (potentially), Reading have fallen apart: Davis Keillor-Dunn has just put Barnsley 4-1 up! 2d ago17.46 CESTDavid HytnerHere’s some team news from the Emirates Stadium: Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Saka, Trossard, Martinelli. Subs: Setford, Tierney, Zinchenko, Merino, Sterling, Butler-Oyedeji, Gower, Nwaneri, Clarke.Bournemouth: Arrizabalaga, Araujo, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez, Cook, Adams, Tavernier, Kluivert, Ouattara, Evanilson. Subs: Dennis, Senesi, Brooks, Scott, Smith, Soler, Jebbison, Hill, Semenyo.Referee: Jarred Gillett. 2d ago17.44 CESTGOAL 79 mins)Ipswich have recovered from two goals down George Hirst heading in to bring them level at Goodison 2d ago17.39 CESTTo be honest I thought Bayern might celebrate a bit more but it’s basically safe and they could at least smile a bit and instead he had to trudge on and soberly shake people’s hands They play Monchengladbach at home next Saturday and will surely make it safe then and though Bayern Munich have basically won the league (Bayer Leverkusen have three games to play and are nine points behind with their goal difference inferior by 30) 2d ago17.20 CESTThe big question now is: can either Bradford (at home to Fleetwood Town) or Walsall (at Crewe) win a game of football? Both are currently drawing 0-0 – if any one of them can win, they will go up. If both win, or indeed both draw or both lose, Bradford will come third. 2d ago17.18 CESTAaron Rowe has given Gillingham a 1-0 lead at Port Vale, and Doncaster look set to coast to the League Two title from here. 2d ago17.18 CESTGOAL! Grimsby 0-1 AFC Wimbledon (Hutchinson, 52 mins)A big goal in the League Two playoff chase. As it stands Wimbledon are fifth having vaulted Notts County, and Grimbsy drop down to ninth. Chesterfield, one up at Accrington, are in the last playoff spot at I type. 2d ago17.15 CESTLeroy Sane has scored at the Red Bull Arena where it’s now RB Leipzig 2-3 Bayern Munich and the visitors are just two minutes and stoppage time away from the league title 2d ago17.11 CESTGOAL! Huddersfield 1-3 Leyton OrientAnd that surely is going to wrap up a playoff place! A long ball out of defence leaves Huddersfield’s defence exposed, it’s squared to Agyei and he takes a touch to bring it onto his left foot before curling inside the far post! 2d ago17.00 CESTBad and good news for Harry Kane: Bayern Munich have scored two in a minute and they’re now drawing 2-2 at RB Leipzig and on course to basically win the league in about 20 minutes (it was a 2.30pm BST kick-off) Reading, who need to better Leyton Orient’s result to steal the last League One playoff spot from them, are drawing while Orient are 2-1 up at Huddersfield. Doncaster are winning the League Two title by three points from Port Vale. Bradford are pipping Walsall to the third and final automatic promotion spot, though continuing their recent poor form neither are winning. AFC Wimbledon and Chesterfield are in the playoff places; Grimsby, Salford and Colchester just outside them. Half-time scores in the Scottish Premiership: 2d ago16.51 CESTHalf-time scoresHalf-timely whistles have been peeping across the nation, and here are the scores as they stand (a few matches haven’t quite finished, and there’s still seven minutes to play at Leicester). Ayew end Leicester's home scoring drought in win over Southampton2:06Vardy snaps Leicester's goalless streak vs SouthamptonMark Ogden reacts to Leicester City's 2-0 win vs Vardy, who will leave Leicester at the end of the season after 13 years with the club, put the hosts ahead in the 17th minute when he latched onto Bilal El Khannouss's cross and fired high into the net for his 199th goal in a Leicester shirt Ayew doubled the lead in the 44th when he struck a free-kick into the wall only for the ball to land back at his feet for him to hammer home past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale Leicester are 19th on 21 points after their fifth win Bottom side Southampton have 11 points and only three games left to avoid being the joint-worst team in Premier League history Ruud Van Nistelrooy's side had not scored in the league at the King Power since a 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on December 8 becoming the first team in the top four tiers of English soccer to go nine straight home matches without finding the net The fans cheekily chanted "We scored a goal!" Adding to the emotions the 38-year-old Vardy ended his team's drought in what was his penultimate match at Leicester's home stadium Beleaguered Southampton briefly celebrated after believing they had pulled one back in the second half when Mateus Fernandes bundled in the rebound off Paul Onuachu's header The game was delayed for 12 minutes in the first half after referee David Webb suffered a head injury and was replaced was struck in the face by the shoulder of Ayew and fell to the pitch Vardy, who will leave Leicester at the end of the season after 13 years with the club, put the hosts ahead in the 17th minute when he latched onto Bilal El Khannouss's cross and fired high into the net for his 199th goal in a Leicester shirt Ayew doubled the lead in the 44th when he struck a free-kick into the wall only for the ball to land back at his feet for him to hammer home past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale Ruud Van Nistelrooy's side had not scored in the league at the King Power since a 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on December 8 The fans cheekily chanted \"We scored a goal!\" Adding to the emotions Beleaguered Southampton briefly celebrated after believing they had pulled one back in the second half when Mateus Fernandes bundled in the rebound off Paul Onuachu's header Twelve months ago it was champagne and celebrations for Ipswich Town all three promoted teams were relegated for the second consecutive season For Ipswich it was a step too far after back-to-back promotions it has been a season of chaos and disaster exposing the reality that the best Championship clubs are unable to bridge the widening gap to the Premier League Leicester and Southampton will be favourites to go straight back up again All three will get two years of parachute payments which under the new Premier League TV deal will see all three clubs pocket over £90million ($119.9m) they don’t get a third-year parachute (about £17m in 2027-28) so there is incentive to bounce back quickly Ipswich may not have the recent Premier League history of their relegated rivals who slipped from challenging in the top division’s top eight consistently but they could be in the best shape to mount an instant return After back-to-back promotions they rode into the top flight on a crest of a wave and although they needed to bridge the greatest gulf of all three promoted sides Last summer they had an £88.9m spend as they attempted to turn a squad largely assembled in League One into one capable of competing in the Premier League They are expected to still owe £14.9million in transfers for next season and beyond They were able to keep hold of manager Kieran McKenna who was discussed as a candidate for the vacant job at Chelsea last summer before they turned to Leicester’s Enzo Maresca but the momentum wasn’t enough to sustain them in the Premier League with three on the road at Tottenham Hotspur They drew nine matches and were defeated 21 times They were relegated with four games still to go after defeat at Newcastle United, but as The Athletic’s Michael Walker observed the week before their fate was sealed, the mood around Portman Road was in stark contrast to the other two relegated sides. Where there was resignation, apathy and anger at Leicester and Southampton at the failings of their clubs, the expectations at Ipswich were very different this season. That may change next season back in the Championship when they are expected to challenge for promotion again, unlike two years ago when they were newly promoted. Some players will likely move on, most notably striker Liam Delap who has impressed after his £20m move from Manchester City. Ipswich have only scored 33 league goals this season, but Delap has 12 of them. While McKenna has stated it isn’t a foregone conclusion that Delap will leave, a reported relegation clause of £30m will do little to deter suitors. There were mixed fortunes for the other new recruits, especially striker Sammie Szmodics, but if they find fitness and form next season Ipswich could still be in good shape, especially as Szmodics was the Championship’s top scorer in 2023-24 in a struggling Blackburn Rovers side. There is stability at Ipswich. The club is debt free and the ownership is popular after their success. They still have McKenna in place, who also remains popular with the fans after relegation. “The club is in a really strong position,” he said after relegation was confirmed. “There’s still a fantastic togetherness there. It’s a step back now but that’s often the way in terms of taking steps forward.” Luton Town found it tougher to cope with a drop back into the Championship after a meteoric rise, but Ipswich seem in a better place, both financially and in personnel, than the other relegated clubs. After a shock relegation two years ago, Leicester fans were warned by the chief executive, Susan Whelan, that the ramifications would be felt for several years to come. Those are proving to be prophetic words. As Jamie Vardy, who has announced he is leaving the club after 13 incredible seasons, said, this season has been an embarrassment and “a s***-show”. The anger and the scrutiny on the senior management at the club is only intensifying from the supporters, and also from the league authorities. Leicester have been successful so far in defeating attempts to charge them for possible breaches of profit and sustainability rules since 2022-23, but they could face extra scrutiny when back in the Championship. Last week the EFL announced they had made changes to their PSR regulations to effectively close any loopholes in jurisdiction. Leicester had the largest budget by nearly £30m (Leicester £107.2m, Southampton £80.7m and Ipswich £44.5m) over their rivals last season when they won the title and promotion, but it is expected they will have to cut their cloth differently this time. Vardy, the highest paid player, is leaving and it is expected that other higher earners such as Harry Winks, Jannik Vestergaard, Wout Faes, Boubakary Soumare and Patson Daka will have to move on, while assets Mads Hermansen and Bilal El Khannouss will be sold. The issue of who will have to oversee this work is still to be decided. Having sacked Steve Cooper after just 12 games last season, Ruud van Nistelrooy became the fifth manager at the club in three seasons. Despite a disastrous subsequent campaign he remains in place, but has repeatedly called for clarity over his position so the club can begin planning for next season. Leicester have a big decision to make over whether Van Nistelrooy is the man for the huge job ahead, but his continued presence may not appease disgruntled fans who want a completely fresh start next season, although the desire for change in the club’s senior management has been the main focus of protest. With managerial uncertainty, financial restrictions and a huge squad refresh required, Leicester face a huge summer to be ready for a new Championship challenge. On the face of it, Southampton have even more work to do this summer, starting with who will be the manager next season. Having sacked promotion-winning manager Russell Martin in December, they then sacked his successor, Ivan Juric, in April when relegation was confirmed. Saints are still fighting to avoid equalling Derby County’s Premier League record for the lowest points total across a season: 11 in 2008. Southampton are currently on that number with three games still to go. Like Leicester, their poor recruitment has been at the heart of their troubles, but they are currently without a head of recruitment after the departure of Darren Mowbray in April. The man who now has to find a new head coach and head of recruitment is sporting director Johannes Spors, who was only appointed in February. He needs to work fast to get ahead of their rivals. Two years ago they had appointed Martin early and seemed in a better position. There seems to be a huge amount of work to reduce a bloated squad and correct many of the transfer errors of the last few seasons. Kyle Walker-Peters will leave on a free, but there are very few assets to sell now after cashing in Tino Livramento, Romeo Lavia, Nathan Tella and James Ward-Prowse in recent seasons. Profit from all player trading was £72.4m, and total receipts on the sales of players was £123m, compared with just £7.4m in the 2022-23 season. They reinvested £46.8m net in transfers this season prior to January. The plus side of that is, unlike Leicester, Southampton go into the summer without PSR issues hanging over them, although they have an £80m high-interest facility — and a £15.6m cash interest payment in 2023-24. They posted profits of £5.7m for the 2023-24 season and, despite the desperate season they have endured — they have won just one and drawn two of 17 home games so far — their home gates are holding steady at just under 31,000 on average per game. That doesn’t mean the fans aren’t unhappy with their club’s fortunes in recent seasons. Sport Republic plus chairman and majority shareholder Dragan Solak have certainly made mistakes. They can’t afford to make any more if they are to regroup and mount a promotion push next season but, like Leicester, they need to make good early decisions that can shape the direction of travel at St Mary’s. Additional reporting: Chris Weatherspoon. and Jacob Tanswell. (Top photo: Ipswich Town by Alex Livesey via Getty Images) Simon Rusk says Leicester were "worthy winners" as the Foxes beat his side 2-0 in the Premier League at the King Power Stadium MATCH REPORT: Leicester City 2-0 Southampton Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionEditor's recommendationsLeicester 'worthy winners' - Southampton's Rusk on defeat 00:02:05Leicester 'worthy winners' - Southampton's Rusk on defeat 2:05 Up Next Jamie Vardy and Jordan Ayew scored as Leicester City ended their nine-game Premier League losing run on home soil and an 11-match winless run overall with a 2-0 victory over fellow relegated side Southampton Leicester had also gone nine home league matches without a goal, with fans at the King Power Stadium having nothing to celebrate since a 2-2 draw at home to Brighton & Hove Albion in early December But Vardy ended their drought in the 17th minute with his 199th goal for the Foxes before Ayew scored a brilliant second late in the first half The closest Southampton came to a response was when Mateus Fernandes had a close-range finish disallowed for offside with Saturday's defeat ensuring they will finish bottom Leicester move on to 21 points from 35 games, though they are still 19th, one point behind Ipswich Town who drew 2-2 at Everton After a low-key opening, Leicester took the lead via a well-worked goal. Bilal El Khannouss played a give-and-go with Luke Thomas down the left before crossing for Vardy who finished emphatically into the roof of the net The game was then halted for over 10 minutes as referee David Webb – overseeing his first Premier League match – was injured in an accidental collision with Ayew and replaced by Sam Barrott Leicester doubled their lead in the 44th minute through Ayew who struck the wall from a free-kick but then rifled into the bottom-left corner on the rebound El Khannouss had the home fans out of their seats when he slipped the ball between Taylor Harwood-Bellis' legs early in the second half but he could not keep his curling shot down Southampton thought they had one back in the 55th minute as Fernandes tucked home on the rebound from Paul Onuachu's saved header Aaron Ramsdale repelled a Vardy free-kick and El Khannouss dragged wide as Leicester finished strongly while Onuachu saw a late header deflect into the side netting to cap a disappointing day for Southampton It is fair to say Leicester's season ticket holders have had little to celebrate lately The Foxes could have become just the second team in English league history to go 10 consecutive home games without a goal But with their final two home games of 2024/25 coming against Southampton and Ipswich, Ruud van Nistelrooy's team had a chance to end a demoralising campaign on a positive note And the Leicester fans in attendance on Saturday got to celebrate what could be Vardy's final goal at the King Power following the announcement he will leave at the end of the season but he still maintains his predatory instincts He showed great awareness to hang near the edge of the area before darting into position to convert El Khannouss's cross The former Premier League champion's legacy is not only about his goals When Webb went down midway through the opening half Vardy took it upon himself to halt play by blowing the referee's whistle Vardy will certainly be missed by the club he has represented since 2012 and his team-mates will be desperate to help him reach 200 Leicester goals in the closing weeks of the season He has three games remaining to hit that landmark, with a home match against Ipswich sandwiched between trips to Nottingham Forest and AFC Bournemouth While Leicester's main point of interest is ensuring Vardy goes out on a high Southampton are playing to avoid an unwanted piece of history They drew level with Derby County's record low of 11 points in a Premier League season on 19 April by battling to a 1-1 draw with West Ham United A big chance to surpass that tally came and went last week, as they squandered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 at home to Fulham Interim manager Simon Rusk would have viewed this game as another opportunity to overhaul Derby but Southampton failed to inspire their travelling fans after a tepid display An early header from Harwood-Bellis – easily claimed by Jakub Stolarczyk – represented Southampton's only shot on target in the first half and groans were audible from the away end when they went backwards from a promising position on the stroke of half-time Four substitutions from Rusk brought about a brief improvement as the Saints started to go direct to Onuachu, but the introduction of 15-year-old Jeremy Monga helped Leicester up the tempo and the visitors limped to the finish line Southampton are just the second club to finish bottom of the Premier League on three occasions, after Sunderland, and their quest to avoid an unwanted place in the history books now gets trickier, with Manchester City, Everton and Arsenal their final three opponents Leicester report | Southampton report Ruud Van Nistelrooy: "It feels good to win again and to break the cycle of the home games without scoring We said before the game we wanted to give some positivity towards the fans the team and giving young players an opportunity Simon Rusk: "We started fairly fell and we're really disappointed with the fashion of the goal energy and in the end they were worthy of their win Leicester have won 15 games and scored 63 goals against Southampton both more than they have against any other side in the Premier League Southampton have lost four consecutive league games against Leicester for the first time in the top four tiers while the Foxes have done the double over the Saints in the top flight for the first time since 1999/00 Vardy's strike was Leicester's first home league goal since December (Bobby De Cordova-Reid v Brighton) ending the Foxes' run of 826 minutes without scoring at the King Power Stadium Defeat in this match confirmed that Southampton will finish bottom of the Premier League this season It’s the third time that the Saints have finished last (also 2004/05 and 2022/23) the joint-most of any side in the competition (Sunderland in 2002/03 Michael Owen and Steve Cooper discuss the top-five race and who they think will be in the competition next season Your entry has been submitted successfully Please check your 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