Can Leicester go on to do the impossible? Leicester half-season review

It’s been a thrilling season so far for Leicester City, as they come to the halfway point. 19 games played and it’s fair to say Foxes fans will certainly satisfied with their team’s performances, and indeed their position in the table as for at least 24-hours they will be top of the Premier League. 

Can Leicester go on and win the Premier League for the second time? They have definitely shown their quality and with this crazy season so far, anything can happen.  

Five key games –

Manchester City 2-5 Leicester City 

This being only their third league game of the season, Leicester travelled to the Etihad after winning their opening two games against West Brom and Burnley. 

 They hadn’t won away at City since the season they won the Premier League against all odds. Brendan Rodgers side went 1-0 down inside four minutes with former player Riyad Mahrez scoring a great goal.  

This fired up the Foxes, eventually going on to win the game 5-2 with talisman Jamie Vardy getting a hat-trick, and also amongst the goals was James Maddison who scored an absolute screamer. 

 It was a terrific vintage Leicester performance. This was the first time in Pep Guardiola’s career that one of his teams had conceded five in one game.  

Leeds United 1-4 Leicester City 

Another away match for the Foxes, another away battering.  

It was a tactical masterclass from Rodgers, he outsmarted Marcelo Bielsa in a highly anticipated clash. Youri Tielemans scored a brace, with Vardy and Harvey Barnes getting the other two goals. 

 Just like the Man City game, Leicester travelled to Elland Road and played as the away side, low possession and counter attacking football. This has been something Rodgers has implemented into his side this season, the ability to change systems so conveniently.  

Tottenham Hotspur 0-2 Leicester City  

Once again, Leicester win a huge match on the road beating Spurs. They’ve also not beaten Spurs away from home since the title winning season.  

This time they done it with no problems. Vardy scoring from the spot, and then an own goal from Toby Alderweireld.  

The Foxes dominated the stats, constantly on the attack. It could have been three, but for a controversial VAR decision that ruled out a fantastic Maddison goal. 

Vardy converts from the penalty spot at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Image – Getty Images

Leicester City 2-2 Manchester United 

In a fixture that Leicester typically struggle in, the Foxes managed to get a point out of Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s tricky Red Devils.  

Fans of both teams were disappointed their team did not snatch all three points, a draw was a fair result in the end.  

Leicester embraced the club motto of “Foxes never quit” in this game, pushing for a late equaliser which they eventually found when Axel Tuanzebe turned into his own net.   

Harvey Barnes also shown in this match why he has been so important for the East Midlands side this season, he scored a rocket with his left foot in the first half.  

Leicester City 2-0 Chelsea 

It has always been a good affair between Leicester and Chelsea, often ending in draws in recent times.  

However, Leicester hadn’t beat the visitors at home for a long time. The last time they did this, was indeed the title winning season… 

It was a professional performance from the Foxes, in which they did not really have any problems in.  

A rare Wilfred Ndidi strike opened the scoring with a scorcher, coming off the post and going in. Leicester were in control for most of the game and just before half time, Maddison continued his fine form and doubled the Foxes’ lead.  

It was a result which puts more pressure on Frank Lampard, but more importantly sent Leicester to the top of the table… for now! 

Star players 

It’s certainly been hard to pick out just a few individuals as everyone at Leicester has been brilliant this season, but wriggling it down to one attacker, defender and midfielder, here is three players who have played a huge part so far.  

Harvey Barnes has been one of Leicester’s most influential players this season, the 23-year-old has scored 10 goals in all competitions this season, also contributing two assists. It is for sure his best season as a professional so far, and his game has really came along in a short space of time. A lot more composure in front of goal and a lot more desire to beat his man. This would be down to Brendan Rodgers helping him, every step of the way. There is arguably nobody better in football when it comes to man management.  

Barnes celebrates a great goal against United.

Image – PA Media

Another key player for the Foxes thus far is Wesley Fofana. The 20-year-old signed from St-Ettiene in the summer for a fee of around £40m. He is rapidly becoming a fan favourite for many Leicester fans. So mature in the way that he plays, a rock at the back who is composed on the ball and you’d always back him to win back possession or stop the opponent from progressing. Since he left France, Claude Puel’s side have won only one time in 17 games. They really are missing the presence of the young Frenchman. 

Finally, one player who time and time again performs at such a high standard for the Foxes, Youri Tielemans. The Belgian is a key foundation in midfield for the current league leaders, his passing and vision is up there with the best in the world, he makes everything look so simple. Tielemans has scored some important goals for the foxes, including a couple of penalties. A future club captain. 

What’s next? 

It would be ever so good if Leicester can keep up their great form in the Europa League, as this could go a long way in establishing themselves as a top European club, alongside finishing in a high position in the Premier League.  

The Foxes still have three trophies to play for, and with the depth and the mentality of the squad, there is no reason why they can’t go on to challenge for them all.  

If they can continue to revive their home form, which in recent weeks have done a good job with, they can go on to do the impossible.  

Rodgers has got his side playing serious football, and if players can keep fit and they don’t have a repeat of the second half of last season, there is so much to look forward to for Leicester and their fans. 

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