Leicester City relinquish 3-goal advantage as decline persists
Southampton executed a remarkable turnaround from a 3-0 deficit at Leicester, scoring four times in the final 30 minutes to secure a 4-3 win, leaving the former Premier League champions precariously positioned just above the relegation zone.
Leicester’s interim manager Andy King appeared poised for his first victory since taking over, following first-half goals from on-loan Manchester City player Divine Mukasa, Patson Daka, and Abdul Fatawu.
However, after substitute Ross Stewart narrowed the gap, the hosts’ fragile confidence was laid bare as Jack Stephens, Ryan Manning, and Shea Charles capitalized, leaving King’s side winless in six matches and the home supporters in a restless mood.
Seven years after suffering a 9-0 defeat at St Mary’s and only two years after conceding five during Southampton’s previous visit to the King Power Stadium, Leicester began the match with optimism about recovering three of the six points recently deducted by the EFL.
Yet, still in search of a permanent manager following Marti Cifuentes’ exit and teetering dangerously close to the relegation zone, the hosts present a stark contrast to the team the visitors faced here in April 2024.
Despite witnessing Cameron Archer inexplicably miss a chance by turning Leo Scienza’s cross over the bar from six yards, City initially envisioned another dominant victory after scoring in the ninth and 13th minutes.
Mukasa, making only his second appearance for King’s squad and his first at this venue, capitalized on Archer’s glaring miss by firing Daka’s lay-off past Daniel Peretz.
Then, having set up the opportunity for his new teammate, the Zambian increased City’s lead by taking advantage of Tom Fellows’ misplaced backpass.
The former West Brom midfielder failed to notice Daka before casually directing the ball towards Peretz. However, Daka, quick to react, intercepted the pass, rounded the Israeli goalkeeper, and found the net.
Southampton convened for an impromptu discussion on the pitch after conceding twice in the first half.
This meeting did not yield the desired results, as Fatawu extended City’s lead further in the 29th minute.
After skillfully controlling Mukasa’s pass, his angled shot from distance left Peretz grasping at air.
Stephy Mavididi came close to adding to Southampton’s woes but failed to curl his attempt inside the far post.
On one of the rare occasions Tonda Eckert’s team posed a threat, Caleb Okoli’s desperate block prevented Archer’s shot from reaching Asmir Begovic.
Stewart’s exquisite finish in the 61st minute, guiding Scienza’s pass into the net, initiated the comeback.
With eight minutes left, Stephens scored with his right foot following a defensive scramble, and Manning headed in from close range five minutes later, again assisted by Scienza.
Charles, who, like Stewart and Manning, had been brought on as Eckert made substitutions, struck an unstoppable shot past Begovic deep into stoppage time.
Following the defeat on Tuesday and the six-point deduction last week, Leicester now sits with 32 points from 32 matches, positioned 21st out of 24 teams in the Championship.
Information from PA was used in this report.
