English Premier League: Leicester season review – Collapse and progress
By Nhan Doan
Biggest win: 2-1 vs Spurs (November 28th)
It was the Foxes’ lone victory against the Big six this season. The win was reminiscent of how Leicester conquered England in 2016, especially with the goalscorers being Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez. The win sparked Leicester’s longest winning streak of the season. It lasted four games.
Heaviest Defeat: 0-5 at. Crystal Palace (April 28th)
The Foxes’ dismal run at the end of the season saw them crash out of the Europa League spot. This loss was the lowest point as Leicester was blown out 5-0 by Crystal Palace. Marc Albrighton suffered a red card midway through the second half, which helped free up space for Palace to score three times in the last nine minutes.
Best player: Jamie Vardy
It is a close battle between the striker and Mahrez, but the striker had been more consistent during the course of the season. This is the second time in three seasons Vardy made the 20-goal mark. The way the Foxes play on the pitch, while they can afford to let Mahrez go, Vardy is irreplaceable.
Mediocre player: Wes Morgan
The captain was a key figure during the Foxes’ title run two seasons ago. Age has caught up with him as Morgan was too error-prone this season, usually losing the aerial battle and positioning himself poorly. Aleksandar Dragovic, a new signing, was given more playing time at the end of the season as Morgan will probably accept the backup role.
What’s next for the Foxes
The lack of European competition and Riyad Mahrez’s near-exit in January meant this season could be the last hurrah for the title-winning players. Mahrez’s move to Manchester City can finally be completed. Jamie Vardy and Harry Maguire’s names will be discussed if they have a successful World Cup campaign for England.
Leicester will enter a pivotal summer. Missing out on the Europa League is a huge blow to convince its Mahrez to stay. The Foxes still need quality signings at the back to replace their aging defensive line. Robert Huth has been released, but Danny Simpson, Christian Fuchs, and Wes Morgan will be 31, 32, and 34 respectively at the start of next season.
Signing Ricardo Pereira, who played under Puel during his stint at Nice, was a good start. Convincing either Mahrez or Vardy to stay is considered a success. Although rewriting the miracle is all but impossible, Leicester can assume the dark horse role next season.