Leicester 2-0 Southampton: 3 things we learned from Foxes win

A classic night of defending

Leicester’s achilles heel this season has been one of keeping the ball out of their own net, with a constant fallibility on defending crosses and set pieces in general. A stark contrast to the famous team that the world took to their hearts five years ago. Tonight there was no such issues with each of James Ward-Prowse’s corners marshalled expertly. Its worth noting that the much maligned zonal-marking hasn’t gone anywhere, its simply got better. Players now take responsibility for their areas with intent and crucially attack balls crossed in.

Chief amongst those was Jonny Evans whose display in this game exemplified why he has been tied into a new contract until the end of the 2023 season. His calmness under pressure and positional sense continues to impress and even when players get behind him he has the ability to position himself in an area that will distract attackers. Wesley Fofana who also played well in this game, is only going to improve on his excellent form playing alongside such an experienced defender.

The Frenchman was harshly booked in the first half meaning Brendan Rodgers subbed him off early in the second half, to be replaced by the also excellent Caglar Soyuncu who slotted back in with ease by snuffing out any Southampton half chances and keeping the ball carefully in key areas. Leicester’s defensive capability is looking stronger and stronger and with games starting to build up they will all need to be on top of their game.

Behind all of this strong defence is the man that has recently played his 400th game for the club (arguably in this fixture if you ignore the Community Shield game in 2016). Kasper Schmeichel has undoubtedly improved since Brendan Rodgers has joined. His accurate passing range is key to Leicester’s ability to draw in pressing teams and turn defence into attack. He now comes off his line even more to snuff out danger and his ability to pull out great saves remains intact as proved against Bertrand and Adams. For any player to play for 10 years for one club is remarkable in this day and age and if he ever decides to leave, his will be big boots to fill.