Leicester City bottled Champions League qualification for a second season in succession as Tottenham Hotspur stunned the Foxes with victory.
The game was off to a frantic start with the Foxes at it right from the start, and the end to end nature of it really played into the hands of Jamie Vardy who capitalised on a loose pass to run at Davidson Sanchez who then tangled legs with the striker in the box. Anthony Taylor had to go to the pitch-side monitor to decide that it was indeed a penalty, before Vardy made no mistake from the spot.
Leicester City kept the pressure on, but then that pressure completely disappeared as the players thought it was a testimonial for 15 minutes!
Tottenham then decided they wanted to make the top four race interesting and gave the home side a couple warning signs, before Harry Kane smashed in a volley to equalise after some pinball in the Leicester area.
However, news of an Aston Villa lead gave the fans and players some encouragement as the first half ended. Brendan Rodgers’ side then controlled the game at the start of the second period and it was Vardy again who troubled Sanchez. A questionable tangle of arms led Vardy to perform ‘the salmon’ as he went to ground but this time the referee pointed to the spot and Vardy scored his second of the game.
News of a second Villa goal led to more cheers and more finger-nails being chewed off. The captain, Kasper Schmeichel, then decided he wanted to make things even more interesting by completely making a mess of a corner. He delayed and delayed and then came out too late and then ball then found its way into the net.
That on top of a Ben Chilwell goal meant that the Foxes were missing out on top four AGAIN! The Foxes then lost their heads and completely bottled the chance of Champions League football. Awful passes, players just running around with no idea, and then to top it all off Gareth Bale scored to give his side the lead after some pretty awful defending, and then to top it off he was practically given a guard of honour as he ran through unchallenged to score a fourth.
Once again Champions League football has been thrown away due to an incredibly poor mentality. Yes, I know everyone would rather have an FA Cup than champions league action, but the fact is there isn’t a choice and there was a chance of both! I hate this ‘but at least we have an FA Cup’ mentality. The mentality of these players and manager needs to be questioned as they can’t handle the pressure towards the end of the season.
These players had a chance to amend for last seasons capitulation and they decided to throw it away with 20 minutes of embarrassing football.
Leicester City Player ratings:
Kasper Schmeichel- 4
Of all the times to make such a ridiculous mistake! He had a long time to think about coming out for the corner before he eventually did and it was his fault that his side eventually lost the plot.
Timothy Castagne- 4
Meh. Was anonymous, all the play went down the left-hand side.
Wesley Fofana- 5
The young player of the year was in tears as he went off. It was so sad to see him injured and it definitely changed the balance of game.
Caglar Soyuncu- 7
He was immense for about 75 minutes, but he, like everyone else he lost the plot at the end and gave Gareth Bale a guard of honour.
Luke Thomas- 4
Probably one of the worst culprits at the end. Again he was having a great game then all of a sudden he decided to take a leaf out of Albrighton’s book and lose the ball every time he got it.
Wilfred Ndidi- 6
Was really good at the start and then a change to Centre Back completely turned the game on its head
Youri Tielemans- 5
Huffed and puffed but had little options ahead of him and looked dead on his feet when he had to chase back.
Marc Albrighton- 4
Did nothing. Long ball after long ball, he is an impact sub nothing more than that.
James Maddison- 6
He played well today. It definitely suits him when he drifts in from the left rather than in a congested midfield. He was always looking for Vardy and played a part in the second goal.
Jamie Vardy- 8
It was great seeing him back to his best. Hustling Davidson Sanchez and making him look more ordinary than he already is. Sadly he was let down by everyone else.
Kelechi Iheanacho- 3
Kelechi, what was that. Sometimes the ball is glued to his feet but every time he started running with it, it ended with him on the floor. A shame because he’s been the saviour in recent months but that was a shocking performance.
Substitutes:
Papy Mendy- 4
He needs proper Centre Backs behind him to make him look like a decent holding midfielder.
Ricardo- 4
Touched the ball twice
Ayoze Perez- 4
Same as Ricardo