Foxes Remembered: The Story of Leicester City and the First World War

Calling it a day!

This blog has been discontinued! Thanks for taking the time to visit though! 

Leicester Prove a Point

Leicester City 2 - 2 Everton

Leicester City twice came back from a goal down to rescue a point against Everton at the King Power stadium this afternoon. In the face of injuries to four key players and competing against an excellent team, who finished 5th in the Premier League last term, the Foxes proved that they do have enough about them to compete at the highest level of English football. Vardy and James, who had been so instrumental in Leicester's success last season were absent through injury, as was Albrighton - who has been so impressive in pre-season. When Drinkwater limped off with a hamstring injury in the 39th minute, City fans may have wondered if it was going to be their day. However, Leicester showed great resolve and team spirit as Hammond and King competed well in central midfield and the Morgan/Moore partnership kept £28 million Lukaku quiet throughout the match. Substitutes Schlupp and Wood made positive contributions when they entered the fold to demonstrate that Leicester have more strength in depth than some would credit them with.

Everton dominated possession throughout the game with 64% over the course of the 90 minutes. However, Leicester matched the Toffees in terms of efforts on target - both sides managing 3 each. The visitors took the lead in the 20th minute. Schmeichel made a brilliant save to deny Distin before McGeady curled a superb shot into the top right hand corner of the net. City were behind for less than two minutes with Ulloa scrambling the ball home after Everton failed to deal effectively with a City corner. Naismith restored Everton's lead just before the break. Knockaert slipped, allowing Baines to cross. Pienaar failed to connect properly with his shot and the ball fell to Naismith who made no mistake and finished into the top left hand corner. 

Chances were at a premium in the second half. One of the best opportunities fell to Jeff Schlupp, who raced onto a superb Mahrez through ball only to blast over the crossbar from the edge of the box. City were rewarded for their perseverance in the 86th minute. Mahrez and King's efforts were both blocked before the ball fell to Chris Wood. The Kiwi international curled the ball into the bottom corner to send the sell-out crowd into raptures and to put Leicester's first point of the season on the board. With such a tough start to the season, it was an important result and performance for the Foxes. They are back in the big time and, based on this afternoon's performance, they are certainly not out of place.

Season Preview

After a decade outside of the top flight, Leicester City kick off their Premier League campaign in less than a week's time against Roberto Martinez's Everton side. The opening 6 fixtures look as daunting as they do exciting. However, there are lots of reasons to be optimistic about the Foxes' prospects in the Premiership. 9 is regarded as a lucky number in Thailand, the home of Leicester City's owner and chairman. So here are 9 reasons to be optimistic about Leicester City:

New signings

The £8 million signing of 6ft3 striker Leo Ulloa has grabbed all of the headlines and rightly so. It has smashed City's record transfer fee and represents a departure from Nigel Pearson's economical and prudent approach to new signings. 28 year old Ulloa scored 23 goals in 50 games last term, a good return for a man who suffered from a number of injuries over the course of last season. There have been other significant signings, with the highly rated Hamer arriving from Charlton to compete for Schmeichel's shirt. Winger Albrighton has joined from Aston Villa and at just 24 years of age, with 89 appearances for Villa already under his belt, this could prove to be the shrewdest move of the summer. Veteran defender Matthew Upson has also joined the club to provide defensive cover.

Contract extensions

Perhaps more important than the new arrivals, City have secured the services of their key players for a few more years. Schmeichel, Moore, James, Drinkwater, Schlupp and Nugent have all signed contract extensions to keep them at the King Power Stadium. There was a lot of speculation about the future of these players, particularly over the Christmas period, and the club dealt with this situation brilliantly. Nigel Pearson has spent a lot of time and effort assembling his squad and has referred on several occasions to the importance of "protecting the club's assets." He has certainly managed to do that now. Indeed the only significant departure from the King Power Stadium was Lloyd Dyer, who turned down his Premier League contract to sit on the bench for Championship side Watford this afternoon - each to their own!

The manager

Clearly the most important signature over the summer was that of the manager Nigel Pearson. The 50 year old has signed a 3 year extension which keeps him at the King Power Stadium until at least June 2017. Pearson has said on many occasions that he sees his "long term future" at Leicester - a comment that will be music to the ears of City fans. Having lead City to the Championship title with a club record haul of 31 wins and 102 points, Nigel Pearson has a win ratio of 49.8% from his 223 games in charge of Leicester. Ignoring Martin Allen's brief tenure, this is by far the best record of any permanent manager in the club's history. It would be fair to say that, in terms of management, the club is in very safe hands.

Marginal gains

Sir Dave Brailsford, the mastermind behind the success of British cycling, coined the phrase "the aggregation of marginal gains." This is a concept that is undoubtedly driving Leicester City forward. Their preparation, facilities and attention to detail are all second to none. Indeed, City hosted a conference for a 100 FA and UEFA delegates last season to share their excellent practice. Why share the secrets of our success? Simple. By the time other clubs adopt our approach, we will have moved on to new approaches and new technology. Without doubt, Leicester City are front-runners in the quest for finding that extra couple of percent.

The chairman 

Leicester owe a huge debt of gratitude to their owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. The Thai businessman wiped out the club's £103 million debt last season to secure the long term financial stability of the club. He is an ambitious man and has recently been quoted as saying that he is prepared to spend £180 million to help Leicester to challenge the top 5 teams in the Premier League. Above all, Vichai appears to have a strong relationship with Pearson and doesn't meddle in first team affairs, a status quo which isn't prevalent at all clubs with rich owners. Of course, if the chairman continues to buy a beer for all City fans each season, as he did before the final game of last season, then the supporters won't grumble too much.

Pre-season

It is wrong to read too much into pre-season form. However, Leicester City have negotiated their preparations without defeat - the most notable results being 1-0 victories over both Everton and Werder Bremen. They have also won games at Ilkeston, Walsall, MK Dons and Rotherham - scoring 14 goals in the process. The only match they failed to win was a 1-1 draw at Preston. It was interesting to note that Pearson started the final pre-season game with a 4-2-3-1 formation, perhaps an insight into how the Foxes will line up against Everton next weekend.

Momentum

Not only have Leicester been successful in pre-season but they go into the new term on the back of one of the most successful seasons in the club's history. This squad of City players are simply not used to losing football matches. They only lost 6 league games last season - only 3 clubs in the top 4 English divisions lost on fewer occasions - Burnley, Wolves and Scunthorpe all suffering a total of 5 defeats. City won't fear anyone and are bound to surprise a few along the way.

The last 8 games

The first 6 games are difficult on paper. However, the final 8 games all look winnable and the final 6 home games are certainly an attractive proposition in terms of securing all 3 points. They are: Hull, West Ham, Swansea, Newcastle, Southampton and QPR. Should City need a few victories to secure their place in the Premier League for another season, it would be hard to ask for a better run-in.

Long term plan

One of the most refreshing aspects of this current regime is that it is not built upon a "quick fix" mentality. This is most aptly demonstrated by the signings for the development squad. 19 year old Jack Barmby, son of former England international Nick, and left back Louis Rowley, have both signed from Manchester United this summer. Staying up for one year is not on the agenda, it is all about establishing City as a Premier League team and building success on solid foundations.

Whatever the destination this season, the journey is going to be fun and don't be surprised if Leicester enjoy a successful season. My prediction, for what it's worth, is a 12th placed finish for the Foxes. We will see!

2014/15 Fixtures

Leicester City have a tough start to their Premier League campaign. The full fixture list is as follows:

16/08/2014 15:00 Leicester City v Everton

23/08/2014 15:00 Chelsea v Leicester City

30/08/2014 15:00 Leicester City v Arsenal

13/09/2014 15:00 Stoke City v Leicester City

20/09/2014 15:00 Leicester City v Manchester United

27/09/2014 15:00 Crystal Palace v Leicester City

04/10/2014 15:00 Leicester City v Burnley

18/10/2014 15:00 Newcastle United v Leicester City

25/10/2014 15:00 Swansea City v Leicester City

01/11/2014 15:00 Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion

08/11/2014 15:00 Southampton v Leicester City

22/11/2014 15:00 Leicester City v Sunderland

29/11/2014 15:00 Queens Park Rangers v Leicester City

02/12/2014 19:45 Leicester City v Liverpool

06/12/2014 15:00 Aston Villa v Leicester City

13/12/2014 15:00 Leicester City v Manchester City

20/12/2014 15:00 West Ham United v Leicester City

26/12/2014 15:00 Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur

28/12/2014 15:00 Hull City v Leicester City

01/01/2015 15:00 Liverpool v Leicester City

10/01/2015 15:00 Leicester City v Aston Villa

17/01/2015 15:00 Leicester City v Stoke City

31/01/2015 15:00 Manchester United v Leicester City

07/02/2015 15:00 Leicester City v Crystal Palace

10/02/2015 19:45 Arsenal v Leicester City

21/02/2015 15:00 Everton v Leicester City

28/02/2015 15:00 Leicester City v Chelsea

04/03/2015 19:45 Manchester City v Leicester City

14/03/2015 15:00 Leicester City v Hull City

21/03/2015 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City

04/04/2015 15:00 Leicester City v West Ham United

11/04/2015 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v Leicester City

18/04/2015 15:00 Leicester City v Swansea City

25/04/2015 15:00 Burnley v Leicester City

02/05/2015 15:00 Leicester City v Newcastle United

09/05/2015 15:00 Leicester City v Southampton

16/05/2015 15:00 Sunderland v Leicester City

24/05/2015 15:00 Leicester City v Queens Park Rangers

Season Review 2013/2014

What a difference a year makes! Twelve months ago, Leicester City suffered play-off heartache in the cruellest fashion imaginable at Watford. If you had told City fans that evening how the following season would pan out, few would have believed you. It is impossible to describe the incredible job that Nigel Pearson and his staff did to lift those players for the start of this season. Somehow, they managed to do so and that was crucial to Leicester's success this term. Summer signings were key too. The arrivals of Wasilewski, Taylor-Fletcher and Hammond added much needed experience to a promising, yet youthful squad. 

When you finish the season on a record breaking 102 points, it is difficult to pinpoint key moments from the season. However, a few stand out. The impact of the first game of the season should not be underestimated. Leicester were 1-0 down at half-time away at Middlesborough with a "here we go again" feeling. They came back to win with Jamie Vardy scoring a spectacular winner. That victory certainly set Vardy up for an outstanding season in which he scored 16 goals. The 3-0 victory at Watford early in November banished those horrible play-off memories and left City fans feeling that this could be their season. Watching Knockaert volley home one of those goals, after what happened to him on his previous visit to Vicarage Road, was a sweet moment.

The 1-1 draw with Burnley on 14th December might seem a strange choice as a crucial moment of the season. However, City had just suffered surprise back to back defeats and doubts were beginning to creep in. Of course, Burnley ultimately finished in second place and that draw kept City in touch with Burnley and leaders QPR. A 1-0 victory at QPR in the following game triggered a remarkable run of 9 successive league victories - a sequence which broke the back of the competition and put Leicester in an incredibly strong position. Notable highlights in that run of victories include the 5-3 home win over Bolton, the 4-1 demolition of Derby (arguably the most complete performance of the season) and the 1-0 victory at Leeds with the clever Phillips dummy in the final ten minutes which lead to Nugent's goal.

While on the subject of Nugent, he deserves a special mention. It is often said that to gain promotion from any division, you need at least one 20 goal a season striker. For Leicester City this year, that man was David Nugent. With 20 league goals, Nugent becomes the first City player to achieve that milestone at this level since Gary Lineker - an incredible achievement. A large proportion of these goals were penalties - a job that Nugent has never taken responsibility for before and another lesson learned from the play-off heartbreak at Vicarage Road. Many of those penalties were earned by Vardy, a player who seemed to find an extra yard of pace this season and was too much for most Championship defenders to cope with.

Victories against Burnley and QPR in the closing weeks of the season confirmed Leicester's superiority this season. However, promotion was confirmed in the most anti-climactic way possible without City even kicking a ball on the 5th April, as other results went their way. The Foxes then lost the promotion party game 4-1 at the hands of Brighton, although it is fair to say that not many City fans were actually watching the game! The job was done and there was plenty to celebrate. The title was confirmed with victory at Bolton and City managed to break the 100 point barrier by winning their final game of the season against Doncaster. Leicester broke almost every record in the book - club records for successive victories, for games without defeat at the this level and a record points tally. They won 5 more games than anyone else and clinched promotion with 6 games to go. City failed to score in just 3 games all season and finished a staggering 17 points clear of third placed Derby. There aren't enough superlatives.

Many players completed the best season of their careers. Vardy was a revelation and the biggest surprise of the season in terms of form. Drinkwater won the player of the season award and his partnership with Matty James was crucial to City's success. The arrival of Mahrez in the January transfer window boosted the wide options, with Dyer also having his best season for the club down the left flank. The defence was excellent, marshalled by Morgan alongside the excellent Liam Moore and the towering presence of Marcin Wasilewski. Schlupp put in some excellent performances at left back and Schmeichel proved once again that he is the best shot stopper in this division. 

Leicester were formidable at home - but they were last season too. In fact, it was their away form that propelled them to automatic promotion this time round. Last season, City managed just 6 away victories, yet their home form matched that of Hull City, who secured one of the automatic promotion berths. This year, Leicester won 14/23 away matches and lost on just 4 occasions on the road. There is no doubt that Pearson's team identified the need to take a few more risks and to go for the jugular. This was certainly reflected in more creative and attacking substitutions that paid off on a regular and uncanny basis. Pearson has masterminded one of the greatest seasons in the club's history and his role cannot be underestimated. Foxes fans can't wait to see what the manager produces next season. Exciting times...

Leicester Up - Doncaster Down

This match was always going to be more about what happened off the pitch than on it. With Doncaster fans listening for Birmingham's result and Leicester fans soaking up the promotion party atmosphere, the game seemed to be an unnecessary distraction. City were looking for victory to push them over the 100 point mark and striker David Nugent was looking for his 20th league goal of the season - a feat no Leicester player has achieved since Gary Lineker. It was fitting then that Nugent's 75th minute penalty, after Mahrez was fouled in the box, secured both achievements for the Foxes. In a cruel twist for Doncaster fans, two late Birmingham goals confirmed their relegation from the Championship. It was a fact that wasn't going to spoil Leicester's party.

With Birchenall running around the pitch before the match, free beer provided to every City fan, a giant circus tent outside the ground and the Mexican wave rippling around a 30,000 strong crowd, City fans were going to celebrate. The league trophy and Championship medals was presented after the match and fireworks were set off as the City players completed a well deserved lap of honour with their children. It was a moment to savour and one that Foxes fans can bask in over the course of the summer. Next season, City step into the unknown after a ten year absence from the Premier League. The only thing we can be sure of is that Nigel Pearson's squad will be as well prepared as any to take on the challenge that lies ahead. It promises to be an exciting journey and one that the Foxes will embark upon with confidence high and great memories of today still fresh in their minds.

Two Nil to the Champions

Huddersfield Town 0 - 2 Leicester City

Leicester notched up their third successive clean sheet and victory at Huddersfield this afternoon to move onto 99 league points with one game remaining. They now have 30 league wins this season and have scored in 32 consecutive games in all competitions. Today's win means that City are now 13 away league games unbeaten - a club record. If they win their final league game next Saturday, the Foxes will become only the 5th team to break the 100 point barrier at this level - the records continue to tumble. Pearson made six changes to today's starting line-up with Moore, Miquel, Hammond, Wood, James and Taylor-Fletcher all starting. 

Taylor-Fletcher scored the first goal of the game in the 31st minute - a sweet right-footed finish towards the top corner after good work from Lloyd Dyer. In truth, City were a little lacklustre in the first half and the match had a real end of season feel to it. At the start of the second half, Leicester played with much more intent and created numerous chances - it was a matter of time before the second goal would arrive. It took until the 75th minute for City to double their advantage, Wes Morgan nudging home a Matty James free kick. Next week's finale at the King Power Stadium promises to be a real party - a celebration of the most successful season in the club's history at this level. It will certainly be an occasion to savour for all Leicester City fans.

Champions!

Bolton Wanderers 0 - 1 Leicester City

A spectacular goal from Lloyd Dyer confirmed Leicester as Championship champions this evening as they won their 29th league game of the season to move onto an unassailable 96 points. The goal came on the hour mark and was a fitting way to secure the title for several reasons: first - it came from the boot of Lloyd Dyer, a Nigel Pearson signing from his first spell at the club and a man who hasn't featured much in recent weeks but who has had the greatest season of his career. Secondly, the goal came shortly after a double substitution. On countless occasions this season, Pearson's substitutions have been crucial and turned games in the Foxes favour. Thirdly, the victory comes against the team featuring Mills and Beckford - two symbols of what went spectacularly wrong during the Eriksson era and Pearson's temporary absence from the club. In one sense, the revolution is complete.

The goal itself was special too. Dyer cut in from the left hand side and fired a superb shot into the top corner of the net. It was no more than Leicester deserved on the night and they certainly deserve all the plaudits that come there way now. Champions of the league with a club record number of victories in a season - what a difference a year makes. Last April, many fans were calling for a change of manager. Today, the calls are for the manager to sign a new contract and fast! Leicester City, and Nigel Pearson in particular, are on the way up in more ways than one. 

Foxes Close in on Championship Title

Leicester City 1 - 0 QPR

A second half goal from David Nugent moved the Foxes to within one win of the Championship league title this afternoon. City are seven clear of Burnley and, even if the Clarets win all of their three remaining games, Leicester will need just three points from their final three games to be crowned Champions. 100 points will also be a target for Nigel Pearson's men - a tally they can still reach with 2 wins and a draw. In truth, QPR will be disappointed not to have taken something from today's game as they created the best opportunities in the match. Kranjcar and Maiga both forced Schmeichel to make saves in the first quarter of the game before the Dane came to the rescue again in a 33rd minute goalmouth scramble. King came close to putting Leicester ahead in the 37th minute as he rounded the goalkeeper after a defensive error - the Welshman's effort was cleared off the line by Onuoha. Maiga and Knockaert both had good opportunities in first half stoppage time but neither could break the deadlock.

The start of the second half was a cagey affair with both teams struggling to create goal scoring opportunities. It took until the 67th minute for the hosts to produce the only goal of the game. Nugent showed an excellent turn of pace after Drinkwater's through ball and crashed a superb shot past the keeper at the near post for his 19th league goal of the season. The striker is on the brink of becoming Leicester's first scorer of 20 league goals in a season at this level since Gary Lineker - a fabulous achievement if he can find the net once more in the final 3 games. Assou-Ekotto was sent off in the 78th minute for a second bookable offence and Leicester were able to see the game out. It wasn't City's greatest performance of the season but results are all that count at this stage. With injuries to Vardy and James, promotion already sealed and an experimental formation, victory against the fourth placed team in the league is not to be underestimated, even with the remarkable season that Leicester have had.

Interestingly, with Vardy out injured, Pearson chose to play a 4-2-3-1 formation - a setup that many Premier League teams adopt. Drinkwater and Hammond sat in front of the defence and Mahrez, King and Knockaert played behind Nugent. It may well be a formation we see more of from City as they begin their assault on the Premier League next season. 

Foxes Share Spoils with Royals

Reading 1 - 1 Leicester City

The Foxes secured a hard earned point at the Majeski Stadium this evening to move seven points clear at the top of the league with just 4 games remaining. In the 16th minute, Pearce headed home from an improbable distance and angle to give the hosts the lead. Pearce had outmuscled Morgan and looped a clever header back across Schmeichel and into the far corner of the goal. Just after the half hour mark, City equalised. Reading failed to clear well enough and Hammond knocked the ball into Drinkwater's path. Drinkwater slapped a decisive shot past a statuesque Reading goalkeeper.

It was a much more convincing performance from the Foxes after the Brighton aberration in the week. City were sharp, alert and dominated the second half - as they have so often this season. The passing was crisp and concise and as the game wore on, it seemed as though there would only be one winner. It wasn't to be but the Foxes are potentially one game away from securing the league title. That could well happen in front of the Sky cameras on Saturday. 

Highlights: Leicester City 1-4 Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton Spoil Leicester's Party

Leicester City 1 - 4 Brighton

Leicester's promotion party delivered their worst performance and heaviest defeat of the season, bringing their remarkable 21 game unbeaten run to an end. Manager Nigel Pearson described it after the game as a "multiple individual crisis" and there were certainly too many players performing far below their normal standards. The manager had made 4 changes to the starting line-up with Phillips, King, Moore and Konchesky replacing Wood, James, De Laet and Schlupp respectively. In fairness, whatever team Pearson had fielded, it might not have changed the result. Brighton are chasing a play-off place and have everything to play for. Leicester, by contrast, looked like a side who were ready for their end of season celebration. Hopefully tonight's result will refocus the minds and City can finish the season with a flourish and a Championship winners medal. 

Goals in the 17th and 24th minute put Brighton in complete control. First Stephen Ward headed home a corner from inside the 6 yard box, before Lingard headed home a superb Ward cross from the left flank. The Foxes didn't have the fight to get back into the contest and Brighton extended their lead further in the second half. In the 64th minute, Ulloa slotted a cool finish into the top corner. 15 minutes later, Ulloa doubled his tally, heading home a Dale Stephens cross. Taylor-Fletcher grabbed a consolation goal a minute from time, sweeping home a Lloyd Dyer cross with his left foot. It was certainly too little to late. A disappointing performance and result but not one that should detract from the 39 games that preceded it. The context of one bad result is that Leicester City are back in the Premier League after a ten year absence.

Promotion Confirmed

Leicester City's 10 year absence from the Premier League is officially over. Defeats this afternoon for QPR and Derby, at Bournemouth and Middlesborough respectively, mean that now only Burnley can prevent the Foxes from being promoted as Champions. It is an incredible achievement, made even more remarkable when you consider these statistics: there are still 6 games remaining, City are on a run of 21 games unbeaten - stretching back to the start of December, the Foxes have won 27 league games this season - equalling a club record and outdoing any other club in English league football. They have completed the job in style and the club is well and truly on the up. Congratulations to Leicester City Football Club!

Highlights: Leicester City 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday

French Connection Topples Owls

Leicester City 2 - 1 Sheffield Wednesday

Goals from Riyad Mahrez and Anthony Knockaert secured all three points for the Foxes this evening and moved the club to the brink of a return to Premier League football. If results go Leicester's way, promotion could be guaranteed tomorrow afternoon. Tonight's victory, Leicester's 27th league win of the season, equals the club record for victories in any season in the club's history. With 89 points on the board and 6 games still to play, it seems likely that City will post 100+ points by the end of the season. Tonight was Leicester's 21st game unbeaten - a run which stretches back to early December. 

City were not at their best this evening but, as on so many occasions this season, found a way to win. They took the lead in the 10th minute when Wood slipped the ball through to Mahrez on the right. The winger cut back onto his left foot and curled a super shot into the bottom corner of the net. To their credit, Sheffield Wednesday responded well and came back into the match. Just before the break, Antonio fired a fierce shot from the edge of the box which Schmeichel could only parry into the bottom corner. Leicester restored their lead in the 61st minute when Knockaert curled a sublime free kick into the top left hand corner from outside the penalty area. Leicester weren't at their best but even in second gear, they are too good for most teams in the Championship this season.

Highlights: Wigan Athletic 2-2 Leicester City

Leicester Rescue Point at Wigan

Wigan Athletic 2 - 2 Leicester City

Twice Leicester City came from behind to rescue a point at Wigan and extend their unbeaten run to 20 league games. It was an excellent performance in the context of 6 changes to the first team. Konchesky, Moore, Dyer, King, Hammond and Wood all entered the fray as the Foxes competed in their second game of three in a seven day period. Wigan took the lead in the 37th minute after Dean Hammond committed a foul in the middle of his own half. The resulting free kick was headed in by Ramis - a free header from close to the penalty spot. Just 4 minutes later, City were level. Nugent flicked the ball into Andy King's path, who slotted a cool finish into the bottom corner - the ball deflecting off the inside of the post. 

Wigan looked the more likely side early in the second half and restored their lead in the 62nd minute. Kieran headed home a Gomez corner - another goal conceded from a set piece. Again, the Foxes showed great character and, 4 minutes from time, they drew level again. Mahrez crossed a dead ball from the right hand side and Hammond headed home from 8 yards. It was an excellent point given Wigan's current form and the changes that Pearson made. Leicester remain unbeaten in the league in 2014. Win their next two games - at home to Sheffield Wednesday and Brighton respectively - and the Foxes secure their return to the Premier League after a ten year absence. The job is nearly complete.

Highlights: Burnley 0-2 Leicester City

Wood Corker Leaves Clarets Bitter!*

Burnley 0 - 2 Leicester City

Leicester City struck a crucial blow in the Championship title race this afternoon, inflicting on Burnley their first home defeat of the season and moving 6 points clear at the top of the table. The opening goal of the game came from striker David Nugent in the 35th minute. Substitute Chris Wood played the ball into Nugent's path and the former Burnley frontman beat one defender and curled a perfect left footed finish into the bottom corner of the net. Wood was on the pitch as a result of an injury to Jamie Vardy, who limped off just moments before the first goal. Vardy's opposite number, Sam Vokes, who has scored 21 goals for the Clarets this season, had already been substituted by the hosts. This was a big blow for Burnley, who were missing 25 goal Danny Ings and their leading assist provider Kieran Trippier.

Regardless of Burnley's problems, Leicester take huge credit for their professional performance today. Despite the injury to Vardy, the Foxes have great strength in depth in the shape of Chris Wood. The Kiwi striker came on and immediately set up the first goal. He also made sure of the points with an outstanding strike in the 78th minute. Knockaert thumped the ball forward and Wood, having chested the ball down, volleyed a fierce shot into the far corner from outside the box. It was a superb contribution from a man who has had limited first team opportunities this season. The Foxes were worthy of their win and underlined their status as the best team in the league. Leicester are now 19 games unbeaten in the league and, on their current form, it is difficult to see anyone beating them, let alone catching them.

*Thank you to @VeezeeBlue on Twitter for the headline!

Highlights: Leicester City 1-1 Yeovil Town

Leicester Take the Schmeichel

Leicester City 1 - 1 Yeovil Town

Kasper Schmeichel scored a stoppage time equaliser to snatch a dramatic draw at the King Power Stadium this evening and stretch Leicester's unbeaten run to 18 games. The Dane became the first goalkeeper to score for Leicester City since Peter Shilton netted against Southampton in 1967. It was a dramatic end to a game in which City never really found any rhythm. The passing was poor throughout the match. Leicester struggled to retain possession and too many players were below par. By contrast, Yeovil were well organised, physical and determined throughout. In truth, for large spells of the game, it would have been hard to identify which team was top of the league and which team was one from bottom.

In the 22nd minute, Joe Ralls curled a left footed free kick into the bottom corner to give the visitors the lead. Leicester seemed lacklustre in response and Yeovil grew into the game the longer it went on. Early in the second half, City changed shape to a 3-4-1-2 formation but the passes continued to go astray and Dyer, who had been brought on to provide width, was not given the ball often enough. In stoppage time, Scmeichel came forward for a corner. The ball was cleared but crucially, Schmeichel remained upfront. Drinkwater crossed to the edge of the six yard box and Schmeichel thundered a header against the bar. The ball bounced down and appeared to cross the line. Wood followed up to bundle the ball home and make sure that Leicester remain undefeated in the league in 2014.

Highlights: Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Leicester City

Unbeaten Run Continues

Blackburn Rovers 1 - 1 Leicester City 

Leicester City are now seventeen league games unbeaten after sharing the points at Ewood Park this afternoon. Jamie Vardy scored his sixteenth league goal of the season to put the Foxes ahead after 20 minutes. The striker bundled home Ritchie De Laet's cross from close range. Kilgallon headed home a Blackburn corner just before the break to bring the home side level and that is how it remained until the end of the game. City were not at their best but a point away from home is always a good result.

There was an incident in the tunnel after today's game involving Nigel Pearson. The Leicester manager sought medical help after reporting that he felt unwell. The tunnel was sealed off and the press were not allowed access into the area. It is understood that Nigel Pearson was given the all-clear and was seen walking around shortly afterwards. The Foxes now face struggling Yeovil at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday night.

Highlights: Leicester City 3-1 Blackpool

Foxes Fightback Beats Blackpool

Leicester City 3 - 1 Blackpool

On paper there was only ever going to be one winner in this game. Leicester went into the fixture fifteen games unbeaten, flying high at the top of the league and having only lost one home league game all term. Blackpool, by contrast, have been one of the worst away teams in the league, having lost 8 and drawn 2 of their last ten away league games. Indeed, since Leicester began this current sequence of games without defeat, Blackpool have been rock bottom of the Championship form guide. A handsome home victory seemed to be the order of the day - it proved to be anything but.

Having dominated the first half in terms of possession and attempts at goal, the Foxes found themselves 1-0 down at the interval. David Goodwillie fired the visitors ahead in the 41st minute after Leicester failed to deal with a long throw. The Blackpool striker had the easiest possible task, chesting the ball down and nudging it home from close range. In truth, Leicester should have already been out of sight. Nugent, James and Knockaert all had opportunities to score in the first half, although the best chance fell to Vardy who failed to hit the target when one on one with the goalkeeper. 

Early in the second half it seemed as though it was going to be one of those days. Leicester were channeling their energy in the wrong direction as first Vardy and then James were booked for petulant fouls. It was going to take something special to get Leicester back into the game. Cue Riyad Mahrez. On the hour mark, the Algerian wide player cut in from the right flank, beat one man and then fired a thunderous left footed shot into the net from the corner of the penalty area. Nine minutes from time, Mahrez exerted his influence once again. 

This time, surrounded by two Blackpool players and seemingly meandering towards the touchline, Mahrez dinked an outrageous cross to the far post where Wes Morgan was waiting to head home his first goal of the season. The King Power Stadium breathed a collective sigh of relief. Kevin Phillips provided the icing on the cake. In the 87th minute, the ball arrived at the veteran striker's feet in the box and he slotted a clever shot into the top corner beyond the reach of the hapless Gilks. It was no more than Leicester deserved. Over the course of the match, they had 68% of the possession and managed 25 attempts at goal to Blackpool's 5. 

City are now seven points clear of Burnley in second and a staggering 17 points clear of Derby in third place. Remarkably, they have already reached 80 points, passing the tally that got Hull City into the Premier League last season. They have also notched up 25 league wins, as many as last season's champions Cardiff managed all season. Such is Leicester's dominance with 11 league games to go. It is now a case of "when" rather than "if". Leicester City's 10 year absence from the top flight of English football will soon be over.

Highlights: Barnsley 0-3 Leicester City

Jamie Vardy's Having a Party!

Barnsley 0 - 3 Leicester City

A Jamie Vardy brace helped Leicester to extend their unbeaten run to 15 league games at Oakwell this evening. The Foxes have not lost a league game since 7th December. In that 15 game period, they have kept 8 clean sheets, scored 34 goals and accumulated 39 points. Leicester are in imperious, irresistible form. Tonight's result was City's third successive 3-0 victory and underlines their relentless march towards the Premier League. At this rate, it will be over before the end of March - City are 15 points clear of 3rd place with 12 games remaining. 

Barnsley were never in the game this evening. By the time Vardy fired Leicester ahead in the 21st minute, the Foxes could have been 3-0 up. Nugent flicked the ball into Vardy's path and the former Fleetwood man fired the ball into the bottom left hand corner. The only criticism of City's first half display was that they were unable to extend their lead further - they were certainly more clinical in the second half. In the 58th minute, Nugent again provided an excellent through ball to Vardy. The striker was pushed wide and dinked a clever cross into Drinkwater, who volleyed home from 6 yards. 

Drinkwater epitomised everything that has been good about the Foxes this season. Seconds before his goal, he had been back in his own penalty area helping to clear the ball. Vardy doubled his tally just three minutes later, this time Mahrez played the striker in on goal. Vardy nudged the ball around the goalkeeper and rolled it into the back of the net for his 15th goal of the season. With QPR losing at Brighton and Derby failing to win at home to Bolton, Leicester City are now very close to the finishing line. They sit on 77 points with 12 games to play. 86 points is the highest tally managed by a 3rd placed team in this division over the last ten seasons. By that measure, City need just 3 more wins...

Highlights: Leicester City 3-0 Charlton Athletic

Foxes Ease Past Charlton

Leicester City 3 - 0 Charlton Athletic

Leicester completed another comfortable 3-0 home victory over relegation threatened Charlton at the King Power Stadium this afternoon. City controlled the match from start to finish with 65% possession and early goals at the start of both halves. Jamie Vardy opened the scoring in the tenth minute after a brave Knockaert tackle on the halfway line. The Frenchman's challenge deflected the ball into the path of David Nugent, who played Vardy in on goal. Vardy cut back onto his left foot and calmly slotted the ball between the goalkeeper's legs and into the back of the net. Leicester controlled the game for the remainder of the first half without really threatening to open Charlton up on too many occasions.

The second half was a different story and Leicester looked as though they might score at will. Three minutes into the second half, Schlupp broke down the left flank and crossed for Nugent to flick the ball goalwards. An excellent save from Hamer was to no avail as Drinkwater followed up and side-footed coolly into the top corner. In the 64th minute, Nugent scored a fabulous solo goal, thumping a 20 yard shot into the bottom corner. City were patient, efficient and completely dominant today, without needing to move out of second gear. Leicester bookmakers Mark Jarvis are already paying out on bets on Leicester City to get promoted. On today's evidence, it is clear to see why.

Highlights: Leicester City 3-0 Ipswich Town

City Strikers Sink Ipswich

Leicester City 3 - 0 Ipswich Town

Goals from Jamie Vardy, David Nugent and substitute Chris Wood secured a comfortable 3-0 win for Leicester City over Ipswich Town at the King Power Stadium this afternoon. The visitors barely threatened Kasper Schmeichel's goal and managed just one effort on target during the whole match. Leicester were 2-0 up by the half hour mark and barely needed to move out of second gear in keeping Ipswich at bay. The opening goal came in the 19th minute. Jay Tabb's poor back pass was anticipated by Vardy who intercepted, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball home from the tightest of angles. The goal optimised the remarkable improvement in Vardy this season - alert, quick and ruthless in front of goal. 

Vardy was instrumental in Leicester's second goal. He chased a long ball into the corner and found De Laet. The full-back's initial cross was cleared but the Belgian defender was gifted a second bite of the cherry and crossed for David Nugent to knock home his 50th career goal for Leicester City. The Foxes were not as fluent in the second half in terms of their attacking play but they were able to restrict Ipswich to limited and speculative attempts at goal. Three minutes from time, substitute Chris Wood netted the third goal after racing onto James' pass and slotting the ball low to the goalkeeper's right. The Foxes march on and extend their unbeaten run to 13 games. They sit on 71 points, ten clear of 3rd placed Derby County. 

Highlights: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Leicester City

Four Fixture Changes

Four of Leicester City's upcoming fixtures have been moved - three for live television coverage and one as a result of Wigan's continuing involvement in the FA Cup. Details as follows:

(A) Wigan has moved from Saturday 8/3/14 to Tuesday 1/4/14 and now has a 7:45pm kick off.

(H) Sheffield Wednesday has moved from Saturday 5/4/14 to Friday 4/1/14 also 7:45pm kick off.

(A) Reading has moved from Saturday 12/4/14 to Monday 14/4/14 with an 8:00pm kick off.

(H) QPR on Saturday 19/4/14 will now kick off at the earlier time of 12:15pm.

Foxes Fightback at Forest!

Nottingham Forest 2 - 2 Leicester City

Leicester scrapped their way to a draw at the City Ground tonight - having trailed 2-1 with less than 10 minutes remaining and having been reduced to 10 men with more than half an hour left on the clock. Leicester started fairly brightly and took the lead just before the half hour mark when Jamie Vardy slotted home a right footed shot from outside the area. However, City conspired to throw their advantage away before the interval. Paterson headed home the equaliser for the hosts from a corner in the 39th minute. Less than 4 minutes later, Forest took the lead from the penalty spot after a clumsy foul by Wes Morgan. Reid made no mistake from the spot. 

Just before the hour mark, Konchesky was shown a straight red card for a late foul near the corner flag. It felt like it wasn't going to be Leicester's night. Ten minutes from time, Paterson brought down Drinkwater in the box and City had a penalty. Substitute Phillips missed the spot kick only for fellow substitute Riyad Mahrez to turn the ball in and rescue a point for the Foxes. It was certainly a point gained rather than two points dropped given the way the match panned out. Leicester's unbeaten run is extended to 12 games and they open up a crucial ten point lead over Derby County in third place. With two home games up next, City will be hoping to at least maintain that advantage, if not extend it further.

Highlights: Leicester City 2-2 Watford

Leicester Loot Late Leveller

Leicester City 2 - 2 Watford

Leicester recovered a two goal deficit to snatch a 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium this afternoon and extend their unbeaten run to 11 league games. Watford's opening goal was fortunate. Deeney's 9th minute shot was going well wide of the goal when Forestieri dived forward to deflect the ball past a stranded Kasper Schmeichel. The striker couldn't have known much about the goal and the ball could have ended up anywhere. However, replays did show that the goal was on-side and that the linesman, despite protestations from the Leicester players, had made the right decision. Five minutes before the break, Murray's long range effort found the bottom corner of the net and the Foxes were two goals behind. 

Leicester are a more resilient team this season and they immediately found a way back into the match. De Laet's cross from the right found Matty James near the penalty spot, who steered the ball home with his first touch. It was an important goal for the hosts, coming just two minutes before the interval. Phillips', Mahrez and Wood all made substitute appearances in the final quarter of an hour as City strove for an equaliser. Just as it looked as if Leicester had left it too late, Danny Drinkwater fired home with a superb volley from 25 yards. It was a point gained rather than two points lost and the Foxes now have a ten day break before the rearranged trip to Nottingham Forest on Wednesday 19th February.

Highlights: Bournemouth 0-1 Leicester City

We Win Every Week!

Bournemouth 0 - 1 Leicester City

It is difficult to find enough superlatives to describe the run that Leicester City are on. Nine consecutive league wins - a club record. Five consecutive away league wins - another club record. Kevin Phillips, who scored the winner today, is now the oldest goalscorer in the club's history. Records are tumbling in Leicester's relentless pursuit of Premier League status and it is becoming harder every week to see how anyone is going to stop them. The Foxes are ten points clear of their nearest challengers QPR and 13 points clear of Burnley in third place. 

Leicester were good value for their win with 23 shots at goal to Bournemouth's 12. Playing conditions were difficult, with the pitch needing to be rolled before kick off and an early pitch inspection at 8:30 this morning. Understandably, City were not at their fluent best and it had the feel of a game in which one goal would decide the outcome. That goal was scored by Kevin Phillips in controversial circumstances. In the 81st minute, Knockaert crossed to the corner of the six yard box to the head of Phillips. The veteran striker nodded the ball back towards the centre of the goal and, after some deliberation from the linesman and the referee as to whether the ball had crossed the line, the goal was awarded. The Foxes march onwards and upwards.

Highlights: Birmingham City 1-2 Leicester City

Foxes Break Club Record!

Birmingham City 1 - 2 Leicester City

Leicester City won an 8th consecutive league game for the first time in the club's history at St. Andrew's tonight. It was a game of two halves and, in truth, the Foxes should have been out of sight before the interval. Indeed, City had 7 corners inside the first 20 minutes of the match and the pressure  had to tell. In the 24th minute, David Nugent played in Lloyd Dyer, who smashed home his 9th goal of the season to give Foxes the lead. If there was to be any criticism of Leicester tonight, it was that they didn't kill the game off until late into the second half - they certainly had plenty of opportunities in a game where they had 60% of the possession. 

Leicester were far less fluent in the second half and allowed Birmingham back into the match - it was a much more even contest. City looked like they had finally killed the game off in the 83rd minute when Riyad Mahrez found Vardy. The striker's right footed shot found the bottom left hand corner of the net. However, there was a late twist in the tale as Lovenkrands headed in Burke's cross in the final minute of the game. It made for a nervous four minutes of injury time but the Foxes held on to secure yet another victory. Importantly, Burnley only managed a draw in their home game against Brighton, meaning that Leicester have an 11 point lead over third place. It is a significant and perhaps even a decisive advantage. 

Highlights: Leicester City 2-0 Middlesbrough

Foxes in Seventh Heaven

Leicester City 2 - 0 Middlesborough

Second half goals from Jamie Vardy and Ritchie De Laet equalled a club record seventh consecutive league win for the Foxes against in-form Middlesborough this afternoon. Leicester now have as many league wins - 19 - as they managed in the whole of last season. With QPR and Burnley not in league action today, the victory also moves the Foxes eight points clear of the pack and onto an incredible 60 points. To put their form into context, you have to go back to the 2005-06 season to find the last time that a Championship team broke the 60 point barrier by the 27 game mark. That season, Reading racked up 106 points - the record at this level since the football league moved to 46 game seasons 23 years ago. It is a relentless and remarkable pace that Leicester are setting - one that other clubs are struggling to live with.

Today's match had promised much but failed to live up to expectations due to the horrendous playing conditions in the first half. Minutes before kick-off, an intense hail storm left the playing surface patchy in places and under water in others. Both sides struggled to adapt and there were few scoring opportunities in the first half. Sadly, the only incident of note was a nasty injury to Liam Moore very early in the game. He slid in at the far past to try and connect with an Anthony Knockaert free-kick and collided with the post. Minutes later he was substituted and went to hospital for an X-ray on suspected broken ribs. That would be a huge blow to the Foxes - with Miguel and St. Ledger both injured, and Whitbread on loan at Derby, City are short of defensive cover.

By the second half, the weather conditions had eased and much of the surface water had drained away. As a result, Leicester were increasingly able to impose their style of the play on their opponents. In the 53rd minute, new Middlesborough signing Daniel Ayala tried to see the ball out of play on his own goal line. David Nugent harried the defender, outmuscled him and squared the ball to Jamie Vardy, who fired the ball into the net with his right foot. Middlesborough were adamant that the ball had crossed the line and they may have had some justification - however, it was a poor decision from the defender given the state of the pitch and he should have made sure. In the 71st minute, Rhys Williams brought down the waspish Jamie Vardy to give City yet another penalty. However, Nugent's effort was poor and the goalkeeper pushed the ball away. 

Fortunately, the miss wasn't to cost the hosts as, just two minutes later, City struck again. Vardy, who is emerging as a leading candidate for player of the season, chased another lost cause into the corner. A cynical shove off the ball from Williams sent Vardy tumbling into the advertising hoardings. From the resulting free kick, De Laet headed home at the far post and the points were secure. Mahrez and Phillips both made cameo appearances late on and the Algerian wide player almost scored, forcing a good save from Shay Given. Leicester travel to Birmingham on Tuesday night looking for a club record eighth consecutive league win - few would bet against them. If they manage it, they will have a 12 point cushion over third place with just 18 games of the season remaining. Dare to dream?

Burnley Match Live on Sky

Leicester's Championship fixture at promotion rivals Burnley has been selected for live television coverage. The match, scheduled for Saturday 29th March, will now kick-off at 12:15 pm.

Highlights: Leeds United 0-1 Leicester City

Nugent Nicks Late Winner

Leeds Utd 0 - 1 Leicester City

Leicester survived an impressive onslaught from Leeds Utd at Elland Road this afternoon, to steal all three points with a late David Nugent goal. The victory, City's sixth consecutive league win, seemed unlikely after a first half in which Leeds should have been three or four goals up. Ross McCormack's sixth minute header, which rebounded off the post, set the tone for the first period of play. McCormack's clever chip over Schmeichel was headed off the line just a few minutes later and the Leeds striker almost curled a follow-up shot into the bottom corner. Varney then headed over from close range and it could have been 3-0 to Leeds inside 10 minutes. City's best chance of the first half came when Jamie Vardy's right footed shot struck the post early on.

Manager Nigel Pearson would have been pleased to get his side into the dressing room at the break with the score at 0-0. In truth, City improved as the match went on and displayed more control and composure in the second half. Debutant Kevin Phillips entered the fray with less than 20 minutes remaining and made a telling contribution. With just a few minutes left on the clock, Liam Moore crossed from the right flank and Phillips dummied the ball. It fell to Nugent, who flicked the ball towards goal. Nugent was the first to react to a fortunate rebound, poking the ball into the back of the net. It was a huge result for the Foxes, particularly as they withstood so much pressure from the home side and managed to ride their considerable luck. 

Leicester now have as many points on the road as they managed in the whole of last season. They also have 18 league victories, one short of last season's tally. The pace that the Foxes are setting is relentless and it is hard to imagine that, if City maintain their form, both QPR and Burnley will be able to sustain their challenge for automatic promotion. Indeed, Burnley dropped points this afternoon and face QPR on 1st Feb. QPR's match against Sheffield Wednesday next week has been postponed due to the fourth round of the FA Cup. The lead over third place currently stands at six points for Leicester, they will be hoping to extend it further over the next few weeks. With their next 4 games against the teams in 13th, 17th, 16th and 15th respectively, this is the time for the Foxes to open up a commanding lead over their opponents. Things are looking up.

Kevin Phillips Signs

Veteran striker Kevin Phillips has signed for Leicester City on a short-term deal until the end of the season. The 40 year old joins as a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace earlier this term. In a career that has spanned 20 years, Phillips has achieved 4 promotions to the Premier League with Sunderland, West Brom, Birmingham and Crystal Palace. With over 650 appearances and 285 goals, Phillips brings a vast amount of experience to the squad at a critical time of the season. The most interesting aspect of Phillips' time at Leicester will be what happens at the end of the current campaign, with many City fans tipping him to join the coaching setup. Manager Nigel Pearson was, of course, a centre back and assistant manager Craig Shakespeare was a midfield player. It may well be that they have identified the need for an experienced striker to join their coaching team - Phillips certainly fits that bill.

Highlights: Leicester City 4-1 Derby County

Mahrez Joins Foxes

Leicester have completed the signing of Riyad Mahrez from French League Two side Le Havre. The 22 year old Algerian wide player joins for an undisclosed fee and has been allocated the number 26 shirt. He has made 20 appearances for Le Havre this season, scoring 6 goals and with 5 assists. City fans will hope that Mahrez proves to be as exciting a prospect as Knockaert, the last player that the Foxes plucked from the French leagues. It will certainly be interesting to see where he fits into Leicester's plans. 

It will obviously take the player a while to adjust to Championship football and one might expect to see him making substitute appearances in the first couple of weeks. Opposition full-backs will not relish seeing a pacey winger enter the fray after an hour up against Dyer or Knockaert. In the longer term, it will be interesting to see if Pearson can find room for Mahrez, Dyer and Knockaert in his starting eleven, particularly at home. It is currently fashionable for teams to play 4-2-3-1. Perhaps with Drinkwater and James sitting in front of the back four and Knockaert playing in behind a lone striker, there is room for Dyer and Mahrez as well. If Mahrez proves to be as exciting a player as we are lead to believe, the prospect of seeing all 3 of them play together is a mouth watering one for City fans. 

Leicester Ram Home Advantage

Leicester City 4 - 1 Derby County

Leicester thrashed Derby County at the King Power Stadium this evening to move 7 points clear at the top of the Championship table. It was an irresistible performance from the Foxes, who managed a staggering 25 attempts at goal, 8 of which were on target. Without doubt, it was Leicester's most complete performance of the season to date and sends out an emphatic message to the rest of the league - catching Leicester City this season is going to be no mean feat. The link-up play between Nugent and Vardy was superb and Derby were simply unable to cope with the speed, frequency and quality of Leicester's attacking play. Perhaps the only surprise of the evening was that Leicester only found the net on 4 occasions.

James should have given the Foxes the lead in the 12th minute, missing an open goal from 12 yards after excellent work down the left flank. Dyer hit a fierce shot and the goalkeeper's save fell into the path of James, who was unable to finish. Nugent forced another save from the Derby keeper mid-way through the first half, firing a good left footed shot towards the bottom corner. City's relentless pressure told in the 25th minute. De Leat received the ball on the half way line, dribbled towards the goal and played a neat one-two with Nugent. He received the ball back on the edge of the box and fired a clinical shot into the bottom corner with his left foot. It was a fabulous individual goal.

In the 34th minute, Vardy's shot from an acute angle rattled the crossbar after brilliant play from Leicester's front two. Nugent flicked on a clearance, Vardy back heeled into Nugent's path and Nugent forced a save from the keeper. The rebound fell into Vardy's path but it was an almost impossible angle. Just two minutes later, Leicester hit the bar again. This time, Moore's thundering header from a corner rattled the upright. City's second goal eventually arrived two minutes into the second half. Vardy twisted in the box to turn Schmeichel's clearance towards the penalty spot and David Nugent was there to knock the ball in with the help of a fortunate ricochet - it was no more than the Foxes deserved. 

Derby were briefly back in the game before the hour mark, a corner from the right flicked off De Laet and found its way into the net. However, within 20 seconds of the restart, the superb Vardy had won City a penalty, running around the outside of the defender and being brought down in the box. Nugent's penalty was emphatic - side footed to the goalkeeper's left. A few minutes later, Leicester put the icing on the cake with Jamie Vardy's goal to make the score 4-1. In my view, Vardy was man of the match and it was by far his best performance in a City shirt. Nugent won the ball in the middle of the park and played a super ball into Vardy, who took one touch and hammered the ball past the goalkeeper with his right foot. 

It was an incredible, relentless performance from City and one that underlines their promotion credentials. Surely, this is their year...

Promotion Push is Pearson's Priority

Stoke City 2 - 1 Leicester City

Phrases such as "now we can concentrate on the league" and "we don't need the distraction of the FA Cup" are excuses trotted out by many a football supporter after a defeat in the world's most prestigious Cup competition. In Leicester City's case today, they were being used before kick off at the Britannia Stadium. That didn't deter over 4000 Leicester supporters from making the short journey to Stoke, even though they knew that manager Nigel Pearson was likely to field a weakened side. Morgan, Moore, Dyer, Drinkwater and Nugent were all left out of the starting line-up - a clear indication as to where City's priorities lie this season. However, a front three with the pace of Vardy, Schlupp and Knockaert offered some cause for optimism, particularly with Knockaert playing in behind the front two, a role that many City fans feel could be his best position.

Leicester fell behind in just the 16th minute, Kenwyne Jones heading home Assaidi's cross. Uncharacteristically, Leicester failed to create any meaningful opportunities during the first half. Had progression in this competition been a priority, Nigel Pearson would probably have changed some personnel at half-time. He didn't and ten minutes after the break, Charlie Adam was given too much room and fired a left footed shot home from 25 yards to double the hosts' advantage. Dyer and Nugent did enter the fray in the 68th minute and made a positive impact, Nugent heading in Wasilewski's cross in the 77th minute. An equaliser and subsequent replay looked a real possibility at that stage. The fact that it didn't materialise may well be a blessing in disguise for the Foxes and their push for automatic promotion.

Next up is the visit of East Midlands rivals and fellow promotion candidates Derby County in front of the Sky cameras on Friday night. Most City fans will recognise that game as far more important than today's. Dispatch Derby County and today's result will be a distant memory. Don't be surprised if there is movement in the transfer market during the next week, with 40 year old striker Kevin Phillips rumoured to be on the verge of joining Leicester. Meanwhile Zak Whitbread's loan at Derby has been extended until the end of the season and midfielder Neil Danns has re-joined Bolton until the summer, at which point his contract with Leicester City will have expired. Danns, signed by Sven Goran-Eriksson, was one of the club's highest earners. His departure not only helps the club to meet the demands of Financial Fair Play but may also pave the way for new arrivals at the King Power Stadium.

Foxes Victorious in the Lions' Den

Millwall 1 - 3 Leicester City

Having won three successive league games before today, Leicester fans could have been forgiven for being a little nervous when today's team news was announced. Miquel, Wasilewski, Hammond, King and Taylor-Fletcher all came in, with only one of these changes forced as a result of Vardy's suspension. Add to this Leicester's poor record at the New Den in recent years and it is fair to say that many fans felt that a draw would have been a good result. How satisfying then that City won their 7th away league game of the season (one more than they managed in the whole of last term) and maintained their four point lead at the top of the Championship table. These are the kind of matches that, with a hostile crowd and difficult playing conditions, will define Leicester's season.

The game could hardly have started better for the Foxes. In the sixth minute, Knockaert seized on a loose ball, dribbled to the edge of the box and fired a left footed shot into the bottom corner of the net. For the remainder of the first half, Millwall dominated possession but the Foxes restricted them to shots from distance, which Schmeichel was more than equal to. Early in the second half, Nugent doubled Leicester's advantage. Taylor-Fletcher broke the offside trap to close in on goal, but a poor touch from the former Blackpool striker forced him wide of the goal. Fortunately, he still had the presence of mind to clip a left footed cross to Nugent, who headed home the easiest of chances from two yards - his 13th goal of the season.

At that point, it seemed as though the Foxes would have an easy end to their afternoon. However, Millwall's Chaplow scrambled in a scrappy goal in the 68th minute to give the Foxes a nervous finale. In injury time, substitute Jeff Schlupp put the result beyond doubt. A superb pass from Knockaert played Schlupp in on goal and the German born striker finished in composed fashion, sliding the ball through the goalkeeper's legs with his weaker right foot. It completed a 3-1 victory - the perfect start to 2014. With 22 matches remaining, City need 12 victories and 5 draws to reach 92 points. That tally would have secured promotion to the Premier League in each of the last 15 seasons. Surely, it is within Leicester's grasp this season?