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.
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