Leicester Is Held Draw By 10 Southampton Players, Score 1-1
JAKARTA - Leicester City was held to a 1-1 draw by Southampton, who had to play with 10 players in Week 34 of the Premier League at St's Stadium. Mary's, Friday local time (Saturday western Indonesia time).
As reported by Antara, Saturday, May 1, the hosts were forced to continue the match with only 10 players from the 10th minute after defender Jannik Vestergaard was given a straight red card for bringing down Jamie Vardy in a Leicester counterattack situation.
James Maddison tried to take advantage of the free-kick from the foul, unfortunately, his execution that curved past the live fence was still thin on the side of the goal.
Southampton, who appeared with 10 players, almost stole the lead in the 17th minute if Nathan Redmond's neat shot was not responded to good save by goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Slowly but surely Leicester found their best rhythm of play, unfortunately, Youri Tielemans' good chance to avoid Mohamed Salisu's challenge was still thwarted by goalkeeper Alex McCarthy using his foot in the 37th minute.
The zero score lasted until halftime and the host was even able to steal the advantage first In the 61st minute through James Ward-Prowse's penalty execution after Kelechi Iheanacho was convicted of a handball foul in the forbidden area.
Unfortunately, the advantage did not last long, because seven minutes later through a corner Jonny Evans was able to greet Iheanacho's cross with a header that crossed the corner. McCarthy could not reach the far post to draw 1-1.
Leicester slowly tried to turn things around, but McCarthy once again made a save with his feet in the 83rd minute to block Vardy's shot.
Then in the 89th minute, Timothy Castagne sent a dangerous cross that was responded by Iheanacho, but McCarthy was able to knock the ball over the crossbar.
Two minutes later, Leicester's last good chance was obtained, unfortunately, Castagne's volley for Tielemans' cross was off the mark and the score was 1-1 draw until the final whistle.
The draw result is more favorable for Southampton who moved up to 14th standings with a collection of 37 points and widens the safe distance from the threat of relegation to 10 points.
Meanwhile, Leicester (63) did not move from third place, although they are still quite strong in the race for the top four, according to the official Premier League website.
Furthermore, Leicester will play on Friday (7/5) to host Newcastle United at the King Power Stadium, the day before Southampton travels to Anfield to face Liverpool.