In 2016, the world was at the feet of Leicester City but now the club has gone from Champions to Championship threat. The club heroically won the national championship and entered the Champions League. Seven years later, the club seems to be heading for relegation from the Premier League, while Leeds United and Everton also have to fear.
The fall of Leicester City: “We need a crazy ending”
Three more clubs are fighting for survival at the highest level. Together with Leicester City, these are big clubs such as Leeds United and Everton. Everton even after Leicester’s great draw visiting Newcastle United (0-0) has the best papers. The Toffees are two points ahead of the two pursuers in the last round, while Leicester has the best goal difference.
After the draw at St. James’ Park, Leicester City manager Dean Smith realized that the need is high. “We will need a crazy last round. And we need help from others. I think the competition is also full of fear. We have to beat West Ham, but then it’s in the hands of Bournemouth. If Everton win… At least we should be able to say that we gave everything,” he said.
“I did not see the fall of Leicester coming so quickly,” said former goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer at the BBC, shaking his head. “It’s hard to believe when you see where they are now. Look at what kind of players are out there? What went so terribly wrong? They reacted too slowly when things had to change. Many decisions have been made at the club that have seemingly backfired.”
At Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher indicated that the pressure is now mainly on Everton. Leicester have taken a point at Newcastle. A decent point, it gives them a fighting chance. Last week I thought Leicester was done, now the pressure is suddenly on Everton. Imagine things going wrong there, it’s going to be nail biting at Goodison Park. They will notice that there.’
How things stand?
Everton will play at home against Bournemouth on Sunday on the last day of play. With that, the club at Goodison Park seems to get a shot for an open goal. They have lost the past three games and seem ready for the slaughter. If manager Sean Dyche’s formation manages to win, the other two teams have no chance in advance.
If things still go wrong for Everton, Leicester seems to be the next in line. The Foxes hope for a miracle and meet West Ham United in their own King Power Stadium. If it becomes equal at Goodison Park, Leicester will have enough to win. Also because of the favourable goal difference. It would be a Houdini act that will certainly be celebrated as lavishly as one of the prizes won in recent years.
Leeds United depends on two teams. Still, the team of interim manager Sam Allardyce is not completely without a chance. Tottenham Hotspur must first be defeated at home, after which the eye will turn to the other fields. With a draw at Goodison Park, Spurs must be beaten by at least three goals, while Leicester must not take the full spoils. If one of the competitors wins, Leeds has virtually no chance.
