It Could Be a First...

With just a few games to go, the Premier League could certainly see history made this season, as the previously unfashionable Leicester City could end up as Champions!  Having been around since 1884 (the first 35 years as Leicester Fosse), they have never won the top tier in English footy, and neither have they won the F.A. Cup.



Clearly having a good season from the start - the Foxes led the PL for the first three games of this season - nobody expected it to last.  After all, they only just avoided relegation last year!  They stayed in the top six for the first half of the season, and even topped the table again for a couple of brief spells.  On January 16, 2016, a 1-1 draw at lowly (they look certain to be relegated) Aston Villa put them back in pole position.  Sure, they are having a great season, but again, it won't last.  Or will it?

After the Villa match, they had only suffered two losses to date, but had drawn three of their last four games.  Three wins followed, including impressive performances against Liverpool and Manchester City.  Then a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal brought them back to the chasing pack, and might even signal the beginning of the end of their brave title bid?

Since then, while Tottenham alone (of the other main contenders) have maintained a strong challenge), Leicester have collected 16 points from a possible 18, and have gradually given themselves a small cushion.  There has been nothing spectacular, just solid, workmanlike performances, and their last five wins have all been by the same 1-0 margin!  Still, a win is a win, but while Jamie Vardy's 19 goals have been the main talking point, their success has been most definitely centred on some superb defensive performances.

It's true that Leicester have some pretty tough fixtures in the run-in, including clashes with West Ham, Chelsea, and of course, Manchester United, but they are also facing teams like Sunderland and Swansea.  As it stands, unless something totally bizarre happens, the Champions are going to be one of three clubs, Leicester, Spurs, and Arsenal.  The top two have both played 32, and have six games left,  Arsenal have a game in hand, but a win there would still leave them a point behind their North London rivals.  The two Manchester clubs and West Ham still have a mathematical chance, but would have to do something really special, while the top three all just fall apart!

This coming weekend could prove crucial.  Leicester should take three points from Sunderland, and if Spurs fail to beat Manchester Utd, that will open up AT LEAST a nine-point gap.  West Ham and Arsenal face each other, while Manchester City take on West Brom.

Here are some of the permutations if Leicester win.

West Ham MUST beat Arsenal to still have a chance of the title.
United MUST get at least a point from Spurs, or they are out of it.
If City lose, they can only win the title on goal difference (if they win their last six, Leicester don't get another point, AND Spurs and Arsenal falter).

So, we'll have to wait and see what happens, but I do know that if Leicester can hang on and make history, it will be an immensely popular triumph!  Of course, I will post updates between now and then...