There is nothing mysterious about what Leicester does: it stays compact and deep in defence and tries to unleash aggressive-runner Jamie Vardy upfield on the counter.
The counterattacks have tested retreating defenders and found holes in leaky Premier League midfields. Having escaped the clutches of an out-of-position central midfielder, the striker hits the rival defence with great speed. Leicester's opponents have simply not been able to come up with an adequate response so far.
The argument that the Foxes have never been in this position before and lack the experience of winning titles will not hold water as there are some strong characters in Ranieri’s dressing room who are capable of ensuring a smooth ride to the summit.
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Leicester probably owes its mental toughness and strategic solidity to its against-the-odds fight for survival last year.
Former manager Nigel Pearson, who deserves more than a mere mention in this remarkable saga, did a fine job of pulling things together after the Sven-Goran Eriksson era which promised much but delivered little.
Ranieri inherited the same side and made subtle changes to it. “There are lots of facets to team-building,” said Pearson.
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“He inherited a side that was more than pretty good, they’ve proved themselves this year to be a very capable side. You have to give him some credit for recognising that and not doing too much with it,” said Ranieri.
With the addition of Shinji Okazaki and N’Golo Kante, the squad acquired the much-needed balance in midfield. The Japanese has adapted quickly to the Premier League, and epitomises the spirit that bonds the side. His brilliant overhead kick against Newcastle will be etched in the memory of the Leicester fans.
The Leicester defence, magnificently marshalled by skipper Wes Morgan and ably supported by Robert Huth, has formed an impregnable barrier in front of Kasper Schmeichel.
The 1-0 wins - five in the last eight games - suggest that Ranieri has read Jose Mourinho’s last-year script — score early and stay solid at the back. This will certainly help Leicester during the home stretch.
The five-point gap, with only four games remaining, will be tough to overhaul even for the potential wreckers of the fairytale, Tottenham.
Though both teams have two tough encounters to negotiate, Leicester can afford to lose or even draw a game, while Spurs cannot.
For Leicester, sporting immortality is tantalisingly close.
SUBTLE CHANGES, SENSATIONAL RESULTS
Though the Italian’s appointment was met with criticism, he has been the game-changer in this extraordinary story.
Tactically, he didn’t tweak with the 4-4-2 system used by Pearson, but made subtle changes as and when a game or situation demanded.
Against Norwich, he withdrew full-back Daniel Amartey and introduced Leonardo Ulloa for the final 12 minutes as the Canaries were sitting deep inside their own half. The 3-4-3 system, with one extra man in the box, worked wonders as the Argentine managed to stab the ball in off an Albrighton cross. This was a victory for the manager’s tactical brilliance.
MAGICAL MOMENTS
Sizzling streak - Jamie Vardy broke Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record to become the first player to score in 11 consecutive PL matches.
City foxed - The Foxes outwitted Manchester City 3-1 at the Etihad, passing their greatest test and extending the lead to five points in February.
Bang bang bang - Leicester scored three goals in 18 second-half minutes to beat Aston Villa 3-2 and climb to second in September.
The fantastic four
JAMIE VARDYRanieri's masterstroke of changing him from a winger to an out-and-out striker has fetched fabulous returns. Having him in the middle has left the opposition much more exposed to his pace, allowing the Englishman to have a bigger influence on the game. The club has reaped rewards playing to Vardy’s strengths. Goals : 22; Assists : 6; Shots per game: 3.1
Goals:Assists:Dribbles per game:Assists:Tackles per game:Passsuccess:Assists:Tackles per game:Pass Success:RIYAD MAHREZ |
DANNY DRINKWATER |
N’GOLO KANTE |