Carlos Alcaraz’s first-half goal was enough for Southampton record a rare home win and move off the bottom of the Premier League table.
This felt like it could be a game that would have big importance for both clubs with Leicester now looking like they may join the relegation scrap and Southampton potentially seeing a way out.
The Foxes started the better on the South Coast and should have opened the scoring but Kelechi Iheanacho couldn’t get the timing right on his header after a great delivery into the box by James Maddison.
However, in a five-minute spell, Southampton could have conceivably scored three goals.
With just over a half hour gone the Saints were awarded a penalty after Theo Walcott’s cross from the right was intercepted by the raised arm of Timothy Castagne. James Ward-Prowse stepped up but his effort was denied by Danny Ward who did well to get down and push the shot away.
Carlos Alcaraz had a diving header saved before he opened the scoring. Che Adams was just onside when he sent the Argentinian through on goal. Alcaraz kept his cool and slotted low into the corner past Ward to give Southampton the lead.
Iheanacho was having one of those days upfront. The Leicester striker had a series of good chances to level the scoring in the second half but couldn’t convert.
Brendan Rodger’s team eventually finished the game without a shot on target but they did go incredibly close to an equaliser at the death.
With the fifth minute of injury time gone, even Danny Ward was up when James Maddison collected a corner that Southampton couldn’t clear. The midfielder, who was the Foxes’ best player, sent in an inviting ball that Gavin Bazunu missed giving Harry Souttar the chance to get his first Leicester goal.
The Australian’s header cannoned off the crossbar instead consigning Leicester to their fourth successive defeat in all competitions.
That result means that Southampton moved off the bottom after Bournemouth lost late to Arsenal in the 3pm kick-offs. The Saints are now just a point away from safety and are only three points behind Leicester City. The Foxes will really need to convert their chances if they want to avoid relegation this season.
xG: Southampton (1.37) 1-0 (1.51) Leicester City
Massive 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ePD0GOcFbz
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) March 4, 2023
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Carlos Alcaraz 35' |
