Managers and players change, but Leicester City keep defying expectations

Jamie Vardy of Leicester City celebrates with teammates after scoring in the club's Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday. Michael Regan / Getty Images / September 13, 2015

When Leicester City were defeated 4-3 by Tottenham Hotspur in March, the race appeared to be run. Nigel Pearson's side played well that afternoon, but the loss left them seven points adrift of safety with nine matches remaining.

Having won only four times in their first 29 encounters, it seemed like an immediate return to the Championship would be confirmed in a matter of weeks.

Instead, that reverse at White Hart Lane proved to be the catalyst for one of the most remarkable revivals the Premier League has seen: seemingly dead at the start of April, Leicester were celebrating survival at the end of May after an escape act that saw them triumph in seven of their final nine games to finish six points clear of the drop zone.

Despite that strong finish, many expected Leicester to be a leading candidate for relegation this season.

Such predictions were in part due to the summer sacking of Pearson, whose working relationship with the club’s board was deemed “no longer viable”. The appointment of Claudio Ranieri did not inspire confidence. The departure of star midfielder Esteban Cambiasso was another significant blow before a ball had been kicked.

Under Ranieri, though, Leicester have continued to defy expectations, with three wins and two draws, putting them in second place in the table.

Leicester have now taken 33 points from the last 42 available, an outstanding return for a club of their size. Their high-tempo, energetic style has earned them plaudits, too, with Riyad Mahrez the best player in the division so far this season.

Swansea City and Crystal Palace have also begun the campaign well, but Leicester are the middle-ranking side impressing most at the start of 2015/16.

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