Leicester City on Top of English Premier League Table After 13 Games
Last year this time Leicester City were dead last in the English Premier League standings. This year, after 13 rounds of games played, they are in first place with 28 points.So how does a club which barely escaped relegation last year find itself topping the most competitive football league in the world, ahead of clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City?
There are several reasons for this.
Since the appointment of the well traveled Italian coach Claudio Ranieri, things have been looking up for the Foxes. Leicester City players leave their hearts out on the pitch. They get scored on a lot (20 times so far this season), but they keep fighting. Their matches have been thrilling to watch.
The leading EPL scorer so far this season is Leicester City's Jamie Vardy with 13 goals to his name. For the sake of comparison, the second highest scorer in the league is Everton's Romelu Lukaku with 9 goals. Vardy has scored in his last 10 premier league matches. Quite a feat for a late starter (he is 28) who only a few years ago played non-league football.
Potentially the biggest reason for club's recent success is that in 13 games played so far Leicester only faced two bigger Premier League sides. At home against Tottenham they drew 1-1 and vs. Arsenal, also at home, they lost 2-5.
The next six games will be a true test for Claudio Ranieri and his men.
Manchester United - Home
Swansea - Away
Chelsea - Home
Everton - Away
Liverpool - Away
Manchester City - Home
Every game until the end of the first half of the season is a tough game for Leicester City. It will be very interesting to see what they can get out of the next few rounds. Can they stay near the top?
Regardless of what happens, Leicester City are a success story. Maybe they can challenge for one of the spots that lead to UEFA competitions next season?
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Odds of Leicester winning the title: 80/1
Odds of Jamie Vardy to be the top goalscorer at the end of the season: 2/1
