Sick Morgan feels much better now!
WeS Morgan rose from his sick bed to head Leicester to victory against Southampton and into a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table with only six games to go.
on a day when Leicester fans were given free beer and doughnuts to celebrate the birthday of chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, captain Morgan’s goal means his side need only four more wins to clinch an historic title.
Leicester’s 1-0 victory at the King Power Stadium, their fifth in six matches, ensured they took full advantage of Tottenham’s draw at Liverpool and Morgan said: ‘We saw the Tottenham game and wanted to make the most of our opportunity. We really wanted it today.
‘I’ve been getting a lot of stick off the lads because I haven’t scored all season so it’s great to shut them up. I was quite ill yesterday but I wanted to play.’
Manager Claudio ranieri said Morgan returned very tired from international duty with Jamaica, adding: ‘He’s strong. The cold passed through him so many times.’
Leicester’s players sang happy birthday to their billionaire Thai owner, who is 59 today, in the dressing room before kick-off.
‘There is a video floating around,’ said Marc albrighton. ‘But we never saw any doughnuts or bottles of beer! He was after the three points, so that is our gift to him.’
Leicester were not at their flowing best again but ground out the win once Morgan had connected with a 38th-minute cross from Christian Fuchs to beat Fraser Forster. They kept a 10th clean sheet in 14 games and are showing the character of champions. It completes a remarkable year for Leicester, who were bottom of the table and seven points off safety last april 3.
‘a solid 12 months,’ is how the club’s official Twitter feed described events in mock understatement. They have been top since December 14.
ranieri said: ‘everyone was waiting for us after the draw between Liverpool and Tottenham, and we gave a very good answer. We have a clean sheet and I’m so happy. The chairman is happy. I don’t want to Nut case: Jose Fonte (right) clashes with Jamie Vardy DIGITAL SOUTH think about being champions. I want to focus on the next match.
‘There is a chance for us to be champions this season, but we have to be professional. We want to stay there and continue.
‘If the others are better than us then congratulations. We know it will be hard — in the next match Sunderland will be fighting to survive.’
ranieri praised Morgan for his leadership and commitment. The 32year-old defender spent last summer playing in the Copa america and gold Cup for Jamaica, but has not missed a minute of Premier League action since.
‘Wes is fantastic. He didn’t have a holiday this season,’ said ranieri. ‘He had the national team in July and he came back here, so I gave him some days off during the season because he needed them. He is a good example for everybody. When he speaks, everyone listens to him.’
Southampton manager ronald Koeman criticised referee Michael oliver for failing to act when Sadio Mane’s shot hit Danny Simpson’s elbow as the Saints winger ran clear, stopping a certain goal.
The Dutchman said: ‘The big one is when Mane’s shot hits Danny Simpson and it is a red card and a penalty. If it is not a handball, it is a goal. I don’t know what they are doing.
‘This is a big match. It is about the Premier League title and our ambitions to play in europe.
‘I don’t say Leicester didn’t deserve the victory, or that they didn’t fight and have amazing spirit. But if it is a penalty and a red card they don’t win.’
Koeman added: ‘ They deserve to win the title. I hope they do.’