BRENDAN IS OUTFOXED
BRENDAN RODGERS hailed his Leicester side’s valiant efforts as their Champions League hopes went up in smoke on the final day.
The Foxes needed victory, and for Chelsea to avoid taking three points from Wolves, to secure their place among the Continent’s elite next season.
But their last-day rally didn’t arrive with a 71st-minute penalty from Bruno Fernandes and injury-time finish from Jesse Lingard the final nail.
The Foxes will still take part in the Europa League and Rodgers insists he’s proud of their brilliant challenge.
He said: “We were well in the game. With their level of quality it was important to stay in the game and in the first half we did really, really well. We just needed that final pass and piece of quality but I thought we were a threat.
“It was all going to plan but we give away the penalty then we’re chasing it. We just couldn’t manage the goal that could give us that final rally.
“I”m disappointed in terms of the result but perspective over the course of the season – I’m very proud of the team.
“It’s the second-highest finish in our history so I can be proud of that. Next year we have to add greater consistency, more ambition in the team and look to improve.”
Both sides had chances, with Kasper Schmeichel saving well from Marcus Rashford and the Foxes’ Jamie Vardy – who won the Golden Boot with 23 goals – saw a header glance off the frame of the goal.
Leicester pressed but could not break Manchester United down and they fell behind when
Hamza Choudhury’s mistake allowed Fernandes to send Anthony Martial clear of Jonny Evans and Wes Morgan.
The pair of 30-somethings converged on the French striker and Martin Atkinson deemed Evans to be the offender but replays suggested Morgan was equally culpable.
Either way, Fernandes clipped home the penalty.
Leicester’s misery got worse when Evans was sent off against his former club for a wild, late lunge on Scott McTominay.
Lingard then capped the win by robbing keeper Schmeichel and walking home a second in added time.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “I’m delighted. We’ve achieved a Champions League spot. We came from way behind teams and went past them.”
anDy DUnn aT King PoweR STaDiUM