Drinks on Danny as Foxes bite
THE one obvious change in Leicester this term as opposed to last is their resilience – and that was illustrated in emphatic style as they fought back to keep their 11-game unbeaten run intact.
Fernando Forestieri and Sean Murray appeared to be earning Watford a rare victory.
But Matty James pulled one back two minutes before the break and then Danny Drinkwater netted a last-minute screamer to send the Foxes 11 points clear at the top of the Championship.
No wonder Foxes boss Nigel Pearson was so happy at the manner of only this fourth draw of the campaign, despite the disjointed nature of an encounter played in the most difficult, blustery conditions.
“We deserved to get something out of the game,” he said. “It’s always difficult when you go two goals down and we are disappointed with the manner we conceded.
“I’m not sure anyone can argue we did not deserve to get anything out of the game. Matty’s goal changed the atmosphere at half-time. We put them under immense pressure in the second half.
“All in all it was a good result to keep an unbeaten run going.
“Nine wins on the spin is a great achievement. Danny’s scored some good goals this year, he’s never been prolific. His approach to games this year has been much more positive. But nearly every outfield player has now scored. We need to try and get through the season and get enough good results.”
Watford had hit Leicester with the opening goal with just nine minutes on the clock as Troy Deeney’s shot was deflected in by Forestieri.
In response Jamie Vardy twice went close to levelling but overall had a frustrating afternoon. Despite seeing little of the ball Watford had further chances with Marco Faraoni missing a great chance from two yards out after Deeney had flicked on Daniel Tozser’s corner.
Kasper Schmeichel then had to be at his best to keep out an acrobatic effort from Gabriele Angella from another excellent set piece from Tozser.
But it was 2-0 Watford on 41 minutes as Murray buried well from outside the area from Ikechi Anya’s pass.
But Leicester are made of sterner stuff these days and were back in the game two minutes later as James buried from eight yards from Ritchie De Laet’s cross.
They found it tough to get a goal though and it was not until Drinkwater suddenly let fly deep into stoppage time from 25 yards they could celebrate.
Things could have got even better for Leicester had Dave Nugent not fired wide on the turn with the last touch of the game.
“It was a very good performance,” said Watford boss Beppe Sannino. “Their team are on a good run. Leicester deserve to lead the table but you have to give credit to my lads because we created a lot of problems.
“We always play like we did, I joined a club that were playing under Gianfranco Zola with the same tactics and to play against such a team with quick players it was important to stop them getting players in behind.
“Second half it was different. We know Leicester have good characteristics and quality. We expected them to come back.”