Foxes flourish in chaos
No boss, but Okazaki stars in vital victory
IN the final few minutes, patches of blue sky appeared above the Liberty Stadium and calm briefly replaced the swirling Storm Brian.
Leicester City Football Club has been at the eye of a storm after Craig Shakespeare’s sacking but this vital win brought a semblance of peace and plenty of satisfaction.
It showed Leicester’s presence in the relegation zone was an anomaly. They have so much quality at their disposal and, as these points propelled them to mid-table, they can look forwards and upwards again.
Whoever comes in — Sean Dyche and Claude Puel are front-runners — they have plenty to work with.
Shinji Okazaki was outstanding, having been restored to the side by caretaker Michael Appleton. Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy and Marc Albrighton were also impressive and Leicester’s first league win since August 19 should have been more handsome.
Federico Fernandez’s own goal got them started but Okazaki’s strike early in the second half ensured the scoreline reflected Leicester’s control. Alfie Mawson replied for Swansea soon after but their comeback blew out.
Appleton (right) said: ‘It has been a difficult week for everyone at the club, especially myself given my relationship with Craig. ‘But the opportunities were created and the way we created them was very pleasing.’ Swans boss Paul Clement said: ‘Our performance in the first half did the damage. I see confidence issues, it’s up to me and the players to be mentally tough in difficult situations.’ Appleton, who had been Shakespeare’s assistant, stepped up following the sacking on Tuesday morning. Owners Vichai and Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha flew in later in the week to explain their decision to the unsettled players and there was fan dissent here towards director of football Jon Rudkin.
But Leicester’s dominant first half returned focus to the football, with Swansea keeper Lukasz Fabianski saving brilliantly from Okazaki’s header and Albrighton’s close-range shot. The breakthrough became inevitable. Okazaki’s long pass looked destined to sail out for a goal kick but Mahrez had other ideas, keeping the ball by the slimmest of margins and cutting back.
As Swansea appealed to the officials, Mahrez sought Vardy with his cross, only for Fernandez to glance the ball past Fabianski.
Just after the break, Albrighton tore down the left, cut infield and hit a lovely pass to Mahrez.
Again, Swansea looked for a flag that never came, Mahrez squared and Okazaki tapped in. Swansea grabbed a lifeline when Andre Ayew helped on a corner to Mawson, who controlled, spun and fired past Kasper Schmeichel.
Fabianski saved from Vardy oneon-one as Leicester went for the kill, but Swansea had nothing left.