Huth always believed in great escape

THERE was almost a note of apology in Nigel Pearson’s answer as he was asked for the reasons behind Leicester’s impressive run of form. ‘We’re playing well and we’re keeping clean sheets,’ replied the manager in what he would concede was a statement of the blindingly obvious. It was left to defender Robert Huth to try and put his finger on just why Leicester have turned mean at the back and keen up front. Pearson’s side secured a simple victory over Southampton through two goals from Riyad Mahrez, and are three points clear of the relegation zone. Stoke loanee Huth believes Leicester are replicating the fighting spirit he became accustomed to at the Britannia Stadium. ‘The lads are buzzing at the way things are going,’ he said. ‘You only have to watch the last 10 games, the spirit has never been down.’

SUPER STAT: Leicester have won six of their last seven matches. Only Chelsea and Arsenal are ahead of them in the Premier League form table. LEICESTER CITY (3-4-1-2): Schmeichel 7; Wasilewski 7, Huth 7, Morgan 7; Albrighton 7, James 6 (Drinkwater 13min, 6.5), Cambiasso 7.5, Schlupp 6.5; Mahrez 8.5; Vardy 7.5 (Nugent 70, 6), Ulloa 7 (Hammond 78). Subs not used: De Laet, Konchesky, Schwarzer, Kramaric. Booked: Wasilewski. Scorer: Mahrez 7, 19. SOUTHAMPTON (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga 5.5; Clyne 6, Fonte 6, Alderweireld 6, Bertrand 6; Wanyama 6, Reed 6; S Davis 5 (Djuricic 66, 5); Mane 6.5, Elia 5 (Long 66, 5); Pelle 5. Subs not used: K Davis, Yoshida, Gardos, Targett, Gallagher. Man of the match: Riyad Mahrez. Referee: Roger East 7.