ANOTHER STEP CLOSER...
Mahrez keeps Leicester soaring after London title rivals Spurs and Arsenal draw
RIYAD MAHREZ has adorned this most fantastical season with so many moments of ornate ability it scarcely surprises when another rolls along.
We have become accustomed to stepovers that send defenders’ heads spinning, the dragbacks that dump opponents on the floor. Even his divine volleyed assist in midweek brought the response: It’s Mahrez, what do you expect?
But this was another level; a goal of great beauty and importance. He delivered when it mattered most.
Mahrez decided this match in the 56th minute and with it made sure Leicester took full advantage of the draw between their two closest rivals from earlier in the day. Christian Fuchs sent over a cross that was only partially cleared by Jose Holebas. Mahrez, on the edge of Watford’s area, took one touch to control and knew what he would do. He hit the ball with his left foot, a wand that has cast a thousand spells, and it flew into the top corner of the net, rendering the dive by Heurelho Gomes pointless.
Leicester’s vociferous supporters celebrated the goal — and later the final whistle — with glee and belief. As others around them falter, they keep performing.
Claudio Ranieri and his players stood on the pitch at the end in a manner that illustrated their mentality. This is their title to lose. They intend to go and win it.
On the race to become champions, Ranieri said: ‘I don’t know who is behind us, I asked to my players: “every match is a final”. I don’t know how many points we need.
‘The title is not ours. We have to fight a lot, step by step and keep our feet on the ground. We’ll see what happens.
‘I’m sorry, we know every team can win or
lose, so it has to be slowly, slowly.
‘We wanted to show what we have inside. The desire is so high and we have a great opportunity. We know the way is very long and very tough.’
They knew ahead of this game the potential prize on offer. Tottenham’s lunchtime ding-dong with Arsenal meant victory here would open up a fivepoint lead at the top. They were the big winners out of the draw at White Hart Lane, given a chance to lay a marker of intent. That added incentive was given further boost by the early return of N’Golo Kante to the starting line-up.
Leicester’s midfield metronome had initially been ruled out of this game through a hamstring injury, but he has been winning battles all season and here was another, this time for fitness.
Andy King deputised in the midweek 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion, but Kante’s presence was most welcome and he set about his task with typical vitality.
Watford suffered reverse fortunes on the injury front, losing Miguel Britos in the warm-up and having to shift Nathan Ake to central defence from his usual left-back role.
With both sides creating chances, it was Leicester who finished the half on top.
Ranieri tinkered during the break but, as it was, Leicester’s goal came from that moment of individual brilliance by Mahrez.
Watford tried to do the job Spurs and Arsenal hoped, but were thwarted by Leicester’s defence to leave the Foxes edging towards holding something of far greater worth come May.