Puel in danger after Palace rout
Two years to the day since Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester “dream died”, when he was sacked as manager, time is running out for Claude Puel.
With seven defeats in the last nine games, Puel’s tenure is failing and Leicester are peering over their shoulders after another maddeningly inconsistent season under the Frenchman. Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers is already emerging as a potential replacement.
This was a landmark day for Roy Hodgson, who is now the oldest Premier League manager in history at 71 years and 198 days, with Wilfried Zaha marking his return from suspension with two goals to complete an impressive second-half performance from Crystal Palace.
Hodgson has never lost against Leicester in his career and Palace are only two points behind them. Though Leicester controlled the first half and part of the second, their form against teams below them in the table is poor.
We can all admire the philosophy, but where is the progress? Puel said: “It’s a difficult moment and period for my team but it’s important that they continue in this way. I understand the fans’ feelings and disappointment. We need to show this character against Brighton on Tuesday and it’s a good thing to be playing again [so soon].
“It is difficult to accept but we need to maintain a positive attitude.”
Puel also pointed to Leicester’s failure to convert their chances when on top, but Palace never looked in danger of surrendering the points when they regained the lead in the second half.
Leicester dominated the opening 45 minutes and were convinced they should have been awarded a penalty when Harvey Barnes collided with James Tomkins in the area, though replays suggested the defender had won the ball.
Their anger increased seconds later after another contentious refereeing decision from Anthony Taylor, with Ricardo Pereira penalised for a foul on Jeffrey Schlupp. From the free-kick, James McArthur took aim from 25 yards and his shot was directed past Kasper Schmeichel by Michy Batshuayi. It was the Belgian’s first goal since signing on loan from Chelsea and the 19th time Leicester have conceded the opening goal in the league this season.
Leicester’s pressure was rewarded and they were level in the 63rd minute when Jonny Evans swivelled in the area to turn in Barnes’s miscued shot.
Palace were ahead seven minutes later, though, after an unmarked Zaha was given the simple task of volleying the ball in at the far post from McArthur’s inviting cross.
The visitors added a third nine minutes from time when Schlupp was brought down by Evans, with captain Luka Milivojevic putting away the spot kick. Zaha secured his second of the night when he was sent clear by substitute Jordan Ayew, beating Schmeichel with a fierce shot.
Hodgson said: “There’s 11 matches left to play but this victory will give us a lot of heart.
“We’re all looking at that magical target of 40 points and I’m confident we can do enough to stay in this league.”