Premiership Cinderella story: Leicester City FC beat 5000-1 odds to become Premier League Champions of England
Unfashionable foxes beat all odds, defying the chattering pundits to sweep the premiership title in style.
With two games left and seven points ahead of nearest rivals Totenham
The Spurs drawing 2-2 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge meant Leicester crowned champions of England today, 12 months after fighting off relegation
Photo: AFP/GettyLeicester City fans react after Chelsea scored to pull one goal back
Eden Hazrds late equalizer at Stamford bridge hands the title to Leicester
Harry Kane and Son Heung-min looked to have kept Tottenham’s thrilling title charge going as they took a 2-0 lead before the break.
But goals from Gary Cahill and Eden Hazard got Leicester’s party in full swing, completing a fairytale story for the club who have gone from relegation possibilities to the top of English football – and the talk of the sporting world.
Leicester fans celebrate title triumph as Spurs draw
As supporters painted the city blue, pub landlord Dave Radburn praised the team’s stars and echoed the crowd’s sentiments, grinning: “They’ve gone from zero to hero. We’re all so proud of our lads.”
The multicultural Midlands city, with 330,000 residents, was united in joy for the remarkable victory. And fans young and old, wept tears of delight for the Foxes as they made sporting history.
Photo: AFP/Getty
Eden Hazard celebrates scoring the second Chelsea goal that handed Leicester the title
Lifelong supporter Jo Stevens said: “Even if you’re not a football fan, you can’t help being swept along the tidal wave of pride and emotion.
“It’s a dream come true and we never thought this would happen. The city’s buzzing.”
The Foxes sat 17th in the league on May 1st last year, scrapping for survival in a league only won by five different clubs in the last 23 years. But Claudio Ranieri’s side have become champions after Tottenham’s draw to write the final chapter in a quite incredible season. Jamie Vardy and his team-mates were in euphoric mood as they celebrated their amazing achievement at his house in Leicester.
And the Party begins
Top scorer Jamie Vardy against Manchester City’s Otamendi
Reuters / Darren Staples
The England striker saw the likes of Wes Morgan, Shinji Okazaki and Danny Simpson join Christian Fuchs and Robert Huth at his gathering.
The celebrations in Vardy’s house
Midfielder Marc Albrighton had said: “I think we have got to watch it [the Chelsea game].
“I don’t think we can ignore this one. I didn’t watch last week but I think when there is a chance to win the league, like this week, we have all got to watch it.”
Now the party will continue long into the week before the Foxes’ final home game of the season this Saturday against Everton when they will be presented with the trophy.
Eden Hazard: Salutes the fans after scoring the equalizer. Match ended Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham
All eyes were on the Foxes on Sunday ahead of their clash at Old Trafford, which ended 1-1. Anthony Martial put Manchester United ahead, before Wes Morgan’s header levelled things up.
Leicester Captain Wes Morgan congratulated by PFA Player of the Year, Mahrez after netting the equalizer aginst Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday
And that gives Leicester’s Italian boss Ranieri – who has been the subject of calls for a knighthood – the Hollywood ending he wanted.
“There is a lot of interest in our story but it is important to finish the story, like in an American movie. Let’s make sure it’s a happy ending,” he said earlier this week.
“All of this attention is important to improve our mentality. We are building a good team for the future, we are building the foundation. Now, for the first time in their lives, my players must work with the pressure of being able to win something.
“That is the way the big names of football are working – under pressure. In the next year I’d like them to be used to staying on the top of the league and to compete in Europe and fight for something bigger, always for something bigger.
“This is the ambition. I know it is difficult but that is the target – every time a little higher.
“For me all the motivating is now done. What more motivation can there be than to win the title? It’s there, very close for us.”
Bars, cafes and restaurants across the city centre were full as fans watched the nerve-wracking game on TV screens. And as the final whistle blew, they erupted into mass hysteria.
Season-ticket holder Jason Gethins, 45, said: “I’m not just a Leicester fan tonight, I’m a Chelsea fan, too.
“I know some fans wanted us to win the title at home on Saturday, but my heart couldn’t take any more. It has been incredible.”
Before kick-off groups of youngsters created a carnival atmosphere in the city centre arriving with speakers to blast out Leicester City anthems.
Reez-ra, 28, said: “We have come from all corners of the city to be here tonight. We are the most diverse city in the country but everyone has come together to support our team.
“This is better than England winning the European Championship. Everyone forgets about Leicester, now they can’t because we are the champions. Everyone knows about Leicester now.”
Leicester upset big-money rivals to win the title – despite being owned by billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. Accounts for the 2014-15 season show revenue of £104.4million – nearly four times SMALLER than Man United’s £395.2million. But the Foxes’ monetary disadvantage wasn’t on show at Old Trafford where they completed one of the biggest sports stories in living memory.
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