The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsAn 89th-minute winner from Leonardo Ulloa ensured Leicester City strengthened their lead at the top of the Premier League table and denied Norwich City a point.
The Canaries managed to hold off the Foxes for almost the full duration of the game but Claudio Ranieri’s men showed the character of champions to break down the visitors.
Norwich entered the game with a much more reserved attitude as they continue to battle for their status as a top flight side.
Cameron Jerome had the best chance of the first half with a free header from a corner that went just wide while Marc Albrighton went close with a free-kick for Leicester.
It was going to be interesting to see how the Foxes bounced back after the last-minute defeat at Arsenal and they were frustrated by Alex Neil’s side for large parts of the game. A compact Norwich defence gave Leicester very little space to work with up until the latter stages.
Jamie Vardy had a free-kick saved by John Ruddy as the home side continued to press but they were restricted to shots from range.
As the game became stretched Leicester began to assert their dominance. Ranieri brought on Jeffrey Schlupp who was returning from a long injured spell, alongside Andy King and Leonardo Ulloa in the hope of pushing for the victory.
The breakthrough came shortly before stoppage time when a quick break allowed Marc Albrighton to drive a low cross into the box to pick out Ulloa who tapped in at the back post.
It’s been a frustrating season for Ulloa in terms of game time but he has been reliable when called upon in recent weeks after also scoring in the match against Stoke City.
Danny Simpson was suspended for the match so Daniel Amartey made his debut for the Foxes to fill in at right-back. It was an assured performance from the Ghanaian who had over an hour to showcase his potential.
A worry for Leicester is that N’Golo Kante was forced off with a hamstring problem. It isn’t thought to be serious as Ranieri claimed he made the substitution as a precaution but Kante’s availability for the midweek encounter with West Bromwich Albion is uncertain.
Leicester are now five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with Arsenal facing Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur hosting Swansea City on Sunday.
