Leicester City suffered a 4-2 defeat at Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday but were unlucky in many ways.
Having fought back from two goals down to level the tie, City were heading into the final 30 minutes with the wind in their sails at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca‘s side looked every inch of a Premier League side for large spells of the second half but Callum Doyle’s red card completely shifted the momentum.
Ultimately, the hosts made their one-man advantage count and netted two stoppage-time goals to progress to the semi-finals at Wembley Stadium, where they will meet Manchester City.
There were plenty of positives to take from the affair and Stephy Mavididi’s performance was certainly one of them.
The 25-year-old’s leveller was an absolute wondergoal and displayed that he can mix it against Premier League opposition.
Maresca singled out Mavididi in his post-match interview and urged him to carry that performance into the Championship.
Enzo Maresca urges Stephy Mavididi to win games in the Championship
The City boss, speaking to the Leicester City website following the defeat at Stamford Bridge, was eager to focus on Mavididi and what he must do heading into the final nine games of the Championship.
“Unfortunately, we lose many players in the international break but it is what it is and we need to go again from Bristol City (onwards). Now Stephy has to help us to win games in the Championship and finish in the right way.”
It was an interesting play from Maresca, who clearly wants more from his talented winger. Mavididi has endured a blip in form of late and hasn’t scored or assisted in the league since the end of January.
His marvellous goal against the West Londoners would’ve certainly boosted his confidence.
Leicester City drop to second in the Championship
Whilst Leicester were battling it out against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, Leeds United were preparing to face Millwall at Elland Road in the Championship.
The West Yorkshire club have been the most in-form team in the division since the turn of the year and secured their 13th win in 14 games against the visiting Lions.
That victory moved them up to the summit, dropping City down into second, so it’s clear The Foxes are in a real battle to gain automatic promotion.
Ipswich Town were also victorious on the weekend having hammered Sheffield Wednesday 6-0 and they’re now just one point behind Leicester.
Maresca’s side have a game in hand on the aforementioned pair and must take full advantage of that, or else they’ll find themselves in the chasing pack.
Mavididi, as well as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, must channel that Chelsea performance and carry it over into the league, where they’ve both dropped below their high standards lately.