Something unusual happened during Leicester City’s 5-0 demolition job of Southampton on Tuesday evening.
Enzo Maresca‘s side looked back to their very best against the visiting Saints, as they controlled the affair pretty much from the first whistle.
The South Coasters, who have been free-scoring for much of the campaign, were reduced to just seven attempts with none of them on target.
Leicester‘s attackers were clinical when the chances arrived which hasn’t always been the case in recent weeks.
Despite the convincing victory, something unusual happened at King Power Stadium.
Leicester City did something for only the second time this season
Maresca sets his side up to dominate the ball and so often this term, they’ve clocked up possession statistics in excess of 70 per cent.
Though, in the last two games, they’ve actually had less of the ball than their opponents, which amplifies the Italian head coach’s change of game plan.
In fact, against Southampton, they only had 34 per cent, meaning for only the second time at the King Power this season, Leicester were the ones without the ball for much of the contest.
Following back-to-back defeats to Millwall and Plymouth Argyle, games in which City were in complete control, Maresca appears to have made a slight tactical tweak.
Against Albion, it was a basketball-like affair and they looked to transition quickly, just as they did last night.
Mads Hermansen rarely ever opts for a long straight ball, but that was on show a lot more against Southampton.
Attention turns towards Friday
Leicester can get promoted before they next kick a ball if Leeds United suffer defeat to Queens Park Rangers on Friday evening.
The Hoops are still fighting for their lives at the foot of the table and will be desperate to secure victory, which would mathematically seal their safety.
So Leicester players and fans will certainly have one eye on that clash, otherwise, they may have to wait until Monday evening when they travel to Preston North End.
A win in Lancashire would see The Foxes move to 97 points, a tally Leeds can’t attain, so that would wrap up a top-two finish and a return to the Premier League.
A telling week awaits City.