Leicester City 1:4 Brighton & Hove Albion
A near full-house at the KPS were denied a promotion party as Brighton stunned City ending a 21 game unbeaten run with a 4-1 defeat…
Nigel Pearson made four changes to his side with Phillips, Moore, Konchesky and King in the starting line-up, but City didn’t look right from the kick-off.
Brighton applied the early pressure and were worthy of their 17th minute lead. Slack defensive work allowed Ward the time and space to nod in the opener from close range.
Things got worse 7 minutes later when Ward crossed for Lingard to head past Schmeichel and silence the large crowd, who were already contemplating a rare defeat.
Ulloa then went close for the visitors and Lualua forced Schmeichel into a good save, before City rallied a little before the break.
But Drinkwater had a shot blocked and King headed over leaving City trailing by two goals as they went into the tunnel.
The second half saw Wood and Dyer on for Phillips and Knockaert and Wood almost pulled a goal back when latched on to a Moore throw from the right, but sent his shot against the post.
Brighton were still looking dangerous though, and Wasilewski cleared a Stephens shot off the line.
City were still struggling to get any fluency in their game and any chances they did create were wasted. King sent a free-kick too close to Kuszczak, and Drinkwater sent the sort of chance he usually gobbles up, sailing into the Kop.
It was Brighton who got the all important third goal, and the game was up.
Ulloa, sent through by Stephens, beat the onrushing Schmeichel to the ball, which ended up nestling in the back of City’s net.
And when Ulloa made it 4-0 with ten minutes to go there was an exodus towards the exits.
Those that remained did manage to lift the atmosphere a bit and were eventually rewarded with a goal from substitute Taylor-Fletcher after a good run and cross from Dyer.
In a season of many highs it was a hugely disappointing night, but one that the players must swiftly shrug off as they pursue the title.
Leicester: Schmeichel, Moore, Wasilewski, Morgan, Konchesky, Mahrez (Taylor-Fletcher 74), King, Drinkwater, Knockaert (Dyer 46), Nugent, Phillips (Wood 46). Subs Not Used: Hammond, James, Miquel, Logan.
Brighton: Kuszczak, Greer, Andrews, Stephens, Calderon, Ward, Ulloa, Upson, LuaLua (Lopez 88), March (Forster-Caskey 82), Lingard (Mackail-Smith 87). Subs Not Used: Dunk, Chicksen, Ankergren, Forster-Caskey, Ince.
Referee: C Pawson. Attendance: 29,722.
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