Leicester City finally gave their fans something to cheer about at the King Power Stadium, securing a 2-0 victory over Southampton in a Premier League clash between two already-relegated sides. Jamie Vardy and Jordan Ayew scored the goals that ended Leicester’s 146-day wait for a home Premier League goal, snapping a nine-game home losing streak and a 12-match winless run overall. The result, dubbed “El Crapico” by some, was a rare moment of pride for both sets of supporters in an otherwise dismal season.
The breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Bilal El Khannouss delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, allowing Vardy to sweep a clinical finish into the top corner for his 199th goal for Leicester. The strike, Leicester’s first home Premier League goal since December 8, 2024, sparked jubilant chants of “We scored a goal” from the Foxes faithful. Vardy, in his penultimate home game before leaving the club at season’s end, was at the heart of an emotional afternoon, with manager Ruud van Nistelrooy praising the veteran striker’s desire to “finish on a high.”
Leicester doubled their lead before halftime through Jordan Ayew, whose half-volley found the bottom corner after a free-kick rebounded off Southampton’s wall. The goal came shortly after an 11-minute delay caused by an injury to referee David Webb, who was replaced by fourth official Sam Barrott following a bizarre moment where Vardy playfully blew the referee’s whistle while Webb received treatment. The incident drew jeers and chants of “Premier League, you’re having a laugh” from both sets of fans, but Leicester maintained their focus to secure a two-goal cushion.
Southampton, managed by Simon Rusk, offered little in response. Despite a starting XI featuring Aaron Ramsdale, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Ross Stewart—who was making his first start in 203 days—the Saints failed to capitalize on their chances. A late header from substitute Paul Onuachu sailed wide, and a potential goal by Mateus Fernandes was disallowed for offside, summing up a miserable afternoon for the visitors. Southampton’s defense, which has conceded 80 goals this season, remains on track to break unwanted Premier League records, while their attack mustered just five shots against Leicester’s seven.
Both teams entered the match with little to play for beyond pride, having been relegated weeks earlier—Leicester after a 1-0 loss to Liverpool and Southampton with a record seven games to spare. Leicester’s attack, among the worst in Premier League history with just 11 goals in their last 21 games under Van Nistelrooy, faced a Southampton defense that has been equally porous. Yet, the Foxes showed more intensity, with Van Nistelrooy noting the team’s “aggressiveness and willingness” to give Vardy a fitting farewell. Southampton, meanwhile, are now one point away from matching Derby County’s record for the lowest points total in Premier League history.
The match was not without its quirks. Referee David Webb’s first-half injury led to a chaotic pause, with fans serenading him with chants of “you’re not fit to referee.” The delay disrupted Southampton’s rhythm, and Leicester capitalized, with El Khannouss and Ayew combining to devastating effect. The incident underscored the Premier League’s unpredictability, even in a game between its two lowest-ranked teams.