EPL: Leicester In Second As Title Race Widens

Leicester City moved into second place provisionally in the Premier League after James Maddison's first-half goal and a stoppage-time effort by Harvey Barnes secured them a 2-0 home win over Southampton on Saturday.

Maddison lashed a ferocious shot past Alex McCarthy in the 37th-minute of an even first period and Barnes broke clear to finish coolly as Leicester claimed only their fourth home victory of the season.

While all eyes will be on Sunday's showdown between Liverpool and leaders Manchester United, Leicester showed again that they must be taken seriously in the title race.

READ ALSO: Leicester Climb To Second Despite Draw Against Crystal Palace

Brendan Rodgers's side has 35 points from 18 games, one point behind United and two better off than Liverpool. Manchester City, who also slipped below Leicester ahead of their Sunday clash with Crystal Palace, have 32.

Leicester did not have things all their own way though and eighth-placed Southampton, who beat Liverpool in their last game, were unlucky when Stuart Armstrong's long-range effort rattled the crossbar as the visitors pressed for an equaliser.

The Foxes despite the win celebrated the goal with social distance as Maddison is seen waving at his teammates to stay away and not give him the traditional hug for the goal.

This is important as COVID-19 continues to ravage the UK and several players, coaching staff continues to test positive across Europe.

EPL 2020-21 might be the tightest title campaign as there is a 10 point gap between the league leaders and 10th placed Aston Villa while there are teams in the top 10 having outstanding games to play.

Aston Villa, who is 10th have 2 games at hand, while Tottenham, City also have outstanding games.