Leicester pulled Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou closer to the exit door with a 2-1 victory that extended Spurs’ poor run, while Manchester United’s 1-0 success over Fulham relieved Ruben Amorim’s burden.
Tottenham squandered a lead at home, falling to their sixth defeat in seven league games.
With only one win in their previous 11 top-flight games, Postecoglou‘s side is in 15th place, barely eight points above the bottom three.
It was yet another disappointing defeat for the beleaguered Australian, who has faced rising calls for his removal during a difficult second season in command.
Tottenham are dangerously close to relegation, but Postecoglou believes his injury-ravaged players will still fight for him.
“Being a football club manager might leave you feeling vulnerable and alienated. Postecoglou stated, “I don’t feel that.”
“I feel like this set of guys, not for me, are giving their all for the club. I have a really dedicated workforce. I concentrate on that.”
Richarlison had put the home side ahead, but Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss scored twice in four minutes at the opening of the second half to snap Leicester‘s league losing record of seven games.
While Postecoglou tries to keep his job, Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy can relax a little about his own future.
Leicester are now one position and one point above the relegation zone.
“It’s a massive win,” Van Nistelrooy added. “The players are buying into it.” I can only be really proud of this team.”
Any chance of United being pulled into a relegation battle now appears to be gone, thanks to Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike, which secured a much-needed victory over Fulham.
Both teams had few opportunities before the Argentine’s shot deflected off Sasa Lukic and looped over Bernd Leno.
Toby Collyer cleared Joachim Andersen‘s header off the line as the visitors held on for a win that moves United up to 12th place.
Aston Villa‘s chances of qualifying for the Champions League for the second season in a row were dashed when an under-strength West Ham came back to draw 1-1 in Birmingham.
Unai Emery’s team had a quick start, and Jacob Ramsey’s goal was just the reward.
Graham Potter was obliged to start four full-backs for the Hammers, who were without captain Jarrod Bowen due to injuries.
The visitors fought in the second half, but were unable to take all three points as Emerson Palmieri’s header leveled the game.
Lucas Paqueta thought he had won the game in stoppage time, but Tomas Soucek had strayed offside before setting up the Brazilian, dampening Potter’s ecstatic celebration on the touchline.
Villa stay ninth, four points behind the top four, while West Ham are 14th.
Brentford defeated 2-1 at Selhurst Park after a penalty debate.
Thomas Frank‘s squad earned a penalty kick in the 66th minute when Maxence Lacroix fouled Nathan Collins.
Bryan Mbeumo‘s penalty attempt struck the post, but Palace’s reprieve was short-lived as VAR determined Marc Guehi had encroached before the shot.
Brentford‘s attacker gratefully embraced his second chance, sending Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson the wrong way for his 14th goal of the season.
Brentford’s Kevin Schade scored in the 80th minute, followed by Palace winger Romain Esse scoring with his first touch on debut five minutes later. (AFP)
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