Leicester City again showed they could mix it with the big guns, going level on points with Premier League leaders Arsenal after drawing 0-0 with title rivals Manchester City on 29 December. The clash between the divisions two top-scoring sides provided plenty of entertaining moments but keepers Kasper Schmeichel and Joe Hart were equal to everything thrown at them.
Jamie Vardy wasted Leicesters best chance late in the first half while Manchester City, who have not won away in the league since mid-September, went close through Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Otamendi. Leicester, who suffered their first defeat in 11 league games at Liverpool on 26 December, have 39 points from 19 games and trail Arsenal on goal difference. Manchester City leapfrogged Tottenham Hotspur to go into third place and trail the top two by three points.
Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri thought his side showed signs of fatigue at Anfield but was delighted with their effort on 29 December, saying a point apiece was a fair result.
I wanted to see the reaction, our reaction, after the Liverpool defeat, the Italian told reporters afterwards. The reaction was good, we played calm, we tried to do our job and go and try to win the match. Of course we created chances but also City created chances. And I think at the end the draw is right.
Asked to review the change in his team since the last season, Ranieri said he found it hard to put into words. It is unbelievable what we are doing, great, great. Half season is magnificent. I dont have a word to say how I am happy because it is difficult, he said.
I know the Premier League this season is very strange because I think the big teams would stay far away from us. But OK we are there. We love to stay there. I know it is not our position but we fight.
Leicester City host Bournemouth on 2 January, while Manchester City travel to Watford.
