Leicester

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Former Leicester winger Matt Piper believes the remarkable comeback against Southampton shows the Foxes' players are completely behind boss Steve Cooper.

Speaking on BBC Radio Leicester's When You're Smiling podcast Piper said: "I was buzzing! Contemplating at half-time whether to turn it off, I thought the game was over - like most people would.

"But clearly we had already come back in a game where we were 2-0 down against Arsenal so there's that little bit in the back of your mind.

"I think the change of shape to a three at the back really helped.

"Anyone that is questioning [Cooper], if you're not playing for the gaffer, you don't flick the switch at half-time. It was a massive result.

"Backing up the three points against Bournemouth against Southampton when we're two down at half time was huge."

The Athletic's Leicester City correspondent Rob Tanner agreed, saying: "Leicester are like the proverbial Forrest Gump box of chocolates - you just don't know what you're going to get!

"First half they were dreadful defensively, but the second half - I don't think I've ever seen a substitution change both teams. Abdul Fatawu coming on changed the entire game. It obviously gave Leicester a huge boost, but you could see the fear in Southampton.

He continued, "I don't think I have ever seen Leicester score such a late winner from a set piece. I have never had doubts that the players weren't playing for Steve Cooper, because we've seen fight in every game."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Chris Forryan
Fan writer

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Did someone once say football is a game of two halves?

Having been away for a month and starting to lose faith in Steve Cooper's tactics and choices for his starting XI, I had this marked down as an early season six-pointer.

However, there was still no starting place for the experienced Ricardo Pereira and, as many of us feared, Harry Winks was also absent for the second straight game.

For me, James Justin plays better on the left, and with both of the Saints' goals coming from the right side, I am unlikely to change my view.

At half-time, I was getting ready to write about how Cooper needed to go, but then he had an epiphany. He made a sub before the 75th minute and on came Winks, even if it was a surprise that the ineffective Wilfrid Ndidi stayed on given the partnership between Winks and Oliver Skipp partnership is starting to develop.

However, epiphanies are like buses, you wait for one to come along…

On came Abdul Fatawau for Viktor Kristiansen with Justin moving to the left (finally) and what a game changer this proved to be.

Fatawu had a hand in all three Foxes goals and if he does not start against Nottingham Forest on Friday then questions should be asked in Parliament!

While you can never rely on Leicester not to mess it up and concede a late breakaway goal, only one team actually looked liked they would win it.

Never doubted it, Steve Cooper is a tactical genius... never say I am fickle!

Find more from Chris Forryan at Leicester Till I Die, external

The latest episode of BBC Radio Leicester's When You're Smiling podcast has arrived.

Owynn Palmer-Atkin, Matt Piper and The Athletic's Rob Tanner review Saturday's 3-2 victory against Southampton, hear from match-winner Jordan Ayew and look forward to a heavyweight game with Nottingham Forest on Friday.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Football is full of highs.

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And lows.

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Controversy takes hold.

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Moments of madness do too.

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Players become unexpected heroes.

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Some never change.

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There's pain.

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Joy too.

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And, given this ebb and flow of emotion, every so often, even the coolest heads boil over.

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Leicester's Premier League game at home to Wolves has been moved to Sunday 22nd December due to a clash with a Leicester Tigers fixture.

The game was originally set to be played on Saturday 21st, but will now kick-off at 14:00 GMT on the Sunday.

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Southampton and Leicester City.

Here are some of your comments:

Southampton fans

Nick: Saints lost because of another tactical mistake by the manager. At 2-0 up his decision to bring a forward on when forced into a substitution for an injured defender changed the defensive balance completely, compounded by moving Walker-Peters, and further exposing the left side.

Jim: Russell Martin needs to go asap, he is embarrassingly out of his depth. Today’s loss was on his poor substitutions, namely Ryan Fraser who was at fault for the first two goals. Russell needs to be shown the exit door before the next game.

Joanna: Abysmal refereeing, but one point all season speaks for itself. I'm tired of the automatic calling for a manager's head, but something has to change. All the optimism from promotion has drained. I'm drained.

Leicester fans

Mike: This was a season defining game. I’m now very confident we will stay up. Steve Cooper needs to pick Fatawu for the Forest match on Friday. Another win then and the Foxes will be comfortable in mid table. Brilliant performance.

James: Talk about leaving it late! A huge win in what will undeniably be a rollercoaster season for the Foxes, but it also masks a catalogue of concerns. Steve Cooper still doesn't know his best starting XI, with Fatawu's constant omission baffling near enough everyone in football, and Leicester are still second best out of the starting blocks. Strewth.

Brad: What a Jekyll and Hyde performance! This is sort of why you love football. From dead and buried to on cloud nine! Cooper is a genius!

Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given highlighted Abdul Fatawu's performance in Leicester's victory against Southampton: "This guy is absolutely lightning, he's a brilliant player to come off the bench. He probably should be starting, he's a brilliant talent.

"What I like about him is he's so direct and quick. He allows [Facundo] Buonanotte to go more central as the 10, and he's probably better in that position.

"He's so aggressive with his runs. It's OK doubling up against him, but he can go inside and outside. He was inches away from a wondergoal.

"He looks like a kid who is enjoying his football and plays with a smile on his face. He feels no pressure when he comes on the pitch. Southampton didn't know what to do with him, to go tight or drop off. What an exciting player to look at.

"If Steve [Cooper] doesn't start him, he won't be overly happy. He's a brilliant talent."

Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer added: "You can imagine the feeling the Leicester fans have when they see him ready to come on. He's already got a special affinity, there's no doubt about that. He changed the course of this game."

Watch the full analysis of Leicester's victory here