Leicester City can say hello to the Premier League next season. After securing a dramatic last-day win against Preston North End, it is confirmed the Foxes have made it back into the top tier of English football. Three goals, great energy, and a fantastic squad are what we were able to see when their side earned three points to propel them into the first league next season.
How did this come to be? Taking a look back at Leicester’s fruitful season and last-day dramatics can give us a good idea of what we can expect from them in the Premier League next year.
Leicester City vs. Preston North End
"It's a bit unbelievable" 😆 – Jamie Vardy. pic.twitter.com/ah3YJlUXdC
— Leicester City (@LCFC) May 1, 2024
Leicester City ran riot over Preston last Monday to secure three goals, three points, and first place in the Championship, the second tier of English football. Leicester has had a rough time in the Premier League, earning a historic promotion with Jamie Vardy a few years ago in 2016, managing a great first year in the league, and then having a terrible drop back down to the second tier.
But they proved this past season that they are a team that deserves to be back in the Premier League contesting for the trophy.
Against Preston, Jamie Vardy – a Leicester City legend and veteran player who has been capped for the English National Team – scored a fantastic goal. Kasey McAteer also netted during the game in the middle of the second half to secure the team’s three points.
Fans and pundits predicted that Leicester City would beat Preston, who is in 10th place, on the final day of the season, but nerves and tactics could have gotten in the way. However, LCFC held their nerve and won, earning 97 points on the year compared to Preston’s 63 points.
Leicester City in the Prem Next Year – What to Expect
One of the main talking points about Leicester moving into the Premier League next year is whether their stalwart number nine, captain, and legendary player, Jamie Vardy, will sign for another year. It is no secret that he is getting older. At 37 years old, that is considered past retirement age for most footballers.
But Vardy doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. He scored in the last game of the Championship this year, played in over 30 matches over the season, and found the back of the net more than 18 times. Those are incredible stats for someone in his prime, let alone a player who is nearly 40.
Vardy believes he can continue making an impact past his 40th birthday. This would see LCFC move into the top tier with their leader firmly secured as a frontman for the young midfielders.
Furthermore, their new head coach, Enzo Maresca, hopefully will stay for Leicester’s re-introduction into the Premier League. He took over a team that was down and out in terms of energy, motivation, and playing style. Maresca introduced an attacking style of play that focused on keeping the ball, finding moments to go forward, and capitalizing on chances. And those tactics have worked extremely well for his players.
Can Leicester City hold onto their Premier League spot for the 2024-2025 season, or will they crumble under the pressure? We hope that under the leadership of their new manager and Jamie Vardy, Leicester City can thrive in the top tier of English football and give big-name clubs, like Man City, a run for their money.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
