It was around this time last year when people started taking Leicester City seriously as Premier League title challengers, as they went to the Etihad turning in a dominant performance in a 3-1 win against a much-fancied Manchester City side.
That was arguably their best performance on the way to pulling off one of the biggest shocks in sporting history with that famous title win.
Fast forward a year and things are looking very different. Leicester are in serious danger of being relegated if they do not pull their socks up. Manchester United ruthlessly put an insipid side to the sword at the King Power Stadium on Sunday. It was only 3-0 but United could have scored at least 5 or 6.
It was hard to watch the blank faces of despair of the Leicester players who ended the game looking like walking zombies. There was no anger or emotion; it was as if they are in a state of shock and have no idea how to get out of it.
The defence was a key part Leicester winning the league last season but it has been atrocious this campaign without the protection of N’Golo Kante (who is playing a huge role in Chelsea’s seemingly relentless march to the title).
Swansea, Hull and Sunderland look rejuvenated recently. It will be a matter of time before they leapfrog Leicester, who have not even scored a goal in 2017 never mind not picking up points.
The reality is that these Leicester City players were always average but managed to have the season to end all seasons. Conversely, these players are also not as bad as they are showing.
The reality is probably somewhere in the middle. The Champions League will be a welcome distraction but it is a big ask for the Foxes to get past a very good Sevilla team.
The Premier League has to be the priority, namely staying in it. Relegation would put a dent in that fantastic achievement of winning the Premier League as 5,000/1 outsiders and that is something these Leicester players do not want.
However, if these players do not wake up then the reigning champions are doomed for the drop. Claudio Ranieri or the supporters do not deserve that.
Players get away with murder hiding behind managers these days if things are going sour but it is the players’ responsibility to pull themselves out of this mess.
That starts with a relegation six-pointer at Swansea next weekend.
A dramatic fall from grace indeed.
Read More About: claudio ranieri, jamie vardy, leicester, Man United, N'Golo Kante, Premier League, Riyad Mahrez
