LONDON, (Reuters) – Leicester City continued its inexorable march towards the Premier League title as Jamie Vardy’s brace earned them victory at Sunderland yesterday but Tottenham Hotspur showed they will not give up the chase after demolishing Manchester United 3-0.
Vardy’s late goals in a 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light sent Claudio Ranieri’s side 10 points clear before second-placed Tottenham kicked off at White Hart Lane and judging by the way the Leicester fans reacted they have clearly started believing the impossible dream.
The visiting supporters, some of whom have already bought scarves embossed with “Premier League Champions”, gave a rousing rendition of “We’re going to win the league” at fulltime.
Tottenham, however, have proved durable pursuers while other more fancied sides have faltered and the way they turned over a lacklustre United suggests they still believe the season could have a final twist.
A flat first half at White Hart Lane, not helped by the score from Sunderland and United’s late arrival due to traffic jams forcing a 30-minute delay, was followed by a vibrant second period from Mauricio Pochettino’s team.
Three goals in six minutes from Dele Alli, Toby Alderweireld and Erik Lamela earned Tottenham a first home league win over United since 2001 — a result that meant Leicester are at least guaranteed a top-four finish and a place in the Champions League’s playoff round.
United, meanwhile, remained fifth, four points behind Manchester City, and their hopes of salvation this season are more likely to come in the FA Cup in which they face West Ham United in a quarter-final replay on Wednesday.
With five matches remaining Leicester have 72 points and Tottenham have 65 with Arsenal back in third on 59.
