Leicester

Image source, Getty Images

Former Leicester City winger Matt Piper believes their 5-0 victory against Southampton on Tuesday night was a "real statement win".

The success took the Foxes to the top of the Championship - two points clear of second-placed Leeds and five points clear of third-placed Ipswich. Speaking on BBC Radio Leicester's When You're Smiling Podcast Piper said: "Coming into this game a lot of fans were nervous - I certainly was.

"Southampton are a good team, fourth in the table, looking to get a little higher and they came here with some really good players and good manager.

"Naturally you felt nervous because it was a pressure game for Leicester City. It was a huge game for Leicester City. A must-win game for Leicester City.

"They're all the phrases that we were hearing but this team really turned up and that's what champions do."

Leicester only need to win one of their two remaining games but they could also be promoted as soon as Friday if Leeds lose at QPR.

Piper added: "I know we're not quite there yet, but after a performance like that - it was a massive step closer to going back to the Premier League.

"A wonderful performance from our football club."

Listen to the whole episode here

So Leicester did to West Bromwich Albion what both Plymouth and Millwall did to us in the previous two games.

Let the opposition have most of the ball and the most shots, see off 17 out of 18 of them, and then win the game.

But, at this stage of the season it’s results that count.

While the three points were more than we deserved from the game in all honesty, it was also more than I expected when Jamie Vardy hit the post with his penalty. Then he came back and did what he does best – got the winner.

It was also good to see Hamza Choudhury have such a good game, especially with the derision his selection received. Man of the Match with three goal line clearances and the hat-trick of right foot, left foot and header.

I'm not sure he deserved the kiss off Enzo at the end, but his eternal thanks - definitely.

I just hope Enzo proves he’s no Brendan, who was also the same towards Hamza after a victory over Liverpool - walking off the pitch arms round his shoulder, pointing at him.

He never played again that season and was loaned out. Somehow I don’t think Enzo will.

Chris Forryan can be found at Leicester Till I Die, external