Leicester City win the Premier League title after Tottenham fail to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

Title rivals' draw seals fairy-tale triumph for 5000-1 outsiders

Alexandra Sims
Monday 02 May 2016 16:24 EDT
Comments
Leicester City fans celebrate in the Market Tavern in Leicester
Leicester City fans celebrate in the Market Tavern in Leicester (PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Leicester City have been crowned Premier League champions in one of the most remarkable upsets in sporting history after Tottenham Hotspur failed to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The two sides drew 2-2 this evening, giving a remarkable victory to the Foxes after they started out as 5,000-1 outsiders for the Premiership title. Many experts predicted Leicester would be relegated this year.

The Foxes could have clinched the title on Sunday at Old Trafford but could only manage a 1-1 draw with Manchester United, meaning their hopes were pinned on Tottenham's performance this evening.

But Tottenham's draw mean the Foxes now have an incontestable lead in the league with two games remaining.

Tottenham raced into a first-half lead, before Gary Cahill scored to give Chelsea, and Leicester, hope. Eden Hazard equalised for the west London club with eight minutes remaining.

Jamie Vardy celebrates with team-mates
Jamie Vardy celebrates with team-mates (Getty)

Leicester spent last season languishing at the bottom of the table, leading their victory to be described as a “fairytale” win and “the most unlikely triumph in the history of team sport”.

The Foxes budget has also lagged behind that of its rivals. According to Sporting Intelligence, Manchester United have spent more on new players in the last two years under their current manager than Leicester City have in their 132-year existence.

Leicester City fans celebrate in the streets of the city after seeing their side crowned Barclays Premier League champions
Leicester City fans celebrate in the streets of the city after seeing their side crowned Barclays Premier League champions (PA)

Former England and Leicester striker Gary Lineker called the result, "The biggest sporting shock of my lifetime", while Leicester South's Labour MP Jonathan Ashworth said: "What a team, what a manager, what a way to make history".

The Leicester City team gathered to watch the match at Jamie Vardy’s house, which saw chaotic celebrations after the win with the players piling on top of each other chanting: “Championes! Championes!”

Leicester players celebrate winning the Premier League

The Prime Minister has also offered his congratulations to Leicester, saying: "An extraordinary, thoroughly deserved, Premier League title."

Singer Adele, who comes from Tottenham, said: "Proud of you Spurs! But Leicester... What an inspiration, the best f***** story ever! Congratulations!!!! X"

The title was secured as the final whistle blew as Chelsea held Spurs to a 2-2 draw, sparking messages of congratulations on Twitter.

Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson said: "So rare as a Chelsea fan to have everyone (nearly) on our side. Joyous evening. Well done Leicester. Well done."

Ex-Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler said: "It's been on the cards for a while... just let that sink in for a sec, But ...WOW.. Leicester are champions... Absolutely superb. Well done."

Fans packed into the Local Hero pub in Leicester's Aylestone Road, near the club's King Power Stadium and erupted into cheers as soon as the title was confirmed.

Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez headed the history-making Leicester City team
Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez headed the history-making Leicester City team (GETTY)

Curtis Leal, 27, of Leicester, said: "I'm in tears, I just can't believe it. What a moment!"

Jake Ion, 19, said: "It's been an amazing season - we'll never see anything like it."

Gary Clarke, 51, a fan of Leicester City's rivals Nottingham Forest, said: "It's football, it's magic. It reminds me of Brian Clough in the 1970s and 80s for Forest."

In a further victory for the city, Leicester-born Mark Selby won the snooker world championship just minutes after his team celebrated their success.

Mr Selby said: "I'd just like to say a big thank you and a big congratulations to Claudio and all the boys at Leicester."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in