By Emre Asikci
ISTANBUL (AA) – Leicester City claimed a comfortable win over Chelsea on Tuesday night to climb to the top of the English Premier League.
First-half goals from midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and James Maddison were enough for the Foxes to secure victory at their King Power Stadium.
Brendan Rodgers’ side now lead the standings with 38 points, followed by Manchester United and Manchester City, who have 37 and 35 points, respectively.
United can reclaim top spot on Wednesday night when they travel to London to face a struggling Fulham side.
City are also in action on Wednesday and, given their better goal difference, can grab second place if they manage to beat Aston Villa in Manchester.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard conceded that Leicester were “sharper” on the night and showed “real moments of quality.”
“We were beaten by the better team. The general theme of our performance was slower, was more sluggish, was lacking confidence but also lacking a bit of desire to run,” he said in a post-match talk.
“I’m disappointed with both the goals. It’s pivotal when you come to a team in good form you stay in the game early.”
With 29 points, Chelsea are currently in eighth position in the league, leading to growing speculation over Lampard’s future.
“I took this job knowing there will be difficult times… The lucky thing for me is that I’m good at handling the pressure… I just have to concern myself with getting us out of this difficult period,” the former England midfielder said.
- Results and fixtures:
Saturday, Jan. 16
Wolverhampton Wanderers - West Bromwich Albion: 2-3
Leeds United - Brighton & Hove Albion: 0-1
West Ham United - Burnley: 1-0
Fulham - Chelsea: 0-1
Leicester - Southampton: 2-0
Sunday, Jan. 17
Sheffield United - Tottenham Hotspur: 1 - 3
Liverpool - Manchester United: 0-0
Manchester City - Crystal Palace: 4-0
Monday, Jan. 18
Arsenal - Newcastle United: 3-0
Tuesday, Jan. 19
West Ham United - West Bromwich Albion: 2-1
Leicester - Chelsea: 2-0
Wednesday, Jan. 20
Manchester City - Aston Villa
Fulham - Manchester United
Thursday, Jan. 21
Liverpool – Burnley
Saturday, Jan. 23
Aston Villa - Newcastle United