THE FURTHEST ENGLISH TEAM IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

 

SOUTHAMPTON VS. LEICESTER CITY | KEY MOMENTS | EMIRATES FA CUP 2025-26

11 THINGS LEARNED FROM PREMIER LEAGUE'S 100-PAGE LEICESTER REPORT AS FOXES DOCKED POINTS

Leicester City have been handed a six-point deduction for breaching EFL rules and have dropped down to 20th place in the Championship table as a result.

Leicester City have been handed a six-point deduction (Image: Getty)

Leicester City have been handed a six-point deduction for the current Championship season, which drops them near the relegation zone, and the Premier League have released a 100-page commission report which details the complex legal battle between the Premier League (PL) and Leicester City FC (LCFC). The Foxes were found to have breached the EFL's profit and sustainability rules for the 2023/24 season and an independent commission recommended the six-point sanction, which was implemented by the EFL board today. Express Sport looks at seven takeaways from the Premier League's report...

1. £9.6million substitute

The report stated that if the EFL was "unwilling or unable" to enforce the recommended six-point deduction, the Commission would impose a £9.6million financial penalty as a substitute sanction. This figure was calculated to serve as a punishment and to vindicate other clubs that complied with the rules.

But the financial aspects discussed in the report are tied to the Rules B.18 and W.1 breaches (disclosure) rather than being a direct "buy-out" for the points deduction, which the EFL has now ratified and applied immediately. So Leicester do not need to pay the fine as a result.

2. Breaches of disclosure obligations

Beyond the financial overspend, the Commission found LCFC in breach of disclosure rules (Rules B.18, W.1, and W.16).

Refusal to provide accounts: The club refused to provide its FY24 Annual Accounts when requested by the PL.

Jurisdictional defence: LCFC argued the PL had no power to request these accounts, but the Commission rejected this, noting that clubs remain bound by rules during investigations even after changing leagues.

3. The "37-month" dispute

A major technical argument centred on whether LCFC’s losses should be assessed over 36 or 37 months.

Accounting extension: Because LCFC changed its financial year-end in 2023, its audited accounts for the three-year period actually covered 37 months.

The difference: The PL alleged the overspend was £42.1 million over 37 months, compared to £23.6 million if only 36 months were counted.

Decision: The Commission ruled that the rules require assessment based on the actual "Annual Accounts," meaning the 37-month period stood.

4. Leicester’s competition law challenge

LCFC attempted to have the case thrown out by arguing the PL’s rules breached the Competition Act 1998.

Ground 1: They argued that applying EFL sanctioning guidelines to a club now in the PL was "unfair and disproportionate".

Ground 2: They challenged the "Variable Upper Loss Threshold," which sets different loss limits (£83m vs £105m) based on time spent in the Championship.

Outcome: The Commission rejected both grounds, ruling the measures were necessary to prevent clubs from "gambling" on promotion through overspending.

5. Mitigating and aggravating factors

The final six-point sanction was reached after weighing several factors:

Positive trend (Mitigation): LCFC received a one-point reduction because their losses were trending downwards, showing an intent to eventually comply.

Lack of "exceptional co-operation": The Commission denied further mitigation, noting that LCFC's legal tactics had "disrupted and delayed" the investigation.

Sporting Advantage: The PL argued that by overspending, LCFC avoided having to sell star players at "undervalues," which helped them stay competitive in the Championship.

6. Legal "U-turns"

The report highlights that LCFC’s legal position shifted significantly during the hearing. Initially, the club argued for a delayed points deduction (to be served only if they returned to the PL), but by the end of the trial, they argued the Commission had no power to impose any sporting sanction at all, pushing for a fine instead.

7. The "unprecedented" sanction

Leicester City expressed "profound disappointment" in their official statement, specifically calling out the Premier League for seeking what the club described as an "unprecedented" and "disproportionate" sanction.

The club argued that the league’s pursuit of a six-point deduction (on top of the threat of a massive fine) ignored the unique circumstances of their transition between divisions and represented an attempt by the Premier League to exert "overreaching authority" beyond its jurisdiction.

8. The "double jeopardy" argument

 Leicester’s legal team argued that they were being punished twice for the same financial period—once by the EFL (who previously placed them under a registration embargo) and now by the Premier League. The Commission rejected this, ruling that an EFL embargo is a "compliance tool" while a points deduction is a "punishment," meaning they are legally distinct.

9. The "fair play" definition

A significant portion of the 100 pages is dedicated to defining what "fair play" actually means in a financial context. The Premier League argued that Leicester’s overspend wasn't just a numbers error, but a "deliberate choice" to maintain a squad they could not afford, thereby gaining a sporting advantage over clubs that stayed within their means.

The 100-page report also goes into exhaustive detail about the "March 2025 Arbitration Tribunal," which was the turning point that allowed the Premier League to investigate a club that was technically in the Championship at the time of the breach.

10. Implications for future cases

The report sets a legal precedent for "relegated/promoted" clubs. It confirms that the Premier League retains the power to punish a club for a breach that occurred while they were a member, even if that club is now in a different league (the EFL) by the time the verdict is reached.

11. Executive testimony

The report references testimony from Leicester’s senior leadership. It highlights that the club felt "trapped" by high player wages and long-term contracts signed during their years of success (including their European campaigns), arguing that the "cliff-edge" of relegation made it impossible to balance the books quickly enough to meet the 37-month deadline.

- Charlie Malam

HOW MANY POINTS LEICESTER CITY EXPECT TO BE DEDUCTED AS WAIT FOR DISCIPLINARY HEARING OUTCOME CONTINUES

Leicester City still have their points deduction looming over them, and despite the recent hearing, the saga could drag on yet.

Leicester City’s point deduction is expected to be between six and nine points, according to the Daily Mail.

Leicester City have had a turbulent few years since the highs of a Premier League title, FA Cup glory and a European football adventure. LCFC are in the Championship for the second time in three years, and it will be tougher than ever to bounce back.

Marti Cifuentes‘ side are struggling down in 16th with an even split of six wins, six draws and six defeats. The Foxes face an uphill battle to get into the top six, and that’s before a points deduction hits.

Image courtesy of: PETER CZIBORRA/REUTERS.

The hearing regarding a long-awaited penalty was held last month but the punishment is yet to be confirmed. Now though, the Daily Mail has indicated what the deduction could be, and when it is made official.

It is said that there is an expectation Leicester City are docked between six and nine points. It is unknown exactly when that will be, but an appeal will almost certainly follow, potentially pushing the final result back as far as February or March.

Leicester City’s uphill battle gets steeper and steeper

Leicester City fans will simply be hoping for an end to this saga sooner rather than later. It has dragged on ever since their drop from the Premier League in 2023.

It has lurked over them like a dark cloud in both good times and bad. Now in a period of real uncertainty, the continued wait for an inevitable punishment only sours the mood and impairs any vision of a better future.

Regardless of what LCFC are fighting for when the deduction hits, it will serve as a big blow. A strong run of form to move into the promotion fight will be dented.

Perhaps more worryingly though, if they remain around the same position they are now, a big penalty could see them slip into the grips of the relegation fighters. The Foxes are currently seven points above the drop and five off the play-offs.

The run that could define Leicester City’s season

If Leicester City are to make something of this season, the hectic festive schedule will be key. The quick turnarounds between games means there is a real opportunity to gain momentum and start moving in the right direction.

Up next is a challenging home game against John Eustace’s Derby County this Saturday. Another clash with potential play-off hopefuls awaits in midweek as Bristol City welcome LCFC to Ashton Gate.

Fellow relegated side Ipswich Town follow next weekend, and QPR the weekend after.

Boxing Day pits the Foxes up against Watford, then rounding out 2026 with the return fixture against the aforementioned Derby County.

- James Ray

NOTTINGHAM FOREST OWNER EVANGELOS MARINAKIS BREAKS SILENCE AFTER STORMING PITCH TO CONFRONT NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has released a statement after storming onto the pitch and having a heated word with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo after Sunday's 2-2 Premier League draw with Leicester City.

The Tricky Trees guaranteed a spot in Europe for the 2025-26 season thanks to Sunday's stalemate, ending a 30-year absence from the continent since their participation in the 1995-96 UEFA Cup.

However, Forest threw away two potentially crucial points in the race for Champions League football, as Facundo Buonanotte stole a point for Leicester City in the 81st minute at the City Ground.

Santo's side are therefore one point off the top five with just two games to go, and Sunday's draw continued a worrying trend for the Garibaldi, who are winless in three Premier League games and have triumphed in just one of their last six.

The Forest boss then appeared to be target of Marinakis's frustrations at full time, as the Forest owner came down to seemingly remonstrate with Santo for a few seconds before they went their separate ways.

Marinakis explains Santo outburst in Forest-Leicester draw

Marinakis's actions did not go down well with Manchester United legend Gary Neville, who labelled the 57-year-old's conduct "scandalous" on his X profile, and Marinakis has now spoken publicly for the first time since the incident.

The Greek suggested that the late injury suffered by Taiwo Awoniyi was the source of his frustration, as the Nigerian striker collided with the goal-post and needed a few minutes of treatment before being allowed to continue.

"Today is a day for celebration, because after 30 years Nottingham Forest is now guaranteed to be competing on the European stage once again – a promise I made to our supporters when we achieved promotion!" he said in a statement.

"With two more games to go in the Premier League, we must keep believing and keep dreaming, right to the final kick in the final game. We are extremely proud and close to Nuno and the team, and we must all celebrate the historic achievements of this season.

"Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff's misjudgement on Taiwo's ability to continue the game This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club. Let's all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming!".

Marinakis has a right to be angry, but he is angry at the wrong people

Santo confirmed after the game that Marinakis was vexed about the Awoniyi situation, as while the striker did see out the game, he was evidently not at 100% after clattering into the frame of the goal.

The Forest boss said that Awoniyi was given the green light by the medical team to keep playing, but by the time they realised a change would be the best course of action, there was no other break in play to make the alteration.

However, the whole situation could have been avoided had the lineswoman's flag gone up for an obvious offside in the counter-attack that led to Awoniyi's injury; it did eventually go up, but not until the move was over, in line with the laws of the game.

That is not Sian Massey-Ellis's fault whatsoever - she was simply following the rules that all officials have to follow - but when a player has so clearly gone early, what is the benefit in delaying raising the flag?

Awoniyi's impact injury may settle down quickly, but it is time to change this unnecessary rule before somebody else picks up a more serious problem in the same scenario.

- Ben Knapton

JAMIE VARDY RELEASES A STATEMENT ON LEICESTER BEING RELEGATED

 

PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES | SUPER SUNDAY

 

CHELSEA SET TO SACK ENZO MARESCA IF BLUES DON'T BEAT SOUTHAMPTON AND LEICESTER AS ARSENAL LEGEND PAUL MERSEN EXPLAINS 'SUFFOCATED' COLE PALMER'S RECENT STRUGGLES

Getty

Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes Chelsea will sack Enzo Maresca if the Blues fail to beat relegation-threatened Southampton and Leicester City.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Merson believes that if Chelsea are unable to beat Southampton and Leicester, who are 20th and 19th respectively in the English top-flight, in their next two Premier League games, the Italian will lose his job. The ex-England international also theorised that Palmer's drop-off in form is down to not having Nicolas Jackson playing alongside him, with the striker currently out injured

Getty

.WHAT PAUL MERSON SAID

He said on Sky Sports: "If they don’t win their next two games, the manager won’t be there. They’re playing against two of the worst teams to play in the Premier League for I don’t know how long in Southampton and Leicester. So, if they don’t win those two games, he will do well to keep his job. Chelsea have got to get in the Champions League. They need the Champions League to keep players like Cole Palmer as he will want to play in that competition. They will have to finish in the top five, otherwise I dread to think what’s going to happen. I just don’t see what the plan is."

Merson added: "Even Palmer has struggled now, Palmer needs Nicolas Jackson, and Jackson needs Palmer. Without Jackson's movement, Palmer gets suffocated out of the game. He hasn't got any movement in front of him. People give Jackson stick but you can see how good he is now he's not in the team. Now, all of a sudden, they've got nothing up front, so no one's making the runs and Palmer's got no space. So he's getting deeper and deeper. Jackson's a massive miss."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Indeed, Chelsea have taken just nine points from their last 10 league matches and Palmer has failed to register a single goal or assist across his last five games. They are just one point outside the Champions League qualification spots, with fifth likely to secure a berth into next season's competition. But it is very tight in the fight for Europe and if the Blues' poor run continues, they could slide down the table quickly.

- Richie Mills

ARSENAL VS. LEICESTER | 2-0 | POST MATCH ANALYSIS

 

LEICESTER CITY SENT CLEAR RUUD VAN NILSTELROOY 'SACKING' AHEAD OF TOUGH ARSENAL TEST

Latest Leicester City news from LeicestershireLive as club hierarchy urged to stick with man they hired in November despite poor run of results

Ruud van Nistelrooy on the touchline before Leicester City's 4-0 defeat to Everton (Image: Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)

Leicester City have been told to stick with manager Ruud van Nistelrooy even if they are relegated back to the Championship come the end of the season.

The Dutchman replaced Steve Cooper as Foxes boss in late November, but has seen his team struggle to move clear of the Premier League drop zone. Leicester are currently on a run of one win in their last 10 top-flight games and have lost eight of them, leaving them third from bottom of the table and two points from safety.

They have the respite of an FA Cup clash at Manchester United on Friday (8pm) before resuming Premier League duties by hosting title-chasers Arsenal on February 15 (12.30pm), but old boy Stan Collymore insists van Nistelrooy deserves time at the King Power Stadium and that it would be “ridiculous” to replace him.

The former City striker and now pundit told William Hill Vegas: “It would be ridiculous if Ruud van Nistelrooy lost his job at Leicester. There’s an argument that neither van Nistelrooy nor Steve Cooper had the track record to be confident enough that either man could keep them in the Premier League.

“But you don't hire Cooper or van Nistelrooy unless you're prepared to give them a chance to do the job properly. Even if Leicester get relegated, I wouldn't sack van Nistelrooy. There's got to be some kind of stability and plan at the club, which has not been there for two or three years. So, van Nistelrooy must keep his job.”

Collymore, who scored five goals in 11 games for the Foxes after joining them on a pay-as-you-play basis in February 2000, fears his old club will damage their reputation if they keep sacking managers.

He explained: "Leicester can't be like Watford of a few years ago, because they’ll end up the same way as they did. Watford tried to be Chelsea by buying a load of players and sacking loads of managers.

"They kept sacking managers until they hoped they’d find one that kept them in the Premier League, or got them higher up the Premier League. Of course, in the end they got relegated, and they've not been back since.

“Leicester have a great academy, great facilities and a great stadium, which will be a strong lure for players. But players won't play for clubs where the manager keeps changing.

“The odds are that they are going to be relegated, they've not been very good at all this season. But I would give Van Nistelrooy a full season in the Championship to get things right and bring them back. If he doesn't, then you think about getting a manager that's working towards the top of the Championship or lower end of the Premier League with a track record. A Sean Dyche maybe.”

- Keith Wales, CVS Editor - Midland Sport

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY APPOINTED AS LEICESTER CITY MANAGER

Former Manchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed as the new manager of Leicester City, the Premier League club announced on Friday.

Van Nistelrooy, 48, has signed a contract until the end of the 2027 season and succeeds Steve Cooper as Leicester boss after the English coach was sacked on Sunday, a day after their 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at the King Power Stadium.

Leicester confirmed that Van Nistelrooy will attend the team's match against Brentford on Saturday and will officially start in his new role the following day. First team coach Ben Dawson will take charge of the side at the weekend.

"I'm proud, I'm excited," Van Nistelrooy said in a statement. "Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City Football Club is enthusiastic. They have great stories about the quality of the people working at the club, the supporters and, of course, the recent history of the club is impressive. I'm excited to start and to get to know everyone and give everything I can for the football club."

Van Nistelrooy's first game in charge will be against West Ham on Tuesday.

"It is my pleasure to welcome Ruud to Leicester City," chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said. "He joins a club with a rich history, passionate supporters, and a talented squad, and we are all excited to see the impact he can have as we embark on this new chapter together.

"Ruud's experience, knowledge, and winning mentality will undoubtedly bring great value to us, and we look forward to supporting him in achieving success for our fans and our club."

Ruud van Nistelrooy has signed a contract with Leicester City until the end of the 2026-27 season. Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images

The former Netherlands forward joined United's coaching staff in July as an assistant to compatriot Erik ten Hag. After Ten Hag was sacked last month, Van Nistelrooy took charge on an interim basis and had three wins and a draw in his four games at the helm before Ruben Amorim was hired as Ten Hag's full-time replacement.

Coincidentally, Van Nistelrooy's short tenure at Old Trafford included two wins over his new team -- a 5-2 thrashing of a weakened Leicester side in the Carabao Cup and a 3-0 win in the Premier League.

The Leicester job is Van Nistelrooy's second senior full-time managerial role, having led PSV Eindhoven for almost a season where he won the Dutch Cup before quitting near the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

The midlands club enjoyed a stunning Premier League title success in 2015-2016 but were relegated in 2023 before coming straight back up under Enzo Maresca, who then left to join Chelsea.

Leicester are 16th in the Premier League, one point clear of the relegation zone.

Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.

- ESPN

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY SET FOR LEICESTER JOB - SOURCES

Ruud van Nistelrooy applauds the fans during his spell as interim head coach of Manchester United. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

Former Manchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy is in line to take the head coach role at Premier League strugglers Leicester City, sources have told ESPN.

Talks between Leicester and Van Nistelrooy, who has also been linked with Hamburg, are ongoing but there is increasing positivity that a deal will be agreed for the Dutchman to succeed Steve Cooper at the King Power Stadium.

Cooper was sacked on Sunday, a day after the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea which left Leicester 16th in the Premier League and just a point above the relegation places.

Cooper only lasted 15 games in the role after replacing Enzo Maresca in the summer following the Italian's departure to take charge at Chelsea.

Van Nistelrooy, who managed PSV Eindhoven for a year between 2022 and 2023, enjoyed a short spell as United's interim head coach following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag and the arrival of Ruben Amorim.

Coincidentally, two of Van Nistelrooy's games in charge were against Leicester. The first was a 5-2 win in the Carabao Cup and the second was a 3-0 victory in the league. Leicester's next game is against Brentford on Saturday.

Van Nistelrooy spent five successful seasons as a player at Old Trafford, scoring 150 goals in 219 games. He returned to the club in the summer as assistant to Ten Hag along with Rene Hake following the departures of Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy.

- Rob Dawson, Correspondent

LEICESTER CITY 1-2 CHELSEA | POST MATCH ANALYSIS

 

PREMIER LEAGUE HISTORY MADE 🙌 | BIGGEST AWAY WIN | SOUTHAMPTON 0-9 LEICESTER CITY

 

ARSENAL RATINGS: SAKA, TROSSARD STAR IN WIN VS. LEICESTER

Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka celebrate after Arsenal take the lead vs. Leicester City in the Premier League. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal returned to winning ways on Saturday afternoon as they secured a 4-2 victory over Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners dominated the first half and got themselves in front when Jurriën Timber crossed low towards Gabriel Martinelli, who registered his first Premier League goal of the season with an accurate finish. Martinelli was a regular spark for the home side's attack throughout the opening 45 minutes, and he was involved again before the break when providing the assist for Leandro Trossard to double the lead.

Manager Mikel Arteta looked comfortable as his side enjoyed 76% possession by the end of the first half, but it was just moments after the restart when the Foxes responded, with James Justin's effort deflected off Kai Havertz from Facundo Buonanotte's free kick.

Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen kept his side in it with saves against Gabriel Magalhães and then Trossard, before a spectacular effort from Justin was smashed in off the post to level the scoring. Hermansen was involved again when a poor pass out from the back allowed Declan Rice to play in Trossard, only for the 29-year-old to see his effort saved.

Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri were introduced as Arsenal looked to get a late winner, and after Hermansen made one more save from Riccardo Calafiori, it was one corner too many in the 94th minute as Trossard's effort was deflected in by Wilfred Ndidi to win the game. Havertz added a late goal to seal it with one of the final kicks of the match.

Positives

Arsenal's victory puts them on level points with Manchester City, while they continued to show how they continue to win games late, while being the best in the league at converting set pieces. Bukayo Saka's performance was also noteworthy, in an almost faultless display on the day.

Negatives

There were some moments when concentration could have been better, with Calafiori taking a chance on a yellow card -- but those were minor negatives in an otherwise convincing performance.

Manager rating (1-10)

Mikel Arteta, 7 -- Arteta's side created more than enough chances to win the game, and the Arsenal manager was unlucky to see his side concede from a deflected set piece and then a spectacular strike. Some might argue he could have made the introduction of Sterling sooner, but the Gunners did have a massive chance to retake the lead a minute before he came on.

Player ratings (1-10; 10: best. Players introduced after 70 minutes receive no rating)

GK David Raya, 5 -- There was little to do for Raya as Arsenal dominated the first half, but he had to pick the ball out of his net moments after the restart, with Leicester City converting from their free kick.

DF Riccardo Calafiori, 6 -- The Italy international combined well with Martinelli when advancing up the left flank, and was encouraged to shoot by the Emirates Stadium crowd after his effort against Manchester City last week. He could have been tighter to Justin before his strike, and was also careless with some challenges which may have seen him sent off on another day. Almost scored the winner with a powerful header but was denied by Hermansen.

DF Gabriel Magalhães, 6 -- Gabriel was a constant danger on set pieces as usual and came close to scoring when forcing a save from Hermansen. Composed in possession, and helped quickly restart attacks for his side after receiving the ball.

DF William Saliba, 7 -- A strong display from Saliba saw him regularly win the ball back with aggressive challenges high up the pitch, which allowed Arsenal to maintain pressure when their opponents tried to clear the danger. Involved in the first goal when challenging Jamie Vardy who claimed for a foul before the Gunners scored, but there didn't look to be too much in it. Booked in the second half for a foul on Vardy.

DF Jurriën Timber, 7 -- Timber fared well against Leicester City's attempts to counter-attack and dealt well against the threat of Stephy Mavididi. Registered an assist with a low cross that was delivered across the box to Martinelli.

MF Thomas Partey, 6 -- Kept things ticking in midfield by moving the ball on to Arsenal's more creative players, but didn't have too much to do defensively, with the majority of Leicester City's attacks going down the flanks.

MF Declan Rice, 7 -- An all-round strong midfield performance saw Rice help control the game as well as win possession back consistently, impressing with his decision-making. Played in Trossard after a big error from Hermansen, and was unlucky not to get an assist after the goalkeeper made amends with a save.

MF Kai Havertz, 6 -- The 25-year-old timed his runs well into the penalty area and was able to connect with multiple crosses but couldn't trouble the goalkeeper. He was also too deep from Leicester City's free kick, deflecting Justin's effort into his own goal. Got himself on the scoresheet late on to seal Arsenal's 4-2 victory.

FW Gabriel Martinelli, 8 -- Martinelli always looked to beat his marker down the left-flank and where he provided a regular option when Arsenal won the ball back high up the pitch. Got things up and running with a strong finish from Timber's low cross, and then turned provider to assist Trossard as the Gunners made it 2-0. Replaced by Sterling in the second half.

FW Leandro Trossard, 8 -- The Belgium international got into consistent intelligent positions and was rewarded at the end of the first half as he finished accurately from Martinelli's cut-back. Missed a big chance in the second half but made amends with his effort that was deflected into the goal in the 94th minute.

FW Bukayo Saka, 9 -- There was always a sense that something could happen when Saka had the ball on the right-flank, where Leicester City even struggled to deal with the 23-year-old when they doubled up on him. Impressed when beating his man down the line as well as cutting inside, and he consistently carried the ball into dangerous areas before creating shooting opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)

Raheem Sterling (on for Martinelli, 74"), N/R -- Positive in possession and tried to beat his marker down the line, but couldn't get his deliveries into the box.

Ethan Nwaneri (Partey, 85"), N/R -- Brought on and provided an instant lift to the crowd amid a confident performance, and was involved as he helped win the corner that put Leicester under all sorts of pressure.

Gabriel Jesus (Trossard, 98",) N/R -- Introduced as Arsenal looked to play the remainder of the game out.

- Adam Brown

ARSENAL WERE EXCEPTIONAL VS. LEICESTER CITY | #PREMIERLEAGUE

 

ARSENAL 4-2 LEICESTER CITY | STATS OF THE MATCH

LEICESTER WIN APPEAL, WILL AVOID PREMIER LEAGUE POINTS REDUCTION

Leicester City have won an appeal against a decision that could have led to a points deduction for an alleged breach of Premier League Profitability and Sustainability (PSR) rules, the club said on Tuesday.

Leicester, who are back in the top flight after winning the Championship last season, appealed on the basis that an independent commission ruling on the case did not have jurisdiction, which was upheld by an independent appeal board.

The decision came on the grounds that Leicester's accounting period ended on June 30, 2023, when the club was no longer a member of the Premier League following their relegation to the second tier the previous month.

Premier League clubs are only allowed to lose up to £105 million pounds ($137.56 million) over a three-season period under the PSR rules, and both Everton and Nottingham Forest were given points deductions last term.

The appeals board concluded that the point of time at which Leicester allegedly exceeded the loss threshold could not have come before June 30, and any losses could, in part, result from their trading activities after they ceased to be a Premier League club.

"Leicester City welcomes the Appeal Board's comprehensive decision, which supports our consistently stated position that any action against the Club should be pursued in accordance with the applicable rules," the Foxes said in a statement.

Leicester were first referred by the Premier League to the independent commission in March, and the commission dismissed the club's first challenge to its jurisdiction to hear the case.

The Premier League said they were surprised and disappointed by the decision announced on Tuesday.

"The Appeal Board's decision effectively means that, despite the club being a member of the League from Seasons 2019/20 to 2022/23, the League cannot take action against the club for exceeding the relevant PSR threshold in respect of the associated accounting periods," the Premier League said in a statement.

Leicester responded in their own press release, saying they wanted to avoid any misunderstandings which could arise in light of the Premier League's statement in response to the appeal decision.

"Leicester City wishes to emphasise the finding of the Appeal Panel that, when considering the wording which is actually used in the Premier League rules, the club did not breach the Premier League PSRs for the assessment period ending 30 June 2023," read the release.

- Reuters 

ASTON VILLA 2-1 LEICESTER CITY | POST MATCH ANALYSIS

CHELSEA APPOINT ENZO MARESCA AS A NEW COACH

Enzo Maresca won the Championship title with Leicester City. Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images

 Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Enzo Maresca as their new head coach on a five-year contract.

Maresca, 44, will start work on July 1. His deal ties him to Stamford Bridge until 2029, with the club holding an option to extend by a further year.

Maresca leaves Leicester City after just one season in charge, during which he guided the Midlands club to the Championship title with 97 points.

The Italian was previously part of Pep Guardiola's backroom staff as Manchester City won a treble in the 2022-23 campaign.

Sources have told ESPN that Maresca has been on holiday in Marbella, Spain, where a Chelsea delegation flew out to conduct negotiations.

"To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach," Maresca said. "It is why I am so excited by this opportunity.

"I look forward to working with a very talented group of players and staff to develop a team that continues the club's tradition of success and makes our fans proud."

Sources have told ESPN that Leicester will receive around £10 million ($12.8m) in compensation as a result of Maresca's departure.

He will be joined by a six-man coaching team comprising former Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero, Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez, Javi Molina and Roberto Vitiello.

Chelsea confirmed that Ben Roberts will also join Maresca's staff as head of global goalkeeping.

The club's co-sporting directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, said: "We are delighted to welcome Enzo to Chelsea. He has proven himself to be an excellent coach capable of delivering impressive results with an exciting and identifiable style.

"Enzo has deeply impressed us in our discussions leading up to his appointment. His ambitions and work ethic align with those of the club. We thoroughly look forward to working with him."

Maresca succeeds Mauricio Pochettino, who parted company with the club last month despite having a year remaining on his contract.

Sources have told ESPN the decision was amicable but there were disagreements between Pochettino and the Chelsea hierarchy over the club's direction after a mixed campaign in which they finished sixth in the Premier League and reached the Carabao Cup Final.

Manchester United's FA Cup win over City meant Chelsea will play in the Europa Conference League next season rather than the Europa League.

Chelsea's ownership group said: "We are thrilled to welcome Enzo into the Chelsea family. We look forward to supporting him and the rest of the sporting team in fulfilling their potential and our expectations over the years to come.

"He is a highly gifted coach and leader that we are confident can help fulfill our vision and competitive goals for the club."

Maresca has previously worked as an assistant coach at Ascoli, Sevilla and West Ham before taking charge of Parma in between spells at Man City.

As a player, he won Serie A with Juventus in 2001-02 and his other honours include back-to-back UEFA Cup wins with Sevilla in 2006 and 2007.

Meanwhile, a source has told ESPN that Chelsea are set to complete the signing of defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

The 26-year-old will move to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer after leaving Fulham at the end of the season.

Chelsea have staved off competition from Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham to secure his signature.

Adarabioyo, who started his career at Manchester City, made 20 Premier League appearances for Fulham last season.

- James Olley, Senior Writer, ESPN FC