Ranieri: What little Leicester are doing isn’t normal

Tottenham are four points behind Claudio Ranieri’s impressive Leicester side in the Premier League table but Spurs are the top-flight’s form side after a four-game unbeaten run.

Mauricio Pochettino expects Tottenham to respond from the loss to Leicester when Sunderland visit White Hart Lane on Saturday.

Robert Huth reignited Leicester’s astonishing Premier League title charge with a rare goal securing a 1-0 victory over challenger Tottenham on Wednesday. Arsenal, Leicester, City, us, behind us Liverpool, Man United, West Ham. And Champions League games could be hosted at the King Power Stadium for the first time next season, with Leicester eight points clear of fifth place. I don’t know. I think a lot of people are [SAYING]: ‘What happens at Leicester? “But we maintained our calm, shape and slowly, slowly we got better and created some good chances to score a goal”, he told Sky Sports television.

Put to him that the likes of Arsene Wenger, Manuel Pellegrini and Louis Van Gaal see Leicester as title challengers, Ranieri replied: ‘Look, when I was at a big team and saw teams like Leicester, I would also say, “This team can fight for the title”.

As I’ve said before in every other transfer rumour that has included Spurs being linked to another striker is just how desperately they need another one.

“We’ve scored some goals but we can improve against teams who drop deep against us”, said Vertonghen.

“I’m sure that will get mentioned around Bodymoor Heath training ground that we managed to do it last season, so why can’t they pull it off this time?”

“We can play really well and believe in your philosophy, and need to accept that another team can play in a different way”, he said.

But the visitors grew into the game and, when Kyle Walker and Hugo Lloris played their side into trouble, Jan Vertonghen had to make a diving challenge on Jamie Vardy while Shinji Okazaki shot wide on the turn. I remember the first game [in September] it was hard to beat them.

After their 1-1 draw to the woeful Aston Villa, Ranieri says he wants 79 points by the end of the season. All (clubs) in the top 10 have the possibility to win the league.