Leicester held 0-0 by 10-man Bournemouth

The result means that Leicester have ceded two points to Arsenal at the league’s summit but their supporters have a new song to sing after reaching the 40 point mark and ironically brushing off fears of relegation: “we’re all going on a European tour”. Nothing. Forty and 39 are 79, and I’m happy’.

The former central defender admits “it was a distressing time” but claims he is “not angry” and always had a “very good” relationship with the club’s owners.

Six minutes earlier, Boruc made an excellent one-handed save to deny Vardy. Everything in moderation and all that over the festive period but the league’s highest scorers on Christmas Day were not supposed to turn off the tap in front of goal.

Despite the run of three games without victory, Leicester’s spirit and team camaraderie is a factor not to be overlooked and any additions need to primarily to blend in quickly.

Leicester’s shock position in the Premier League has been aided greatly by the form of striker Jamie Vardy. To put it bluntly, who scores if Vardy and Mahrez do not?

Ranieri then challenged his players to pick up even more points in the second half of the season than they managed during the first.

Stanislas wasted two more chances for the visitors and Vardy nearly played in Leonardo Ulloa, but the game fizzled out to 0-0 at the break.

The visiting Cherries, forced to play the final 30 minutes-plus with ten-men after captain Simon Francis was controversially sent off to concede the spot kick that Artur Boruc saved from Riyad Mahrez, deservedly knocked Leicester off its share of first place in the league.

King cleverly tricked his way past Robert Huth to set up a chance for Dan Gosling, yet the Bournemouth midfielder couldn’t hit the target. The 22-year-old Argentinian, who is awaiting a work permit, joined Roma from Verona for £17.4m only 18 months ago.

It has been a whirlwind season so far for Leicester, and if you had told them that they would be second in the table at the start of 2016, I’m sure all of the players would have snapped your hand off for it.

“It showed we can be resolute and dig in”. He’s got a lovely left foot, he is quick, athletic.

He continued: “Now we must achieve the next goal and remain calm”.

The penalty call. Such a big decision and replays suggested Andre Marriner got it wrong. However, fantasy owners can continue to play him knowing he’ll be on the pitch.