Ulloa strikes late as Leicester beats Norwich in EPL

Jeffrey Schlupp returned from injury to make his first appearance since December 5, while Andy King and hero-in-waiting Ulloa also came off the substitutes’ bench as Ranieri searched for a victor.

A leaky defence remains their Achilles heel; the Canaries have conceded 50 goals this season, the joint-worst tally in the Premier League. Ranieri rolled the dice by sending on Leonardo Ulloa in place of defender Daniel Amertey in a bold attempt to break down Norwich’s fearless resistance in Saturday’s encounter, and it did the trick.

Norwich gaffer Alex Neil said: “We had the better chances and we kept Mahrez and Vardy quiet”. That, for me, is very important.

He said: “You can not always play well, it’s not important to play well or not, it’s important to take points”.

They had a two goal lead, and as they now sit only one point above Sunderland, the Yellows might find themselves crying over those two points at the end of the season.

The Foxes lost to Arsenal in their last Premier League game and Neil knows that they will be wanting to get back to winning ways to help their title bid. “We believe in them”, explains Ranieri.

This was far from the effervescent, vibrant Leicester who captured the imagination of the country and more a triumph for patience and endurance.

Everyone would like to play, but it is not possible.

The midfielder signed from Caen in August and has played in all 27 leagues games under Ranieri, his all-action style the epitome of Leicester’s approach that has brought so many plaudits. I hope to win something but already we have won – we are safe and now we are dreaming. “There’s no pressure on us”. And the Italian is ready to take the bull by the horns again on Tuesday as Leicester look to claim a second home win in four days and extend their fairytale season. People think it’s easy for Leicester. It’s not.

“All the teams need something and now there is a battle for every ball”, said Ranieri, whose side host West Bromwich Albion tomorrow.

Albrighton came close when his free kick dropped just wide but Norwich finished the half on top and Cameron Jerome should have put the visitors ahead. These are the fine margins for Norwich.

The performance lacked sparkle, but it was enough to win a scrappy game.

But it was Leicester who carved out the first decent chance when Russell Martin nearly turned Vardy’s cross into his own net. We have to take the positives, it’s as simple as that. “He’s hungry to do well now for us between now and the end of the season”. Ivo Pinto looked more assured in a wing-back role until leaving Ulloa unattended in the game’s decisive moment, and Robbie Brady’s set piece threat was again evident.