EPL: Leicester City climb into top half, Bournemouth survive relegation scare

The third and final goal from Marc Albrighton ensured Leicester City's victory.

Leicester City climbed into the top half of the Premier League for the first time since September with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Watford on Saturday.

With both teams safely in mid-table, the first few minutes lacked energy until Wilfred Ndidi converted a measured cross from Danny Drinkwater piercing through Watford defense.

Riyad Mahrez, who is playing his 100th Premier League match, gave the Leicester City second lead breaking Watford’s sloppy defense.

The third and final goal came from Marc Albrighton who completed the victory with an excellent third goal.

“I’m pleased with the result, the performance wasn’t quite there but ultimately it is the result and it is another clean sheet,” Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare told the BBC.

“When I took over, the most important thing was to be competitive, climb the table and never set a points target. Now mathematically we are safe.

“In football, you have to try and win every game, of course, it is difficult but we have to be pleased with what we have achieved.”

In another game, Stoke City defender Ryan Ryan Shawcross’ same side goal saved Bournemouth FC from a defeat as the two sides settled for a 2-2 draw on Saturday and prevented relegation. They will play the Premier League again next season.

Stoke City had not scored in an away game since January and it was Bournemouth midfielder Lys Mousset who broke the drought, heading Marko Arnautovic’s corner into his own goal in the 33rd minute.

Junior Stanislas deftly guided home the equaliser for Bournemouth before Stoke striker Mame Biram Diouf scored his first Premier League goal of the season.

Shawcross deflected Josh King’s shot into his own net with eight minutes left to leave Bournemouth 10th in the table, three places ahead of Stoke.