Leicester 1-4 Crystal Palace: Batshuayi gets off the mark for new club

Roy Hodgson crowned his new status as the Premier League’s oldest ever manager with a thumping victory that leaves no doubt Claude Puel’s reign must come to an end.

This was a seventh defeat in nine matches for Puel and any lingering faith in the Frenchman is shattered by the fact Leicester are now as close to the relegation zone as seventh place.

Numerous figures at the club, including Puel, have repeatedly stated European qualification as this season’s aim but that prospect appears gone and Peter Schmeichel’s recent assessment sounds telling indeed. 

Deep into added time Wilfried Zaha struck his second and Crystal Palace’s fourth to put the game beyond all doubt

The forward proved too much to handle and inflicted late misery on the Foxes for Palace to take all three points

Luka Milivojevic held his nerve from the penalty spot to score Crystal Palace’s third and seal victory

The captain celebrated close by the Palace supporters after giving his side some breathing space in the contest

Schmeichel senior said Puel is not getting the best from a talented squad and while players cannot be absolved responsibility for winning just four games at home all campaign it is inescapable that the manager is failing dramatically.

The King Power Stadium deserted as Wilfried Zaha slammed in Crystal Palace’s fourth and those who stayed booed loudly. Puel’s methods have long caused friction at the club, and his perplexing issues with Jamie Vardy became evident when the striker was left out at Tottenham.

Only three clubs out of 92 in the Football League have failed to win since New Year’s Day: Rotherham, Huddersfield and Leicester. This was a fourth home defeat in a row. It seems clear a change is required. 

It had appeared that decision could wait until the summer, with Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha reluctant for more turbulence after losing his father Vichai, but the damaging manner of this defeat prompts urgent reassessment. 

Brendan Rodgers is top of Leicester’s list for potential replacements, yet any approach would be complicated by the Celtic manager wishing to see out the season in Scotland.

In the other dugout Hodgson, once a Leicester target to replace Claudio Ranieri. He wore a giant grin as he picked up three points on the day he overtook Sir Bobby Robson’s record. Hodgson was 71 years and 198 days old for this game and he seems able to carry on a good while yet.

Wilfried Zaha popped up at the back post to volley home a lofted through-ball from team-mate James McArthur for 1-2

Kasper Schmeichel tried to make himself big, but ultimately could not stop the powerful effort of the Ivory Coast star

The forward immediately peeled away and began to roar in celebration after hitting the back of the net

Zaha unleashed his pent-up emotion on the corner flag while celebrating in front of the travelling Palace supporters

With his arms outstretched and his tongue sticking out, Zaha lapped up the adoration from the jubilant away fans

His team defended well against Leicester’s bright movement in the first half, hit a sucker punch with Michy Batshuayi’s first goal for the club, then confirmed victory through two expertly-taken Zaha strikes, the first time in his career he has scored for three games in a row.

‘It’s something he’s been talking about and promising,’ said Hodgson. ‘He thinks he needs to score more goals. We are on a good run of form. This victory will give us a lot of heart.’

For the first Palace goal Luka Milivojevic bypassed Leicester’s midfield with a purposeful pass, giving James McArthur room to turn and get a shot off from 25 yards. It was heading nowhere until Batshuayi stuck out a leg and redirected the ball to wrong-foot Kasper Schmeichel.

If the final destination was fortunate, Batshuayi does deserve credit for reacting quickly. It was the 19th time in 27 Premier League games Leicester had fallen behind.

Leicester’s route back into the match came from an unlikely source as Jonny Evans scored his first goal for the club. They kept a corner alive with the ball dropping to Harvey Barnes. His shot was scuffed but it went into Evans’ path and the defender’s sweeping shot was sure.

Defender Jonny Evans pivoted on the penalty spot to lash Harvey Barnes’ pass into the back of the net and pull Leicester level

The Northern Irishman jumped and punched the air in celebration, after getting Leicester back into the contest

Earlier, Michy Batshuayi got Crystal Palace off the mark after getting a final touch on a long-range effort from James McArthur

The Chelsea loanee slid to his knees in celebration after getting the Eagles off the mark at the King Power

The Belgian proved his worth by getting on the scoresheet on what was his first Premier League start for the Eagles

January signing Youri Tielemans looked to make his mark in the centre of midfield with some weaving runs

Claude Puel remained animated on the touchline and was often seen barking commands at his players on the pitch

Prior to the match, both teams and supporters paid tribute to England’s late World Cup winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks

Leicester were only level for seven minutes, however as Palace constructed a wonderful goal. James McArthur was central, twisting past Wilfred Ndidi and James Maddison with one swift turn and crossing with his left to the far post where Harry Maguire had failed to detect Zaha. The winger’s volley was true and Schmeichel beaten again.

Then Leicester crumbled. On the night Gordon Banks was remembered Schmeichel pulled off a save worthy of the name, diving to stop Batshuayi’s fierce hit. 

It was in vain. Seconds later Evans fouled Schlupp in the area and Luka Milivojevic dispatched the penalty. That was the cue for hundreds of Leicester fans to depart. Zaha added a fourth in stoppage time when sent clear by Jordan Ayew and finishing strongly.

Puel said: ‘It is a difficult period for my team. I understand the fans’ feeling, their disappointment. I would like they keep their support for the players.’