Leicester City dramatically grabbed three Championship points on Monday night, beating West Bromwich Albion 2-1 thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Stephy Mavididi. It gives the Foxes some breathing space away from the relegation battle, while West Brom’s awful away form hit another low.
This mid-table Midlands derby came with pressure on both sides. Leicester were looking to put things right after a 3-1 defeat at Sheffield United on New Year’s Day. West Brom arrived having lost nine straight away matches, their worst run in more than 50 years, and were still smarting from a 1-0 loss to Swansea.
Quick Start and an Early Goal Settle Leicester City
Leicester City began on the front foot. They pressed high, moved the ball quickly, and found space behind the visitors’ back line. The opener arrived in the 18th minute when Jordan James reacted first to a loose ball in the area and drilled a low shot past Josh Griffiths.
That goal calmed the home crowd and helped Leicester take control. Abdul Fatawu and Jeremy Monga asked questions out wide, while Jordan Ayew led the line well and kept West Brom’s defenders busy. Griffiths had to be sharp just before half-time, saving from Ayew to keep the gap at one.
West Brom stayed in the game but offered little threat. Aune Selland Heggebø cut an isolated figure up top, and most of their efforts came from range without really troubling Jakub Stolarczyk.
West Brom Level It From a Set Piece, Leicester Furious
After the break, West Bromwich played with more purpose. They pushed Leicester back and started to find pockets of space. Their equaliser came in the middle of the second half from a set piece. Alex Mowatt’s delivery caused problems at the back post, and reports suggested Nathaniel Phillips got the final touch with a glancing header in a crowded goalmouth.
Leicester City players appealed, claiming Stolarczyk had been fouled, but the goal stood. West Brom then looked the more likely side to win it. Stolarczyk stepped up with a huge spell of goalkeeping, including two quick saves to deny Karlan Grant and Michael Johnston. West Brom’s travelling fans sensed a first away point since October as the pressure built.
Mavididi Strikes Late to Win It
As time began to add, a draw felt the most likely outcome. Then, in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Leicester broke forward on the counter. Substitute Stephy Mavididi picked the ball up on the left, cut inside, and curled a shot into the far corner. The King Power erupted.
It was a rough end for West Brom after their strong second-half showing. The loss makes it 10 straight defeats, a run the club hasn’t seen since the early part of the 20th century. For Leicester boss Martí Cifuentes, it was a welcome lift after recent criticism.
After the match, Cifuentes said, “It wasn’t pretty, but we showed character. That late goal could be a turning point for us.”
West Brom manager Ryan Mason added, “We’ve played well but got nothing. The boys are hurting, but we have to keep going.”
Key Highlights
- 18′: Jordan James scores first, finishing low after a loose ball in the box.
- Mid-second half: West Brom draw level with a scrambled set-piece goal.
- Late second half: Stolarczyk makes a vital double save to keep Leicester in it.
- 90’+4′: Stephy Mavididi curls home the winner from the left.
- Attendance: Around 30,000, with loud away support despite the result.
The win moves Leicester City into the upper half of mid-table and eases the pressure. West Brom stay close to the bottom places, and their away record continues to cause serious concern.
Current Championship Standings (Selected Teams, as of January 5, 2026)
Leicester City
Position: 12th
Played: ~25-26
Points: 37 (pre-match estimate, plus 3 for the win)
Goals For: ~37
Goals Against: ~38
West Bromwich Albion
Position: 18th
Played: ~25-26
Points: 31
Goals For: ~29
Goals Against: ~35
(Note: Positions shown reflect pre-match places. Leicester move up with the win, while West Brom drop further back.)
This match summed up the Championship at its best. Fine margins, big swings in momentum, and a late goal that changes the mood around a club. Leicester walk away smiling, while West Brom head home still searching for a break on the road.
