Gray Strike Seals Special Win Over Cardiff
Warming up in tribute t-shirts marked ‘The Boss, Khun Vichai, you will be forever in our hearts’ and wearing black armbands, the Foxes summoned the strength to return to action.
Over 3,000 Foxes fans made the 300-mile round trip and also wore tributary t-shirts, as the Club united to pay their respects to a man that touched the lives of so many.
City’s performance was one Khun Vichai would have been proud of. They showed determination and resilience and played some fine, flowing football at Cardiff City Stadium.
After a wonderfully-observed minute’s silence, the game got underway. Bobby Decordova-Reid and Victor Camarasa both had opportunities for the hosts inside the opening five minutes, while Kasper Schmeichel was on hand to hold onto another Decordova-Reid attempt midway through the first half.
It was at that moment that Harry Maguire had to receive some treatment on the pitch following an earlier challenge with Callum Paterson. The central defender tried to carry on, but was eventually replaced by Jonny Evans.
Camarasa then struck the crossbar with a fierce strike, before City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi headed James Maddison’s corner wide of the mark from six yards out.
A flurry of goalscoring chances followed for Claude Puel’s men. First, Ricardo Pereira and Maddison were both denied by Neil Etheridge in quick succession, before Jamie Vardy’s strike hit former Fox Sol Bamba’s hand on the line. The ball bounced up onto the woodwork and the visiting side’s penalty appeals were waved away.
Leicester burst out of the blocks after the break, as Maddison and Evans both went close, before Schmeichel did brilliantly to remain alert to Josh Murphy’s effort at the front post.
Then came the decisive moment. Academy graduate Ben Chilwell raced down the left wing and delivered into Demarai Gray, who side-footed home on his first Premier League start since mid-September.
City’s celebration was a particularly poignant one. After Gray had revealed a special ‘For Khun Vichai’ message under his shirt, the squad showed their togetherness by collectively applauding the Blue Army, who throughout the game passionately chanted the name of our late Chairman.
The Foxes were tested at times after Gray’s goal, but were intent on delivering all three Premier League points, as Ndidi had to clear Bamba’s overhead kick off the line.
Chances to make it 2-0 then fell to Evans and Vardy, as the former headed wide, before the latter saw his shot saved by the legs of Etheridge.
However, Gray’s goal proved to be enough, and after the game, the entire City squad and backroom staff made their way over to the away end, where Khun Vichai’s name continued to ring out.
The Club’s players, staff and fans were not just celebrating a win, but they were also celebrating the life of a man that made the dreams of Leicester City supporters a reality.
That one was for you, Khun Vichai.