EPL: Leicester City Edge Southampton 2-0 as Jamie Vardy Scores 199th Goal

Leicester City defeated Southampton 2-0, with Jamie Vardy's strike and Jordan Ayew's free-kick securing a crucial win for the Foxes and extending their miserable season for the Saints.

Jamie Vardy scored his 199th Leicester City goal, helping the Foxes secure a 2-0 victory over struggling Southampton at King Power Stadium. With his contract set to expire this summer, Vardy is now just one goal away from reaching the 200-goal milestone, having three games left to achieve it.

Vardy's strike came in the 17th minute when he expertly swept the ball into the roof of the net, marking Leicester's first home Premier League goal since December 8. The home fans' celebrations continued before halftime when Jordan Ayew doubled the lead with a precise half-volley, tucking it into the bottom corner after his initial free-kick rebounded off the Southampton wall.

The match was briefly disrupted by an unusual incident when Jordan Ayew accidentally struck referee David Webb in the face, forcing Webb off the field injured. In a lighthearted moment, Jamie Vardy picked up Webb's whistle and pretended to stop play before it was confirmed the referee couldn't continue. Fourth official Sam Barrott took over after an 11-minute delay.

After play resumed, Leicester quickly capitalized on the momentum, with Bilal El Khannouss earning a free-kick that led to Ayew's decisive goal. Southampton struggled to create clear chances, and their rare threat was snuffed out when a goal was ruled offside. The decision came after Paul Onuachu's header rebounded off Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk, only for Mateus Fernandes to tap in what would have been a Southampton goal.

The 2-0 loss confirmed Southampton's record-equalling third finish at the bottom of the Premier League. The Saints still need one more point to match the lowest points tally in Premier League history, set by Derby County in the 2007-08 season with 11 points.

The match became a battle for pride, with Leicester emerging victorious. The Foxes rewarded their loyal fans with a much-needed win, ending an 11-match league winless streak that stretched back to their victory at Tottenham on January 26.

After a slow start, Jamie Vardy's goal energized the King Power Stadium crowd, with fans humorously chanting “we've scored a goal” in celebration. The 38-year-old's strike was his 144th in the top flight, moving him to 14th in the Premier League's all-time scoring chart, tying with Robin van Persie.

Vardy is also chasing a club milestone, needing just two more appearances to reach 500 games for Leicester. Earlier in the match, Aaron Ramsdale denied Vardy his 200th goal for the Foxes with a quick save on the striker's free-kick.

A first home win for @LCFC since the start of December! 🦊#LEISOU pic.twitter.com/0keC6KSau0

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 3, 2025

Bilal El Khannouss played a key role in both Leicester goals. He drove the ball into the box to set up Vardy's goal and later fooled Mateus Fernandes with his quick footwork to win the free-kick that led to Jordan Ayew's second goal.

Bilal El Khannouss had another chance to assist late in the match but opted to shoot instead, seeing his effort drift wide. This denied Jamie Vardy the opportunity to score his 200th goal or youngster Jeremy Monga a potential debut goal.

Southampton's plight continued as they remain on track to match the lowest Premier League points record of 11, set by Derby County 17 years ago. With upcoming fixtures against Manchester City, Everton, and Arsenal, their schedule offers little respite. Caretaker manager Simon Rusk's side will need to secure points quickly to avoid sharing the unwanted record.