Patson Daka delivered a standout individual performance, scoring and assisting, but it proved in vain as Leicester City dramatically surrendered a three-goal half-time lead to lose 4–3 to Southampton at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Zambian international was at the heart of everything positive for Leicester in a dominant first half, earning a match-high 8.6 SofaScore rating, the best of any player on the pitch. Daka’s goal and assist took his tally to five goal contributions this season (two goals, three assists).
Daka leads Leicester blitz
Leicester made a flying start after surviving an early scare when Cameron Archer fired over for Southampton inside the opening minute. From there, it was Daka who set the tone.
The striker was instrumental in the opener inside 10 minutes. After Stephy Mavididi picked him out, Daka showed great awareness to lay the ball into the path of Divine Mukasa, who marked his full debut by calmly finishing into the bottom corner despite a touch from goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.
Daka then got his reward moments later. Showing trademark persistence and pace, he intercepted a loose back pass, rounded Peretz and calmly fired home despite defensive pressure on the line. It was his second goal of the season and first since November, capping a ruthless spell from Leicester.
Leicester went into the break firmly in control when Abdul Fatawu added a stunning third, firing in from a tight angle after Harry Winks won possession, making it 3–0 at half-time.
Momentum shifts after the break
Southampton emerged a different side in the second half and gradually wrestled control. Ross Stewart pulled one back on the hour mark, flicking in Léo Scienza’s cross at the near post as Leicester began to retreat.
Daka nearly restored Leicester’s cushion when he pounced on a weak header from Jack Stephens, but this time he could not lift the ball over Peretz as the Saints continued to press.
With 10 minutes remaining, Southampton’s belief grew. Captain Jack Stephens powered home to make it 3–2 after Ryan Manning kept the ball alive, setting up a nervy finish. Manning then completed the comeback in normal time, finishing inside the box from another Scienza assist to level the score.
Heartbreak at the death
Leicester thought they had survived when Asmir Begovic denied Finn Azaz in stoppage time, but Southampton were not done. With virtually the last kick of the match, substitute Shea Charles curled a fine effort into the far corner after a neat one-two with Azaz, sealing an astonishing 4–3 turnaround.
The result leaves Leicester 21st in the Sky Bet Championship, just above the relegation zone on goal difference. They next face Stoke City away on Saturday 21 February (12:30pm kick-off), before then attentions turns to an Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round clash with Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium this Saturday (3pm kick-off).
