Title odds swing once more after Leicester held by West Brom

Craig Gardner’s fine equaliser for West Brom against Leicester last night had plenty of small but significant knock-on effects in the quest for the most open Premier League in years.

The Baggies’ midfielder caused Claudio Ranieri’s Foxes to drop two crucial points, and in turn shifted the east Midlands side from favourites to third in the betting for this season’s league title.

That honour now goes to Tottenham at 15/8, followed by Arsenal at 23/10 and then Leicester slipping from 2/1 to 7/2.

But with Spurs heading to in-form West Ham this evening, and then hosting the Gunners in the north London derby in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off, there’s plenty to suggest Leicester fans shouldn’t get downhearted just yet.

Ranieri’s men face lower league opposition in each of their next three fixtures, beginning with a trip to Watford this weekend, followed by the visit of Newcastle and then a visit to south London at Crystal Palace.

The Foxes could easily have won last night, hitting the crossbar twice as they dominated against Tony Pulis’ dogged Baggies.

There’s little to suggest any lack of performance from Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez et al, and at least one of their two chasing rivals must drop points before next weekend is over.

Ranieri will be fully aware too that his side don’t have any other commitments to deal with this term, with just ten games remaining for Leicester, with Tottenham and Man City both still in European contention, and Arsenal additionally seeking another FA Cup success too.

With the Foxes also having two weeks off during February, it could be that we don’t see the benefit of those rested legs until well into April and May.

So while the naysayers may be thinking Leicester’s game is up, there’s every reason to belief it might actually be just getting started.