Leicester City's 2015–16 season changed Premier League history forever.
From relegation escape to stunning Manchester United, their rise disrupted the top-six order.
Explore how Leicester City standings reflect more than numbers—follow BRG365 for more legendary matchups.
The Rise from Obscurity
Before their meteoric rise, Leicester City standings told a much humbler tale.
Just two years prior to their title win, the club had been battling in the Championship (English football’s second tier), and even flirted with relegation to League One in 2008–09.
In the 2014–15 Premier League season, Leicester were bottom of the table at Christmas.
Most pundits had already written them off. But a string of unexpected wins towards the end of the season helped them finish 14th, escaping relegation in what was already called the "Great Escape."
That escape laid the foundation for something greater—though no one could have predicted what came next.
2015–16: A Season of Surprises
In terms of Leicester City standings, the 2015–16 campaign remains the ultimate anomaly in Premier League history.
Managed by the affable Claudio Ranieri, a coach known more for second-place finishes than silverware, Leicester built a team not of superstars, but of journeymen and overlooked talents.
Jamie Vardy, once playing in non-league football, scored in 11 consecutive matches. Riyad Mahrez, signed for just £500,000, dazzled defenders. And N’Golo Kanté covered every blade of grass in midfield.
Their tactics were simple but devastatingly effective: defend deep, press with intelligence, and counterattack with ruthless precision.
By April, they were top of the league—and they never looked back.
Leicester City standings across the season consistently defied expectations, and by the end, they finished 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal. That margin wasn’t just a win—it was domination.
Read More: 93:20 Miracle: Man City vs QPR 2012 – Premier League’s Finest Finale
Breaking Down the Numbers
|
Season |
Final Standing |
Points |
Top Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2014–15 |
14th |
41 |
Leonardo Ulloa (11) |
|
2015–16 |
1st |
81 |
Jamie Vardy (24) |
|
2016–17 |
12th |
44 |
Vardy (13) |
|
2024–25 (so far) |
18th (as of May) |
29 |
Patson Daka (6) |
As the table shows, Leicester City standings peaked in 2015–16, only to regress to the mean in the seasons that followed.
But that high point continues to inspire clubs and fans worldwide.
How Ranieri Rewrote the EPL History
The 4-4-2 Diamond
Ranieri’s system prioritized compact defense and lightning transitions.
With Kanté as the shield, Danny Drinkwater orchestrated play (89% pass accuracy), while Mahrez and Vardy exploited spaces.
Their 32% of goals from counters was the highest in the league, with transitions averaging 7.2 seconds from turnover to shot.
A prime example: Vardy’s 9-second solo goal against Manchester United in December 2015, which ended the Red Devils’ 13-game clean sheet streak.
Data-Driven Recruitment
Leicester’s scouting team identified undervalued gems: Kanté (£5.6m from Caen), Mahrez (£400k from Le Havre), and Vardy (£1m from Fleetwood Town).
These signings formed the backbone of their success, with Kanté’s 165 tackles (EPL high) and Mahrez’s 17 goals + 11 assists proving transformative.
Psychological Warfare
Ranieri fostered a "no-pressure" culture, granting players two days off weekly and allowing pre-match meals with wine.
His mantra—"It’s this year or never"—instilled a siege mentality, while his quips ("We are like Forrest Gump") endeared him to fans and media alike.
Read More: Sergio Agüero: Man City’s Super Striker and the 93:20 Legend
Beyond the Stats: A Cultural Moment
Leicester’s story was more than just about football. It became a symbol of hope in a sport increasingly dominated by money.
At a time when transfer fees were skyrocketing, and the “big six” seemed untouchable, Leicester City showed that team chemistry, heart, and belief could still triumph.
Ranieri famously told his players, “You are writing a script for history.” And they did. The city of Leicester erupted in celebration, with hundreds of thousands joining the victory parade.
Shirts bearing the words "5000–1" became collector’s items. The club’s global following surged overnight, making Leicester City standings a topic of worldwide interest.
Read More: Reveal Epic Story of EPL Matches: History, Culture, and Classic Moments
Why the Miracle Was Unrepeatable？
After winning the title in 2016, Leicester City lost momentum.
They dropped to 12th in 2016–17, and key players like Kanté left for bigger clubs. By 2025, with a low wage budget (£65m vs Man City’s £312m) and no stars like Vardy or Mahrez, they were 19th in the league—just three points above relegation.
Their 2016 win came during a rare slump from big clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool, and before VAR.
Since then, the "Big Six" spend far more, and with data analytics now common, finding hidden talents like Kanté is much harder. Leicester’s miracle is unlikely to happen again.
2025 Season’s Cruel Reality
Leicester City’s 2025 season highlights their decline.
Under Brendan Rodgers, they’ve struggled in defense (48 goals conceded) and attack (15 goals in 26 games).
Their 4-2-3-1 setup lacks the speed of 2016, and players like Dewsbury-Hall can’t replace Kanté’s impact.
With six starters under 23, their inexperience showed in a 0–3 loss to Manchester United. Without Jamie Vardy, who scored 24 goals in 2016, the attack lacks bite—current striker Iheanacho has only 4 goals this season.
Leicester City standings may fluctuate, but the club’s place in football folklore is cemented.
Whether they’re top of the table or fighting relegation, Leicester's legacy is secure.
Also Read: Finding the true meaning of Leicester City's miracle of 2016
