LEICESTER, ENGLAND — The King Power Stadium erupted in the dying moments as Abdul Fatawu's spectacular 94th-minute strike secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for Leicester City over West Bromwich Albion, capping off a thrilling Championship encounter that defied conventional expectations. Despite being comprehensively outplayed for large periods and facing a relentless barrage of 16 shots from the visitors, Leicester demonstrated the clinical resilience and fighting spirit that has defined their recent resurgence.
The Foxes struck first through Jordan Ayew in the 18th minute, the Ghanaian forward finding the bottom left corner with a precise right-footed finish from the center of the box. His goal emerged from a beautifully orchestrated build-up play by Jordan James, whose vision and technique created the opening. The early goal momentarily settled Leicester's nerves, but West Bromwich Albion's response was immediate and forceful, with the visitors quickly seizing control of midfield and creating a series of threatening opportunities.
Karlan Grant restored parity for the Baggies in the 34th minute with a clinical right-footed effort that found the bottom right corner, perfectly set up by Alex Mowatt's intelligent pass. The goal was a just reward for West Bromwich Albion's sustained pressure, as they began to assert their dominance through the industrious Jayson Molumby and Mowatt's creative midfield orchestration.
The match statistics painted a compelling narrative of Leicester's extraordinary resilience. West Bromwich Albion dominated possession at 53.1% and generated significantly more chances, registering 16 shots compared to Leicester's 11. However, goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk emerged as the unexpected hero, producing a series of six outstanding saves that kept his side competitive when they could have been overwhelmed.
The Polish shot-stopper was particularly impressive in the second half, producing a remarkable double save in the 80th minute. First, he denied Samuel Iling-Junior's close-range header before making an instinctive reaction save to block George Campbell's follow-up effort. Earlier, in the 52nd minute, he had thwarted Isaac Price with a smart, low intervention that highlighted his exceptional positioning and reflexes.
Leicester manager's tactical adjustments proved crucial as the game entered its final stages. The introduction of Stephy Mavididi and Louis Page in the 70th minute injected fresh attacking energy, while Patson Daka's late arrival added further dynamism to their forward line. These strategic changes disrupted West Bromwich Albion's rhythm and created the spatial opportunities for a dramatic finale.
The turning point arrived deep into stoppage time when Leicester launched one final, desperate attack. Mavididi, who had been electric since his introduction, delivered a perfect cross from the left flank that found Fatawu unmarked in the center of the box. The Ghanaian winger's left-footed strike was nothing short of sublime—a curling effort that nestled into the top right corner with such precision that goalkeeper Josh Griffiths could only watch in despair.
The goal triggered euphoric celebrations among the Leicester faithful, who had witnessed their team absorb relentless pressure throughout the contest. Hamza Choudhury's 77th-minute yellow card represented Leicester's sole disciplinary moment in an otherwise disciplined performance, especially impressive given the constant attacking threat posed by West Bromwich Albion's quartet of Grant, Mikey Johnston, Isaac Price, and Aune Heggebø.
West Bromwich Albion will rue their inability to translate statistical dominance into goals, having registered eight shots on target compared to Leicester's three. Their final push in the closing stages, which included consecutive corners in the 89th and 90th minutes, ultimately proved futile against Leicester's resolute defensive unit led by Ben Nelson and Ricardo Pereira.
This victory represents another significant milestone in Leicester's Championship campaign, demonstrating their capacity to secure results even when not performing at their absolute best. The result will provide immense psychological boost heading into the season's critical phase, particularly given the extraordinary character displayed in securing victory under such dramatic circumstances.
Looking ahead, Leicester City will travel to their next Championship fixture with renewed confidence, while West Bromwich Albion will return home seeking to regroup and maintain their own promotion aspirations in what promises to be a fascinating conclusion to the season.