The Premier League Game of Thrones
By Ryan Wrenn
Nigel Pearson – Leicester City
Projected Finish: 18th
How’d he do?
An impressive and surprising promotion campaign in the Championship last season made some think Pearson’s Leicester side was ready to contend in the bottom half of the Premier League. Though his side mustered some strong performances, they have regularly been marred by late opposition comebacks and plain old bad luck. The last five games could be the most significant run of their season. A midweek game against a Chelsea side slated to earn the Premier League title with a win might be improbable, but easier games await. Wins there might begin to make Pearson’s season look a lot better.
Season Highlight: The insane 5-3 victory over a struggling early season Manchester United.
Season Lowlight: The 3-4 narrow loss to Tottenham Hotspur. Only the second time all season Leicester scored more than 2 goals in a match, the game was compromised by a poor defensive effort.
Future?
Out. Pearson supposedly survived a sacking by Leicester’s ownership back in February. Relegation will likely leave him less lucky this time around. He’s been with the club since 2011, but a failure to stay up in the Premier League in his first season will no doubt make his length of tenure irrelevant. His success with Leicester last season will make him a favorite to fill other Championship vacancies however.