Claudio Ranieri salutes Leicester reaching 20-point mark after West Ham win
Sunday 1 January 2017 10:25, UK
Claudio Ranieri saluted Leicester after victory over West Ham saw them hit the 20-point mark at the midway stage of the season.
2016 has been a year to remember for the Foxes after their unprecedented Premier League title victory, although a limp title defence and fear of relegation has seen the champions sharply return to reality.
Islam Slimani's sixth goal of the season edged a tight encounter against the Hammers as the Foxes moved six points clear of the drop zone.
And, on reflection, Ranieri claimed it was an apt way for Leicester to end a memorable year.
"It was important to win the match and finish 2016 in a fantastic way," he told Sky Sports. "For our fans, for everybody, this was a year we will all remember for our lives.
"It was important to get points for this season and get to 20 points.
"We needed to win, there was no other option. To get 20 points was our goal and it was important to get this victory.
"It was a very good match, the first half was fantastic. The first half hour was very good football and we created a lot of chances and they created very dangerous chances.
"In the second half they wanted to push more but we defended well and were very dangerous on the counter.
"At this moment we have had up and down moments. The Champions League was OK but in the league things have been up and down and that is not right for us.
"Now we must enjoy tonight and think about the next match."
A tight encounter turned feisty at times at the King Power Stadium, with referee Anthony Taylor brandishing eight yellow cards in the game.
In particular, the Foxes took offence with Havard Nordtveit's high challenge on Ben Chilwell, but Ranieri refused to criticise the referee's decision not to further punish the West Ham midfielder.
"From the bench it very difficult to see whether a tackle is dangerous," the Leicester boss added. "The referee was very close to the action, he can chose the right decision."
The January transfer window will open by the time Leicester next find themselves in action, away to Middlesbrough on Monday.
However, Ranieri insists he and his side are focused on matters at the Riverside Stadium.
"My focus is on Middlesbrough, not the January transfer window," he said.
