Leicester City knew the situation before Southampton’s visit to the King Power Stadium: win, and they’d move seven points clear with six Premier League games remaining.
Spurs’ draw at Liverpool gave the Foxes a chance to extend their lead, and spirits were high before the game.
The title race wasn’t the only thing up in the air, mind you.
Leicester fan tells me that supporters paid for plane banner to wish club owner happy birthday, a man who is worth £2.1billion.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) April 3, 2016
Southampton were out to frustrate, though, and the early proceedings were pretty even.
https://twitter.com/iainmacintosh/status/716604798708162560
It wasn’t just Leicester fans getting emotionally involved in proceedings.
The extent to which I am invested in Leicester vs Southampton is both demeaning and embarrassing
— Andy (@andyyy_1) April 3, 2016
Except Tottenham-, Arsenal- and Southampton -fans….
Are there ANY football-fans around the world who don't support Leicester today?
— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) April 3, 2016
And the noise for the Foxes got even louder when Wes Morgan put them ahead shortly before half-time.
https://twitter.com/RWhittall/status/716613560768589826
If Wes Morgan's happy, I'm happy.
— Nick Miller (@NickMiller79) April 3, 2016
There was a contentious first-half moment, though, with a handball appeal against Danny Simpson dividing opinion.
I know his arm is tucked in and the ball hits his elbow, but that's clearly a deliberate handball by Simpson.
— Huw Davies (@thehuwdavies) April 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/TheM_L_G/status/716612413030686721
The ludicrous discussion about a handball that could never be given is distracting from how poor a miss that was from Mane. Has to score
— Jonny Singer (@Jonny_Singer) April 3, 2016
After the break, Simpson was at the centre of another flashpoint, missing a glorious chance when it seemed easier to score.
https://twitter.com/TintinnyTins/status/716626517309190145
And there was another big handball appeal, this time against Robert Huth.
https://twitter.com/ryan_defreitas/status/716626755935674371
https://twitter.com/ODQuiet/status/716626913234694144
But in the end Claudio Ranieri’s team held on for a fourth successive 1-0 win. Four more of those and no one can stop them being crowned champions.
So, so in love with this Leicester story. Could’ve easily have bottled it months ago, and yet, week after week, they continue to win. C’MON.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) April 3, 2016
Leicester winning the league will be exactly like when Napoli became champions except they'll have done it without Maradona. Makes you think
— Out of Context Bandwagons (@bifurcated_MBM) April 3, 2016
There are still a few cynics out there, though.
https://twitter.com/Tom_FA/status/716632317146636289