Leicester City leave it late to beat Brighton

Champions of 2016 climb to second place, seven points clear of Manchester United

epa09058078 Leicester's Daniel Amartey (L) celebrates with teammate Marc Albrighton (R) after scoring the 2-1 lead during the English Premier League soccer match between Brighton Hove Albion and LeiceShow more

Leicester ignited its push for Champions League qualification by coming from behind to beat relegation-threatened Brighton 2-1 and climb into second place in the Premier League on Saturday.

A header from Daniel Amartey from an 87th minute corner completed Leicester’s comeback after Kelechi Iheanacho equalised on 62 minutes.

Adam Lallana’s well-worked early goal put Brighton ahead at Amex Stadium.

Leicester moved above Manchester United and are seven points clear of fifth-place Everton in the race to finish in the top four.

Despite recent injuries to Harvey Barnes, James Maddison, James Justin and Jonny Evans, Leicester are showing resolve, coming from behind to draw at Burnley in midweek.

Amartey made amends after he was at fault for Brighton's opener when he sloppily conceded possession from a throw-in deep in Leicester territory.

Neal Maupay fed Lallana, who coolly slotted past Kasper Schmeichel to claim his first Premier League goal since earning former club Liverpool a 1-1 draw at Manchester United in October 2019.

The goal provided some welcome respite for Brighton manager Graham Potter, with his side perilously close to the relegation zone.

Leicester regrouped, however, and equalised when Lallana gave away possession in Brighton's half.

Youri Tielemans' clever pass caught out Brighton captain Lewis Dunk and the unmarked Iheanacho, who scored the late winner when the clubs met in the fifth round of the FA Cup a month ago, lifted the ball confidentlyover Robert Sanchez and into the top-right corner.

The winner came when Sanchez flapped at Marc Albrighton’s corner from the left, allowing the stooping Amartey to net with a simple, close-range finish.