EPL: Leicester still alive and kicking, says Ranieri despite draw

Leicester: Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri said his side were ready to fight for the Premier League title after the setback of a 2-2 home draw against West Bromwich Albion.

Claudio Ranieri

Ranieri's men missed the chance to extend their lead to five points as they were held by West Brom on Tuesday and, in doing so, handed encouragement to their title rivals.

But Ranieri insists their spirit remains undimmed as they prepare for the final 10 games of the season, starting with Saturday's trip to Watford.

And he says he is more confident now, after seeing his side rattle the crossbar twice against West Brom, than after the thrilling, last-gasp 1-0 win over Norwich City in their previous game.

Leicester City's Jamie Vardy (in blue) heads the ball during their EPL match against West Brom at the King Power Stadium in Leicester on Tuesday. Pic/Getty Images

"It was a fantastic match and I am very pleased with our performance," said the Italian.

'We created chances'
"It was just the goal that was missing, but we created a lot of chances. We were a little unlucky, but I am more confident than after the game against Norwich.

"Against Norwich we won the game at the end, but we created very few chances. In this game we created a lot of chances, but we drew the match.

"It is OK. Four points from two difficult matches, it is fantastic. We are alive and our spirit is ready to fight again. I am happy, not that we didn't get the three points - you can't always get the three points - (but) our performance was fantastic.

"Of course, the players were not so happy, but I told my players that we are alive and we made a fantastic performance. Now they must focus on Watford."

Ranieri said before the game with West Brom that his side were underdogs for the title despite leading the table for several weeks. And he believes dropping two points against West Brom makes his side even bigger outsiders.