Leicester 1-1 Stoke: Jack Butland howler hands Foxes point

Jack Butland's goalkeeping howler handed Leicester a 1-1 draw with Stoke at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

The Potters looked on course for only their second league victory under Paul Lambert when Xherdan Shaqiri curled a fine effort home two minutes before half-time.

But, for the second away game running, a vital three points were surrendered when Butland spilled a fierce Marc Albrighton cross into his own net on 70 minutes.

After Butland atoned with a stunning stop to deny Riyad Mahrez, Leicester struck the woodwork twice, but Stoke held on for a point which leaves them 19th in the Premier League. Leicester climb to seventh.

Leicester had Stoke on the ropes with a bright start which yielded three corners in the first two minutes, but that early momentum soon dissipated as the visitors settled.

Badou Ndiaye drew Kasper Schmeichel into a comfortable save from the edge of the area on 13 minutes while Riyad Mahrez, making his first league start since his January move away from Leicester fell through, fired wide on the half hour.

An uneventful first half look to be meandering to a close until Wilfried Ndidi lost possession while trying to usher the ball out of play, Joe Allen threaded Shaqiri into space and the Switzerland international curled a fine effort beyond Schmeichel at the end of a purposeful run.

Shell-shocked after going behind, Leicester so nearly gifted Stoke a second early in the second period as Shaqiri returned a poor Schmeichel clearance with interest from 40 yards, but his effort narrowly missed the target.

And the Foxes looked bereft of ideas against a resolute Stoke outfit until an Albrighton's cross from the right proved too hot for Butland to handle, and he turned the ball into his goal.

Butland soon made amends, though, thwarting Mahrez's shot from the edge of the area with a point-blank save, moments before tipping Harry Maguire's drive onto the post.

A last-gasp block from Kurt Zouma prevented Mahrez from converting a one-on-one before Matty James saw a header cannon against the post in the final minute as Stoke clung on for a point in a game they will feel they should have won.

Opta stats

• After winning five of their first eight Premier League games under Claude Puel (D2 L1), Leicester have enjoyed just two victories in the last 11 (D4 L5).
• Stoke have won just one of their last nine top-flight games (D4 L4), scoring a total of just six goals in that period.
• Since the start of last season, the Potters have scored seven own-goals in the Premier League, more than any other side.
• Xherdan Shaqiri has scored in three consecutive games in Europe's big five leagues for the first time ever.
• Tyrese Campbell made his Premier League debut 4326 days after his father Kevin Campbell last made an appearance in the competition (April 2006 v Newcastle).

The managers

Claude Puel: "I think it was not enough to win the game. I think a draw is perhaps a fair result today. It was a fantastic save from their goalkeeper. This team in this moment play well, they have a good spirit, good defence, and Shaqiri can make the difference."

Paul Lambert: "I think as I've said before, Shaqiri is a real world class footballer, and he was unlucky with his vision in the second half. He makes things happen. Thankfully he's playing ever so well, which is great for us, but I couldn't fault the team in every department."

Man of the Match - Xherdan Shaqiri

In a game which offered little in terms of attacking threat, Stoke's attacking maestro rose to the occasion. His goal was sublime and his overall performance, ensuring Stoke had an outball as Leicester applied the pressure, were vital in securing a point. How vital it will be for the Potters' season remains to be seen.

What's next?

Leicester welcome Bournemouth to the King Power Stadium and Stoke travel to Southampton on Saturday, March 3.

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