James Maddison hits back at media criticism amid claims that Leicester are in a relegation scrap

James Maddison has rubbished claims that Leicester played poorly on Saturday during their 1-0 defeat against Southampton, hitting back at the media criticism on social media.

Brendan Rodger’s side suffered a narrow loss in their crucial six-pointer against the Saints at the weekend, falling to 15th in the table just two points above the relegation zone.

Carlos Alcaraz’s first-half strike handed the hosts a vital lead before the break, and Leicester struggled to level the scoreboard with an equaliser in the second half, failing to register a single shot on target despite 11 attempt on goal.

Furious with the media’s criticism of Leicester’s performance, Maddison took to social media on Tuesday to hit back at claims that the Foxes are at serious risk of relegation.

He urged that his side ‘created numerous brilliant chances’ at St Mary’s and will have no problem escaping the drop if they match those efforts in future games.

James Maddison rubbished claims that Leicester are in danger of Premier League relegation

Carlos Alcaraz netted in the first half to hand Southampton a crucial 1-0 win against the Foxes

Responding to an article written by The Athletic, Maddison tweeted: ‘Rubbish. Watch and analyse the game properly and stop writing headlines like that which you know makes fans pile on with negativity. 

‘Play like that and we’ll be absolutely fine. Created numerous brilliant chances and win comfortably on another day.’

The article accused Leicester of showing fragility in defence and wasting several chances during the match, whilst also managing the game poorly.

Leicester have not been in relegation trouble since their title triumph in 2015-16.

Maddison urged that Leicester ‘created brilliant chances’ and would have won on another day

The loss on the south coast marked Leicester third successive defeat in the Premier League, which now has nine teams at genuine risk of relegation.

Southampton climbed off the foot of the table but are still in the relegation zone alongside Everton and rock-bottom Bournemouth.

However, only six points separate the Cherries from Crystal Palace in 12th place, and Wolves, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Leeds could easily find themselves in the drop zone as well after a couple of slip-ups.

Leicester face six of the bottom nine before the end of the campaign, with a crucial clash against the Hammers on the final day of the season.