Leicester City fans said they were happy to wait another day—or even longer—to secure their first Premier League title after their team drew 1-1 at Manchester United yesterday.
As the final whistle blew, local fans at the Local Hero pub near the club’s King Power Stadium defiantly chanted: “I know you don’t believe us, but we’re gonna win the league!”
Some even saw a silver lining to the draw, which means Leicester will now win the title if second-placed Tottenham Hotspur fail to beat Chelsea today.
If Tottenham win that match, Thai-owned Leicester’s next chance to take the title is on home turf at the King Power Stadium against Everton on Saturday.
“I’d prefer to win the league at home, though I don’t mind,” said Jack Barnett, 23. “I would take any positive outcome from tomorrow’s game between Chelsea and Spurs.”
Karishma Kapoor, 20, stands to win £10,000 (13,000 euros, $15,000) if Leicester seal victory after placing a £2 bet last year at odds of 5,000-1.
She said she was not in a rush to get her hands on the money—but was confident that she would.
“I will come back tomorrow but I’m not impatient,” she said. “I will enjoy these last games and if they win the title at home, it’s going to be great.”
Former England star Gary Lineker—Leicester’s most famous footballing son, who started out at Leicester City before going on to clubs including Barcelona—shared the fans’ phlegmatic attitude.
“It’s supposed to be enjoyable isn’t it? Excruciating watch, but a massive point!” he wrote on Twitter after the game at Old Trafford.
The Foxes’ blue and white flags were draped all over shops and monuments in the low-key central English city, known as the home of Britain’s top-selling crisp brand and for its textile industry.
Even if the big celebrations were on ice, some felt that the anticipation could make the festivities even more special if and when they do happen.
“It’s going to be a big and long party because we have waited a long time,” said Steve Bruce, who works in Leicester’s visitors’ centre.