Van Nistelrooy vows Leicester ‘still in the fight’ to avoid drop

In Leicester’s favour, however, is time.

A five-point deficit is not insurmountable and they have 11 league games left – that’s 33 points to play for.

But their upcoming run of fixtures look tough with their next four games being trips to Chelsea and Manchester City and home matches against Manchester United and Newcastle.

Leicester defender Wout Faes says the players still believe they can stay up.

“Of course, there has to be belief,” the Belgian said.

“Weekend after weekend the games count down. I don’t think we have to think too much about going forward. We just have to think game by game and we have to start winning very soon because the games are counting down.”

Those who have watched some of their recent games, however, are not so optimistic.

Former Leicester midfielder Neil Lennon said on TNT Sports: “I hate to say it about any group of players but it is really hard to make a case for them on what we have seen.

“West Ham didn’t have to be anywhere near their best to win the game comfortably. There was zero quality, zero belief and the game just seemed to pass them by.”

“I think they are gone,” added former Chelsea forward Joe Cole. “I think them and Southampton are gone.

“How do you get these players to show some kind of spark from now to the end of the season?”