Leicester City’s hopes of winning the Premier League 2 Division 1 title suffered a major setback as they were beaten 4-1 by a Luke Molyneux-inspired Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Requiring a win to remain level on points with leaders Arsenal the Foxes succumbed to a Sunderland side in need of victory themselves to retain any hope of remaining in the division.
Benjamin Mbunga-Kimpioka stunned the visitors with an opening goal in the very first minute after being set up by Jack Diamond, who also assisted Molyneux’s 20th-minute strike.
Six minutes later Sam Hughes gave Leicester hope with a 21st birthday goal but Diamond restored the Black Cats’ two-goal cushion in the second half with a fine solo effort, before Molyneux struck again.
Leicester are three points behind the Gunners with a match of the season to go, meaning Arsenal can clinch the title with a victory over West Ham United at London Stadium on Friday.
Third-placed Liverpool are also still in title contention, lying five points behind the north Londoners with two matches to play.
The win lifts Sunderland a point clear of the relegation places with a match remaining, but Derby County, a point back in 11th and with a match in hand, can leapfrog them by avoiding a home defeat to West Ham this evening.
See: Sunderland report | Leicester report
Next fixtures
Sunderland: 23 Apr v Swansea (A)
Leicester: 23 Apr v Derby (H)