Claudio Ranieri jokingly labelled Leicester City s hard-fought 1-0 win over West Ham as his best moment of 2016, despite leading the Foxes to the Premier League title last season.
Leicester defied all predictions to complete a remarkable title triumph in 2015-16, but a run of just one win in nine league matches had left them just three points above the relegation zone before the Hammers visited the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
However, Islam Slimani s thunderous 20th-minute header and a stoic defensive showing ensured Leicester have breathing space over the bottom three heading into the new year.
And wily Italian Ranieri is now hopeful of climbing away from the danger zone after celebrating what he quipped was his personal highlight of the year.
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