Nigel Pearson's bold tactics give Leicester City the edge in Premier League relegation scrap

COMMENT: The Leicester boss has endured the media spotlight more than he would like this season, but his managerial abilities are unquestioned

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After Leicester City's third consecutive Premier League win, over Swansea City on Saturday, Nigel Pearson was asked how he planned to spend the remainder of his weekend.

“I look forward to tomorrow,” he replied, in his usual phlegmatic manner. “Sunday; nice day. I won’t be watching any football, that’s for sure. I may do a bit of gardening.”

The 51-year-old is astute enough to detect and counteract those sort of questions, designed to provide the next morning's headline.

It’s a small wonder that Pearson even entertains the lightest of queries from the national media after the treatment he’s endured at the King Power Stadium this season.

Was his season ‘waxing away?’ Perhaps, but it certainly isn’t anymore.

Saturday’s victory, following late wins over West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion, has propelled the Foxes to within touching distance of survival.

Boldly starting the match with just three defenders, in the 3-4-3 system which had paid off so handsomely at the Hawthorns, it was a statement of intent from the Leicester manager.

Garry Monk, who must wait a while longer to better the Swans’ highest-ever Premier League points tally, was typically humble in defeat.

He said: “We probably got out-fought which I haven't said too many times this season.”

Pearson, meanwhile, is a keen admirer of the 36-year-old and the standards which are kept at the Liberty Stadium.

Speaking in midweek, the former Southampton and Hull City boss hinted that others could learn from the Welsh club’s recent success. Just who he meant, is anyone’s guess.

“It is very commendable of Swansea to have appointed him,” he said.

“Garry has been at the club a long time and for him to go into his first coaching job as a Premier League manager is fantastic.

“I think he has coped very well and it reinforces that old argument of continuity. I think Swansea’s model is a very good model which works for them.

“For a number of years now, they’ve appointed people who fit their model. Maybe that’s a lesson for other clubs.”

It’s easy for supporters and journalists alike to forget that Pearson almost singlehandedly dragged Leicester up onto their feet from their lowest ever point, the third tier, in 2008.

Some of the records achieved during last year’s Championship winning campaign – including nine straight league victories – are unlikely to be broken any time soon either.

After winning three Premier League games in a row for the first time since 2000, under Martin O’Neill, Leicester can go one further with three points against Burnley on Saturday.

"The situation that we are in means that we do not have much margin for error,” Pearson added. “But to achieve three wins on the trot at this stage of the season is a big plus for us.

“We have got to keep our fate in our own hands as much as possible. Winning games does that.”