Two teams who seemingly have the quality but not the consistency to force their way into the title race played out a match fairly emblematic of that fact, but Halfman’s ability to turn it on at key moments made the difference. It took until the 75th minute for the deadlock to be broken but Hazard equalised Politano’s opener in short order – it wasn’t until stoppage time when Mahrez fired home. This will be a blow for Galthier’s side.

By Dame Judi Denche