Leicester in relegation zone after results go against champs

FILE - In this Saturday, May 7, 2016 file photo Leicester City team manager Claudio Ranieri has the crown of the trophy placed on his head by Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel as they celebrate becoming the English Premier League soccer champions at King Power stadium in Leicester, England. Leicester City announced Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017 that they have sacked manager Claudio Ranieri less than a year after their incredible run to the Premier League title. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File) (The Associated Press)

Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing, left, and Crystal Palace's Christian Benteke battle for the ball during the Premier League soccer match between Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough at Selhurst Park, London, England. Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017 (John Walton/PA via AP) (The Associated Press)

Chelsea players celebrate the goal of Chelsea's Diego Costa, hidden, during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Swansea City at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (The Associated Press)

Leicester's despair was amplified when the team that lifted the Premier League trophy last year slipped into the relegation zone on Saturday.

Leicester is yet to play since Claudio Ranieri, the manager who orchestrated the astonishing title triumph, was fired but results went against the champions on Saturday.

Crystal Palace's 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough lifted the south London club ahead of Leicester, which hosts Liverpool on Monday. Leicester is two points above last-placed Sunderland, which lost 2-0 at Everton, and only ahead of Hull on goal difference.

It looks increasingly certain Leicester will be surrendering the trophy to Chelsea. Antonio Conte's side surged 11 points clear of Manchester City by beating Swansea 3-1.