After numerous failed attempts, Leicester City finally achieved promotion back to the Premier League during the 2013-14 season.
It seemed throughout the summer that the club was determined to remain there as well, with big money being spent to sign the likes of Leonardo Ulloa from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Was that money well spent, though? Here, Sports Mole has reflected on how the Foxes have fared during the opening five months of the 2014-15 campaign.
August
Back in the Premier League following a 10-year absence, Leicester were certainly not eased in gently by the fixtures computer. Following a home clash with Everton, encounters against Chelsea and Arsenal would follow.
As it was, Nigel Pearson's men would come out of those games with plenty of credit and more points than what had perhaps been anticipated. A late equaliser from Chris Wood secured a 2-2 draw against the Toffees at the King Power Stadium, before a spirited display saw them go down 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
© Getty Images
Then, big-money signing Ulloa scored to help the Foxes claim a 1-1 draw against Arsenal.
On a negative note, though, League Two outfit Shrewsbury Town knocked Leicester out of the League Cup courtesy of Andy Mangan, who scored the only goal of the contest.
September
Following his goal against Arsenal, Argentine frontman Ulloa appeared to be full of confidence as September got underway.
Stoke is traditionally a difficult place to go, but Ulloa scored the only goal of the game as Leicester won 1-0 at the Britannia Stadium. The Foxes were also without goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel for that particular clash, but Ben Hamer deputised admirably.
© Getty Images
This was followed by arguably the Premier League's most eventful game of the season to date. Leicester trailed visiting Manchester United 2-0 and 3-1 at the King Power Stadium, but they ended up winning 5-3 on a dramatic afternoon. Ulloa scored twice, while Jamie Vardy produced a memorable man-of-the-match display.
That positive vibe soon subsided, though, when Pearson's men fell to a 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.
October
The month of October started badly for Leicester and failed to improve. Burnley at home will have been a game that Pearson had identified as one that his side should be collecting three points from, but Ross Wallace struck in injury time to rescue a 2-2 draw for the visitors.
A trip to Newcastle United followed, with Leicester going down to a strike from French winger Gabriel Obertan.
© Getty Images
The Foxes then failed to find the net again next time out at Swansea City, although Wilfried Bony didn't have the same problem as the Ivorian scored both of the Welsh team's goals at the Liberty Stadium.
As a result of their failure to win in October, Leicester dropped down to 17th in the Premier League table, just one point better of than 18th-placed Sunderland.
November
The trend continued in November, with goals and positive results hard to come by for Leicester. A bizarre own goal from Esteban Cambiasso ensured that West Bromwich Albion left the King Power Stadium with all three points at the start of the month.
Then, a trip to Southampton went unrewarded as Shane Long scored twice in the closing stages to secure a 2-0 victory for the home side.
© Getty Images
Back at the King Power Stadium Leicester's goal-shy form continued against Sunderland, who played out a 0-0 draw with the Foxes. It meant that they had now gone five Premier League matches without scoring a goal.
The drought ended towards the conclusion of the month thanks to Cambiasso and Jeff Schlupp at Loftus Road, but Queens Park Rangers still ran out 3-2 winners, leaving Leicester plummeting towards the bottom of the table.
December
The festive period would indeed be the time in which Leicester hit the foot of the table and not only that, they would lose the services of goalkeeper Schmeichel for a lengthy period with a broken foot.
Liverpool were the first side to visit the King Power Stadium and they returned to Merseyside with a 3-1 victory to show for their efforts. Then, Paul Konchesky was red-carded during the 2-1 loss away at fellow strugglers Aston Villa, before back to back defeats were inflicted by champions Manchester City and West Ham United.
© Getty Images
Tottenham Hotspur were the visitors to the King Power on Boxing Day, with former Leicester loanee Harry Kane continuing his fine form in front of goal in a 2-1 victory for the North Londoners. It was a result that meant Leicester were winless in 13 Premier League matches and even at this stage, looked destined for the drop.
But, just as hope was fading, 2014 ended on a high note away at Hull City, where Riyad Mahrez scored the only goal of the encounter. Having said that, it was a match to forget for full-back Konchesky, who was sent off for the second time in a month.
Position at start of 2015: 20th
Star player so far: Kasper Schmeichel
Must do better: Leonardo Ulloa
Where they need to strengthen in January: Attack
Mid-season grade: D-
To see Leicester's remaining fixtures in 2014-15, click here.
