Leicester City beat Brighton for their fifth successive Premier League win to strengthen their hold on the second spot. Meanwhile, Jamie Vardy maintained his brilliant scoring streak.
Vardy has been key to the Foxes’ form. He once again was the shining light on a dark, rainy day on the South Coast.
The striker set up Ayoze Perez for the 64th-minute opener after a swift counter-attack. He then added the second from the spot after his initial spot-kick saved and healed in by James Maddison had to be retaken for encroachment.
Foxes goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel failed to be tested once by the home side. Although Wilfred Ndidi made a brilliant block to deny Martin Montoya from hitting the target.
Is it time for Southgate to drop Vardy a line?
The 32-year-old effectively called time on his international career after the World Cup in 2018. But Gareth Southgate said at the start of the month that he had been “monitoring” the striker’s progress this season.
There was a suggestion that the manager wanted to focus on younger players in that position. But can he continue to leave out a player who has now scored nine goals in seven league games?
When his supply line failed to service him, Vardy turned provider for his team-mates and himself
The first goal from the spot after his initial effort had to be retaken. The penalty award coming after Demarai Gray had been fouled by Adam webster.
Vardy’s effort was saved by Mat Ryan before the ball was headed in by James Maddison. But the England midfielder’s celebrations were cut short when VAR informed referee Mike Dean of encroachment, gifting Vardy a reprieve.
“We could have scored more”
Leicester manager, Brendan Rodgers said, “We played very well considering we have come back from the international break. In the first 30 minutes, we had control of the game and had chances to go in front.”
“They started strongly in the second half but the boys have got resilience. You can be a good side by keeping the ball and creating chances from deep, but that is what we have”
“It was to be expected that Brighton would come on strong. Brighton is a good side. They have good football ideas and pass the ball. With a better selection of passes, we could have scored tougher.”