Brendan Rodgers heaps praise on ‘outstanding’ Jamie Vardy

Brendan Rodgers hails the return of Jamie Vardy after his side gets back to winning ways with three second-half goals.

Leicester City were able to put a period of bad form behind them on Wednesday night with a 3-0 win over bottom of the table Norwich City.

Brendan Rodgers’ side hadn’t won in seven games prior to the victory, losing four and drawing three, the Foxes still reeling from the disappointment of their UEFA Conference League semi-final exit to Roma just over a week ago.

Jamie Vardy and Teemu Pukki came closest in the first half. The former denied at close range by the impressive Angus Gunn before Pukki was denied by the post after untidy Leicester defending.

Following an almost exhibition-like opening 45 minutes at the King Power Stadium, the hosts turned up the heat after the break.

A vicious deflection helped supply the opener, and Jamie Vardy’s first goal since returning from a knee injury two weeks ago before the talismanic number ‘9’ doubled the scoring soon after.

Harvey Barnes provided two slide through balls for Vardy’s brace, getting the better of former England U21 teammate Max Aarons with the two engaged in a fascinating battle.

James Maddison, whose positive form helped lessen the burden felt in Vardy’s absence, sealed the victory with a venomous half-volley into the roof of the net.

“He was outstanding tonight, his physicality, his running and pressing,” said Rodgers post-match. “The second goal was classic really. We worked it really well and Jamie does what he does.”

"“I thought he worked so hard tonight. In some of the earlier games, he wasn’t quite at that fitness level. I kept him on to see if he could get a hat-trick- but it was not to be!“You’ve got to be careful with expectation. He’ll be 36 in January. He’s not going to be running around like he’s 22. He was back at a high level tonight, which was great.”[Via: BBC Radio Leicester]"

Jamie Vardy’s brace sealed his 150th league goal in a Leicester City shirt, further extending his lead as the most prolific Premier League striker in the club’s history (128).

Centre-back Wesley Fofana was expected to start the tie but was replaced by Daniel Amartey ahead of kick-off.

“He had a soreness in his calf,” Rodgers clarified post-match.

"“We gave him every chance to play. He’ll be fine for the weekend. He’s a young player who’s still recovering.”"

The win moves Leicester into the top half of the table ahead of trips to Watford and Chelsea in the next week before finishing the season at home to Southampton.