Leicester City 2-0 Watford, Premier League: 3 things learned

This article aims to uncover and analyse three incidents – some subtle others not – which Foxes of Leicester learned from Watford’s defeat by Leicester City in the Premier League, at the King Power Stadium.

Jamie Vardy’s penalty – won and scored – along with James Maddison’s wondrous effort, gave Leicester City an important three points versus Watford at the King Power Stadium. Certain lessons and education arise in each Premier League clash. This occasion was no different – giving us three undeniable talking points:

Leicester City don’t need possession to win or dominate

With two exceptionally determined central-defensive-midfielders, Leicester City can allow teams a large amount of possession. Wilfred Ndidi and Papy Mendy will breakdown the opponents’ attacks, generally. By tracking, intercepting and tackling – making a nuisance of themselves.

Consequently, when receiving or winning the ball in a fairly deep position, it gives opportunity to give Maddison the feet-pass. This way he is playing behind the midfield line and can pick a killer key-pass, assist a goal, or even finish it himself. We know he can score from an array of points on the pitch.

Another alternative is the ‘Drinky-to-Vards’ setup, apologies for the retro phrasing, but that was effective: Danny Drinkwater’s most important role was, essentially, to find Vardy on the quick break. Whether that be through the channel, low and fast or the old-fashioned, tried and tested long ball over the defenders’ heads. Marc Albrighton, Vicente Iborra and more are capable of finding the No.9 or ‘Madders’

Foxes of Leicester contributor Andy Bisnos explains the system required, fairly concisely: “We love pace. We love tackles, interceptions, winning headers, defending with heart and attacking with pace. Fast football, not necessarily counter-attacking football. Fast possession-based football.” Not to mention, Jonny Evans and Wes Morgan forming a burgeoning, formidable partnership, being a contributing factor.