Rodgers was modest after masterminding Leicester win at Arsenal

Foxes of Leicester explains and analyses what Brendan Rodgers said after masterminding Leicester City’s win at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

It appears as though Brendan Rodgers’ masterminding of victories at so-called ‘Big Six’ clubs’ home grounds is not a fluke. No. In fact, it is a form of revival of Muhammad Ali’s infamous ‘rope-a-dope’ boxing technique from his bout with then world heavyweight champion George Foreman, aka the Rumble in the Jungle contest.

In all seriousness, Rodgers has seemingly drilled his squad to perfection on the art of soaking up more than an hour’s pressure, and then attacking ferociously with some fresh, forward-thinking substitutes added into the mix. Anyway, it worked – and I’m sure the 47 year old never actually contemplated Ali’s philosophy or scheme.

A tactical nugget from Leicester City boss

Additionally, the former Liverpool gaffer did reveal that tactically Leicester targeted Arsenal’s Swiss midfield man Granit Xhaka. Dennis Praet was the operative who would exploit Xhaka’s slowness; usually the Belgian presses the full-back, although this time, when the Gunner went to the side, Praet pounced.

This stratagem made it difficult for Arteta’s team to attack on the right side. Incidentally, Kieran Tierney had too much joy on the left from Timothy Castagne’s rather weak defending. A by-product of Praet’s success in closing down Xhaka.

Rodgers also praised Cengiz Under; the Turk bagged an assist for the crucial finish. Meanwhile the manager was modest when asked about a “master plan” by LCFC.com, but did explain how the Vardy ploy was planned. Not to mention the boss being thoroughly impressed with the tight defensive lines which denied Arsenal space to work.

Jamie Vardy also spoke after the match, saying Under put the assist on a “plate” for him. Furthermore, the striker stated that gaining three points at Emirates Stadium was “brilliant”.