Leicester 2-0 Watford: 3 standout Foxes in home win
Winter is certainly making its presence felt on both sides of the pond currently as it seems as cold here in my area of the eastern United States as it was in Leicester City’s King Power Stadium. While football fans may have time honored traditions to combat the cold at matches, nothing warms a fan like a few goals for their team. The home side certainly made Foxes faithful wait for that warmth today but it was definitely well worth it.
LCFC hosted Watford F.C. today and the game went as one would expect. The Foxes dominated possession with Watford waiting to break on the counter attack. In my notes I put down that some players looked rusty, which is fair due to some having been away on international duty for their respective countries.
There was more than one opportunity for Watford to take the lead but again Enzo Maresca’s side were granted reprieve; it seems very few teams in this division have the finishing quality to consistently punish our mistakes. In the end, Jamie Vardy scored two goals to seal the win for Leicester, who had lost their previous two league matches. Here are my top three players in this relieving home victory.
Third in my list is Ricardo Pereira. He captained the side today and I believe had one of his better games so far this season. He was solid on the defensive side of the ball as well as contributing in his usual-productive manner offensively. If I’m being honest, he never is a problem offensively. It’s always defending where I felt he’s had deficiencies.
The Portuguese fullback is not the biggest in stature or weight and even as witnessed today, can be bodied or thrown off the ball quite easily at times. In a system where ball retention is absolutely critical it’s risky at times having him in midfield knowing he is so slight. I know it’s his technical skill that gets the manager’s trust in the engine room but despite his thinner/smaller frame he puts himself about well, and showed it today.
Second in my list of top three players for this crucial win is the G.O.A.T., Jamie Vardy. I will admit, before he scored his two goals if we didn’t win this game he was going to be on my naughty list; coal from Father Christmas for ‘Vards’ this year. But seriously, it’s great to see him back scoring and enjoying his football. A happy Vardy is a happy team, I’ve always said.
The former golden boot winner was injecting life into this team after he scored in addition to providing goals. He made a great tackle that really got fans off their seats and I have no doubt that extra support from the home crowd helped push the players over the line. Not to mention a good ol’ fashioned Jamie Vardy “take it round the keeper” penalty draw, followed by their keeper being sent off requiring an outfield player to put on the gloves and jersey of the ejected Watford keeper, and subsequently fail to save Vardy’s penalty attempt.
Least and never last in my ratings but usually first is Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. I’m getting tired of writing his name, honestly. It’d be nice if it was shorter for how often I have to include him in these things. Again the Leicester City academy man put on an all around masterpiece of a performance. For 90% of this game if anything good was going to happen for Leicester, it was going to be through him.
Of course, Vardy’s first goal was pre-assisted by Dewsbury-Hall. The Foxes midfielder put in a set piece ball with quality which Jannik Vestergaard headed regretfully right at the keeper, but Vardy was there to pounce and slot the ball home. Many other instances throughout the game ‘K.D.H.’ showed his class and poise and was the crucial piece in any successful build up Leicester City had.
Next. Leicester may receive record payout from Everton as legal action begins. dark
Who would you have in your top three? Or maybe would it be the same as mine but in a different order? How do you think the Foxes played overall today? Find me on X and let’s discuss! Quick turnover this week as Leicester City Football Club take on Sheffield Wednesday F.C. this up coming Wednesday. Until then, hope to report to you again from the summit of the league. Up the City!