Vardy hails Rodgers masterplan
JAMIE VARDY saluted Brendan Rodgers for the masterplan and his team-mates for its execution as Leicester stunned Tottenham to go second in the Premier League table. ‘We came here with a plan and we absolutely nailed it,’ said Vardy. ‘We wanted to get about them, didn’t want to give them too much time. We felt we could let them come to the first third and when they came to the halfway line we could put the press on, find space and create chances.’ Vardy eclipsed Harry Kane, scoring his 13th goal of the season from a penalty in first-half stoppage time, awarded for a foul by Serge Aurier on Wesley Fofana. And the 33-year-old former England striker can also take credit for the second in the 2-0 win, applying the pressure to force an own goal by Toby Alderweireld. ‘He’s one of the best strikers in the world,’ said Rodgers. ‘At what he does, there’s not too many better. ‘His strength is on the last line. There’s no ego. He puts the work in. He’s not frightened to do the dirty work. He runs, he presses. Tactically, he’s very good and he’s there in pressure moments, he puts the penalty away. ‘He must be horrible to play against. His movement is so clever. That’s why he hits this level. I can’t speak highly enough of him. He’s a great guy, a great professional.’ Leicester have won six out of seven away from home in the Premier League. ‘maybe it shows we’re doing something wrong in the home games,’ quipped Vardy, who limped off at the end but confirmed it was nothing serious and he expects to be fit to face manchester United on Boxing Day. ‘I’m getting old,’ he told Sky Sports. ‘Just a little tweak. Better to come off than risk anything. I’m absolutely fine.’ Leicester are second in the table at Christmas behind champions Liverpool, but after fading at the end of last season and missing out on the Champions League, Rodgers is refusing to get carried away. ‘We’ve got such a long road ahead,’ said the Leicester boss. ‘We’re searching for the consistency. At this point, we’re in a really good place and we’ll continue to work and see where it takes us. ‘our ambition is to continue improving. We won’t get carried away but we won’t lose our enthusiasm.’