V FOR VICTORY
Getting Vardy back firing is key to City’s hopes
GETTING Jamie Vardy firing again could be key to ensuring Leicester City suffer no hangover from their Europa League exit when they face Arsenal tomorrow.
City are straight back into action after their shock defeat to Slavia Prague and manager Brendan Rodgers insists his team will respond with an improved performance as they continue their topfour bid.
Their last three losses have been followed up with a victory.
Rodgers said of his players: “They won’t be (feeling sorry for themselves) because it’s the environment we’ve created here.
“It’s naturally been disappointing but one of the key attributes of this group is how we respond. We don’t dwell on disappointment. That’s shown in our results.
“Very quickly you have to look forward. By the time Sunday comes, we’ll be ready and look to continue with a great season.”
With James Maddison still out, and with Rodgers admitting his Youri Tielemans experiment didn’t work, City must find someone new to play in attacking midfield. That may be Kelechi Iheanacho, who returns from suspension.
His task would then be to feed
Vardy. The number nine has been a menace to Arsenal over recent seasons, scoring five goals in his last four games against the Gunners as City have remained unbeaten.
However, he has only scored once in his 11 games since Christmas. Rodgers said: “We’re looking at Vards in terms of his movement and making more runs but ultimately, he is a player that needs service.
“When you have so many players out, the guys that can serve him, that makes it more difficult for him.
“What I always get in from Jamie is 100 per cent. He’s always ready for opportunities that come along.
“He hasn’t quite got the service, but we’ve still been winning, and that’s important.
“It’s not purely down to Jamie to score the goals, the contribution has to come from the team.”
AFTER SLAVIA LOSS RODGERS MUST COME UP WITH A NEW WAY TO GET THE BEST OUT OF CITY’S STRIKER