DAKA DELIVERS FANTASTIC FOUR FOR FOXES
LIFE without Jamie Vardy remains a frightening prospect for Leicester — but maybe they’ve finally found his replacement. Patson Daka scored all four goals yesterday as the Foxes fought back from 2-0 down to revive their chances of qualifying for the Europa League last 32. The Zambia international, signed from Red Bull Salzburg for £20million, took his chance with both hands as 34-year-old talisman Vardy was rested. With half-time approaching, Leicester trailed to goals from Aleksandr Sobolev and Jordan Larsson, son of Celtic legend Henrik.
Cue Daka’s nine-minute hat-trick either side of the interval, before adding his fourth in the 79th minute. Remarkably, this performance alone saw him join Vardy and Harvey Barnes as Leicester’s top scorers in Europe, and he now has five goals in as many days after also finding the target in the 4-2 win over Manchester United.
Sobolev scored his second late on but Spartak couldn’t deny Leicester. ‘It’s been an amazing few days both for me and the team,’ said Daka. ‘I love being here and I’m happy to be able to play my part. Jamie Vardy has been one of my inspirations. ‘My playing style is similar and it’s a privilege to work alongside him.’ Leicester went behind after 11 minutes, Sobolev’s shot deflecting off Boubakary Soumare. Spartak doubled their lead when ex-Chelsea star Victor Moses squared for Larsson to fire past Kasper Schmeichel. Daka duly finished off Kelechi Iheanacho’s deflected pass and then, three minutes after the break, the pair combined again as Iheanacho squared for Daka to equalise. In the 54th minute, Youri Tielemans sent Daka clear and he made no mistake for his hat-trick. James Maddison was then the provider as Daka fired in at the near post. ‘Patson can learn from Jamie,’ said boss Brendan Rodgers. ‘He can be here for a number of years and he is a clever guy, so he is in pole position by working with Jamie. ‘We showed a great spirit and mentality to come back from 2-0 down and, of course, I’m supersatisfied with Patson.’