MATCH FACTS
BRENDAN RODGERS hailed ton-up Jamie Vardy’s landmark as he boosted Leicester’s Champions League hopes.
Vardy reignited third-placed Leicester’s push for Europe as they smashed Palace in their first win since the restart.
The ex-england striker ended his drought by scoring twice, bringing up his century in the process.
Rodgers said: “It is a phenomenal achievement.
“To come into the Premier League at a late stage and be as prolific as he has been is incredible.
“It has been hard for him because he hasn’t had too many chances recently.
“But he has got over the milestone and I think he will score many more goals.
“Jamie’s story is inspirational to a lot of people all around the country.”
Vardy brought up his 100th Premier League goal in his 206th appearance – not quick enough to place him in the division’s top-10 fastest to the milestone.
But Palace boss Roy Hodgson, who worked with the former non-league star at international level with England, said: “Leicester must be delighted they signed Vardy from Fleetwood and he shows no sign of letting up.
“I take my hat off to Jamie, having come into the Premier League relatively late.”
For Palace, it was a third successive reverse without scoring, but Hodgson, who hosts Chelsea on Tuesday, added: “It was a harsh scoreline. I thought for long periods of the game we were equal, but they took their goals well.
“Unfortunately, we made mistakes. Our mistakes were harshly punished.
“Our goalkeeper wasn’t exactly under enormous pressure, but he has picked the ball out of the net three times.
“When you go 2-0 down against a team of Leicester’s quality, it is always going to be difficult.
“But our players didn’t let their heads drop, which is very commendable.
“We kept trying, but, in the end, we travel back having lost 3-0.
“We would still like to finish in the top half of the table.
“But our first priority has to be to put a stop to this losing run and to get a few more points on the board.”
■ Leicester have remained unbeaten in all of their home games against London sides during a single Premier League season for the first time
since 2000-01.
■ Jamie Vardy scored his 100th Premier League goal, the first Leicester player to reach treble figures in the top flight since Arthur Lochhead in 1933-34.