Clinical Daka fires four to kick-start Leicester campaign
Daka 45, 48, 54, 78
Patson Daka was signed in the summer as a potential successor to Jamie Vardy and his stunning fourgoal haul has sparked Leicester City’s Europa League campaign back into life.
Daka displayed the predatory instincts of Leicester’s legendary forward with four clinical strikes, including a hat-trick in the space of nine minutes, to become the jointleading scorer in European history for his new club.
Signed for £20million from Red Bull Salzburg in June, Daka has had to be patient, but this was an outstanding individual performance which helped complete a remarkable turnaround.
The Zambian international scored his first Leicester goal in the demolition of Manchester United on Saturday, and said: “It’s the first time I’ve scored four goals. It’s been an amazing few days, I’m just happy I was able to help. Jamie is an inspiration with my playing style and helps me a lot in training.
“My goals may look easy, but you need total concentration. I know my strengths and the qualities of the team. There’s nothing to hate about Leicester, the people are great, the team and atmosphere is good and I’m loving my time here. I just look forward to improving because I’ve got a lot of things I have to improve on. I’ll keep working hard.”
Leicester’s first victory in Group C lifts them into second place, ahead of two crucial home matches, and delighted coach Brendan Rodgers. He said: “To score four goals in any game of football is so difficult, but to do it in an away game in Europe is a special achievement.
“It was a great moment for Patson and he’s a natural goalscorer like Jamie. This was a great victory for us in so many ways and it tells you about the spirit and mentality of the team that we’re never broken.”
Leicester started well, but fell behind in the 11th minute after Aleksandr Sobolev squeezed a 20-yard shot inside the near post. Spartak increased their lead when Caglar Soyuncu was dispossesed by Victor Moses and the former Chelsea winger picked out Jordan Larsson, the son of former Celtic striker Henrik, who produced a simple finish.
Game over? No chance. Daka was released by Kelechi Iheanacho 60 seconds later and the forward beat Aleksandr Maksimenko with ease.
Daka then equalised in the 48th
minute from close range, again delivering the finish to a fine Iheanacho pass.
He completed his hat-trick, breaking the Spartak offside trap after Youri Tielemans’s brilliant through ball.
The 23-year-old was not done and added a fourth goal 12 minutes from the end, running onto James Maddison’s pass and finding the corner.
Spartak did respond with another goal from Sobolev, in the 86th minute, but nothing was going to ruin
Daka’s day. For the 25 Leicester fans who made the long journey to Russia, it was well worth the trip.