PASS AND MOVE ON
Patient Foxes get the job done
ENZO MARESCA insists Leicester will not abandon their patient passing game in their bid for pro- motion – despite frustrating their own supporters.
The Foxes had seen a 14-point mid-February advantage over third place evaporate with a dismal run of just one victory in their previous six games.
And Leicester fans became disgruntled with their side for refusing to change their style and go more direct when they fell a goal behind to Norwich yesterday.
Maresca (right) said: “That will not happen while I’m still here.”
But Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Stephy Mavididi inspired this crucial comeback three points with a goal and an assist apiece before Jamie Vardy killed the game off in stoppage time.
Maresca added: “The players are human and so am I. We have emotions and enjoyed the moment.
“I’m very happy in this moment. But I won’t have a beer tonight, just a still water!”
Leicester had shown all their recent nerves as Patson Daka rounded Angus Gunn but failed to score before Harry Winks’ wayward shot.
But it was Norwich, who lost defender Jacob Sorensen inside 10 minutes, who snatched the lead against the run of play on 20 minutes.
Marcelino Nunez’s low corner caught the Foxes off guard and Gabriel Sara netted from very close range.
Maresca’s men kept their cool despite the murmurings of the crowd and were deservedly level in the 33rd minute as Dewsbury-Hall nodded home his 11th of the season after Mavididi had headed back Wilfred Ndidi’s cross.
The Foxes kept calm early in the second half and went ahead on 61 minutes as Mavididi tricked his way past Jack Stacey from Dewsbury-Hall’s composed pass and slotted home his 12th goal of the campaign. Norwich fans thought they were level as Stacey shot into the sidenetting from a rare attack.
But there were to be no worries for Leicester and the joy was evident as Vardy made it 3-1 three minutes into added time. Winks’ deflected effort fell perfectly to the former England striker, who could not miss as he scored his 16th goal of the season. This ended a run of three straight wins for the Canaries, who take on bitter rivals Ipswich next on Saturday lunchtime. Boss David Wagner said: “I’m sure Leicester will get automatic promotion but we should have competed more in ball possession. “We will quickly put this to bed.
“Saturday is huge. It’s up to me to ensure everyone has the fire in their belly for that.”