Vardy’s goal edges Foxes past the Wolves
Jamie Vardy fired Leicester to the top of the Premier League after a gritty 1-0 win over Wolves.
The striker’s early penalty sent Brendan Rodgers’ side to the summit following a third straight victory - albeit for an hour or two.
The Premier League’s joint eight-goal top scorer was also denied a second from the spot by Rui Patricio’s save. The Foxes now go to Liverpool on Saturday, having already won at Manchester City, in the latest test of their title credentials.
Max Kilman fired Wolves’ best chance over but the visitors lacked their usual composure.
They were the only current team in the Premier League who Vardy was still to score against after six previous attempts but the striker ended that drought after 15 minutes.
A quiet opening burst into life in controversial style when Kilman handled Dennis Praet’s ball into the box.
Referee Anthony Taylor initially remained unmoved but after checking his monitor awarded the penalty and Vardy beat Patricio.
The omens looked good for Leicester with the Fox es having lost just one of their previous 45 home league games when scoring first.
They were sharper than subdued Wolves, winning the ball back and closing down with Wesley Fofana keeping Raul Jimenez on a tight leash.
The Foxes dominated and Christian Fuchs drove a yard wide before Vardy wasted a chance to double the lead six minutes before the break after Rayan Ait-Nouri brought down James Justin in the penalty area. Vardy’s penalty was too close to Patricio who dived right to parry with the rebound hitting Vardy and dropping wide.