An emphatic Leicester side ripped apart Huddersfield Town 4-1 who looked devoid of ambition following confirmation of their relegation from the Premier League.
Following a quiet start to the game, it took the visitors just 24 minutes to open the scoring.
Youri Tielemans netted his second goal of the season – scoring from the edge of the box via a deflection. The scoreline was soon doubled after half time as Ricardo Pereira’s whipped ball put it on a plate for Jamie Vardy who doubled the lead.
The hosts then fought back. Four minutes after Vardy had looked to have killed the game off, Town were awarded their first penalty of the season.
Aaron Mooy converted from the spot, scoring past Kasper Schmeichel to make it 2-1. Despite their best efforts, the hosts could not contain the Foxes for much longer. James Maddison later added a third with a beautiful free kick before Vardy completed his brace from the spot making it 4-1 to Leicester
The Vardy and Maddison party
Vardy was back to his best today as his brace helped steer Leicester towards the three points. His first of the afternoon came minutes into the second half.
Pereira delivered a delightful cross to the back-post where Vardy poked it home. The Englishman’s continual energy soon paid off as he won the free-kick that Maddison scored.
The Maddison and Vardy duo combined again to create the fourth, outlining the effectiveness of their combinational play, buoyed by the attacking impetus of Rodgers’ managerial philosophy.
Maddison produced a sublime turn and then pass to set up Vardy, as the striker then rounded the keeper before being taken down by Terrence Kongolo. Vardy of course converted the penalty, smashing it high into the top right corner. Two goals for the retired England striker takes his season’s total up to 15.
Youri Tielemans: the Belgian prodigy
What a player this young man is turning out to be. Since joining the Foxes, Tielemans has made just eight Premier League appearances., but in his last six consecutive games the Belgian has been involved in all of the scorelines – returning two goals and four assists.
And today he opened the scoreline with a wonderful goal. Maddison’s short corner fell to Vardy who completely miscued his first-time shot. The ball wasn’t dealt with as it found its way to Tielemans on the edge of the box. His shot took a deflection before bouncing into the back of the net.
The Foxes will surely be keen to sign the Monaco man come the end of the season, with a £40m price tag reported to be attached to the Belgian midfielder.
Leicester’s young attacking threat
Since their title-winning campaign in the 2015/16 season, Leicester City have not been quite the same. The big outlay on transfers and the constantly changing managerial position has not helped the Foxes come close, or near, to how good they were in that magical season under Claudio Ranieri.
But today, flashed a glimpse of something to come. Ranieri’s miracle-making Leicester side were renowned for their excellent youth, and in today’s squad, Brendan Rodgers had quite an impressive arsenal of youngsters. James Maddison is one example.
His second free-kick goal of the season demonstrated just how good he is, and at the age of 22, his goal took him to seven for the season. Harvey Barnes is another promising prospect.
Having yet to score the Foxes, every performance of his has offered constant energy and threat down the wings. Demarai Gray on the other wing is another notable threat, who similarly provides an attacking impetus with a flurry of skills.
Brendan Rodgers has worked with some huge youngsters in the past, Raheem Sterling for one – who is now one of the best wingers in current world football. The question is, how far can Rodgers develop his youngsters, and how far can he take his Leicester side?
What next for the Huddersfield?
The Terriers look like a side who want the season to end sooner rather than later. A turbulent season has already got them relegated, but that often reduces the pressure and helps a team play.
Not in this case. Once again they lacked any threat, their passing was too slow and they found themselves constantly chasing Leicester. Whether it’s a lack of leadership on or off the field, Town need a big summer to recuperate before starting their Championship campaign.
In the remaining games, Jan Siewert will most likely be plotting his team and tactics for the Championship. So you’d think some individuals might start to try and catch the eye of their boss to secure a place for next season.
The fight for seventh place
Leicester City have now won four of their last five games and are in contention to finish in the highly contested seventh place.
The other competitors are Wolves and Watford – both of whom have a game in hand. Wolves face Watford twice before the end of the season. Once in the FA Cup and once in league.
If they are to draw in the league then Rodgers’ side will be the favourites to finish seventh.
