Premier League: Vardy’s brace secures Leicester’s victory over Liverpool

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Jamie Vardy scored twice for Leicester City against Liverpool on Monday. Image Source: twitter

Internet Desk: England forward Jamie Vardy scored twice for Leicester City as the defending champions beat Liverpool by 3-1 in a Premier League encounter at King Power Stadium on Monday.

The Foxes, under the stewardship of caretaker manager Craig Shakespeare, outworked, outclassed and outscored Jurgen Klopp’s high-flying Reds to record their first Premier League win of 2017 and move out of the bottom three in turn.

Vardy could have opened the scoring with seven minutes gone after bringing down Kasper Schmeichel’s long ball before forcing Simon Mignolet into a fine save with his legs, but that did not affect the No.9’s positivity.

Following a period of sustained pressure, City took the lead through Vardy. Created by a perfectly-weighted through-ball from the tireless Marc Albrighton, the England international burst through before slotting in to break the deadlock.

Vardy stole the show with a stunning volley in this fixture last term but the goal of the game undoubtedly went to Danny Drinkwater, who with just six minutes of the first half to play, slammed home a stunning half-volley from 25 yards.

Just as he had done against the Reds on home soil last term, Vardy then went on to net a brace. A superb move on the left flank eventually saw Christian Fuchs chop inside onto his right foot and curl into City’s No.9, who flicked home a fine header for 3-0 with an hour on the clock.

Klopp’s side pulled one back after Philippe Coutinho calmly slotted in from the edge of the box, but that did not faze the Foxes, who throughout exuded the confidence that they had so sorely missed in recent games.

Jamie Vardy’s opener proved to be City’s first Premier League goal in 638 minutes and while breaching the Liverpool backline was no doubt vital, Danny Drinkwater’s rocket put the Foxes in the driving seat.

City managed to thwart much of the Liverpool attack but the value of a 2-0 lead heading into half-time was unquestionable. It was a goal that provided a platform for Leicester to build on in the second period and they did exactly that.

Visibly boosted by his goal in midweek, Jamie Vardy was lively from the off and on another day could have had a hat-trick.

The Foxes were in desperate need of a Premier League goal and it was Vardy who came up trumps to put City in front, before netting a second to help seal three points. He was incredibly entertaining to watch throughout the 90 minutes.

Those vital three points move Leicester City up to 15th in the Premier League table and two points above the bottom three, leapfrogging Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough and Swansea City in the process.

Another fixture at King Power Stadium follows for the Foxes on Saturday, as they entertain 19th-placed Hull City. A victory could see them move as much as five points clear of the relegation zone.