Evans above.. Foxes fancy knees up with Vardy on a charge like it’s 2016
AS Jamie Vardy peeled away to celebrate his latest goal and the King Power Stadium exploded, Leicester were partying like it was 2016. When the Foxes stunned football three years ago title, their 5,000-1 win was cherished as a one-off never to be repeated.
Yet this season’s haul of 26 points from their 12 Premier League games is one more than they had in their title-winning season of 2015-16.
Defender Jonny Evans was at West Brom at that time and admits top-flight clubs fatally underestimated Leicester then.
But he reckons everyone is taking them seriously this time round as boss Brendan Rodgers has evolved away from their old counterattacking style since taking over in February.
City dominated poor Arsenal and clinically put them to the sword in the second half as the home celebrations brought back happy memories of upsetting the big boys.
Evans said: “What they did that year was incredible.
“It’s a compliment to be compared to that team.
“I think teams disrespected Leicester that season, in terms of probably not really realising how good they were – and kept being caught short.
“But it’s hard to sustain the sort of style they had. I think, after that, teams tried to become aware that they played on the counter-attack and not to overcommit.
“With Jamie Vardy’s pace up front and his goal threat, I think a lot of teams decided to sit a bit deeper and let Leicester have the ball.
“That’s been a new challenge for the club to try to overcome and it’s something we’ve tried to change.
“But we’re showing good confidence and the manager’s got us playing a nice style of football that everyone’s enjoying. I’m sure teams we’re playing against realise we are a good side, and in every game we’ve played well, given everyone a test.
“That goes back to the end of last season. Teams have started to take notice of us.
“We’ve got to concentrate on the here and now and look to really push.”
After coming through the ranks at Manchester United, Evans was a part of three title-winning sides at Old Trafford.
He insists it won’t be until the new year that Leicester will know if they are in a title race again.
Evans added: “The next period, especially being Christmas, will really test everyone’s squad where we hope we can pick up maximum points and see where we are.”
But Leicester do have plenty of title-winning experience in their side with the likes of Evans plus old favourites Vardy and captain Kasper Schmeichel. Vardy scored and turned provider with a lay-off for James Maddison (below, with Rodgers).
Vardy now has 11 goals this term as the Premier League’s leading scorer and 22 in 25 games for City since February. Evans says Vardy, who turns 33 in January, could eclipse his haul from 2016 when he notched 24. The defender added: “If he keeps going he can but it’s just great to see what he brings to the team. “Some of the quality of the play and the boys’ ability is of a real high standard.”
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