Chilwell: We Played With Tempo

- Academy graduate Ben Chilwell talks LCFC TV through his goal against Watford on Saturday
- The England left-back’s third Premier League strike of the season came in a 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road
- Chilwell praised Leicester’s fitness levels and tempo following their return to Premier League action

City thought they had secured all three points during the resumption of their 2019/20 Premier League campaign after Chilwell arrowed a superb strike into the top corner with only injury time to play.

But, three minutes later, Nigel Pearson’s side drew level through Craig Dawson, whose overhead-kick meant the Foxes had to settle for a point in Hertfordshire.

Chilwell, the Blue Army’s Man of the Match, told LCFC TV at full-time: “The most important thing today was trying to play good tempo football, for us. We did that, and I think in the end, we were unlucky not to get the three points.

“We knew their strengths. We knew [in the] last five/10 minutes, if it was a close game, they were going to pile bodies up and try to get the ball in the box. And they did that. To their credit, they got a goal from one of their strengths.

“We knew as the game went on, our fitness would show because we've worked hard, and it did show.

“I think [in the] last 15/20 minutes, we got a lot of joy down the sides and we know how much the subs are going to make an impact in games. Dimi (Demarai Gray) especially came on and did brilliant.

“We got a bit of joy down the wings and thought that was hopefully going to be the winner, but we'll take a point and move on.”

The England left-back had plenty of joy down the left flank following half-time, and after receiving shooting instructions from Brendan Rodgers during the game’s second drinks break, he scored a memorable goal against the Hornets. 

Chilwell recalled: “To be fair, we had the drinks break about 15/20 minutes before. I think I had one a few minutes before that where I was in a similar position and I passed it wide.

“The gaffer told me in that position, you know, I've got a good left to just shoot, so I made sure the next time I was just trying to get a good strike on it and hit the target.”

The Academy graduate felt Leicester displayed stamina at Vicarage Road, particularly in the closing stages, when they dominated proceedings.

“We're a very fit team and that shows in the last 15/20 minutes there,” Chilwell added. “That definitely showed all around the pitch. “We looked fit and strong, and, yes, I think we're pretty much there.

“Obviously, the little sloppy bits technically, and maybe a lack of concentration, that will come over the next few games. The more we play, the more we get used to playing games again.

“When you're enjoying football, and buzzing to be back like we are, games coming thick and fast is a good thing. So, the workload and amount of games shouldn't be a problem.”

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