Vardy: Perfect Tactics & Delightful Hat-Tricks

- Jamie Vardy says Leicester City applied their tactics perfectly in the 5-2 win at Manchester City
- The Foxes No.9 scored a hat-trick against the Citizens at Etihad Stadium
- Vardy spoke of his role in frustrating Man City midfielder Rodri

Despite falling behind to a Riyad Mahrez strike on four minutes, Vardy’s treble and goals from James Maddison and Youri Tielemans saw City cruise to all three points against Pep Guardiola’s side.

The success saw the Foxes continue their 100 per cent start to the 2020/21 Premier League season, and in the process they regained first position in the top-flight rankings.

“We came with a game plan and I think if you look at the performance, it's worked perfectly for how we wanted to play,” Vardy told LCFC TV.

“That’s one thing that you know is going to happen when you when you come to place like this, you don't have as much of the ball as you'd like and that's why we set up a bit deeper.

“I was in there to try and frustrate Rodri, not letting him have the ball as much to create anything. And when we get the ball back, then it's just about getting a few passes, breaking through their press and then you’re straight onto their back line.

“So, I think tactics-wise, we've played it perfect. Like I said, to come away with five goals, three points, it’s brilliant.”

Vardy converted two penalties at Etihad Stadium, first firing high beyond Ederson before a slotted second spot-kick saw him complete his hat-trick.

“I think it's always mind games when you’ve got a penalty,” he recalled. “I know where I'm going to go, the ‘keeper's got to guess.

“But he knows obviously where he's going to dive so it’s always mind games. If you hit it well enough, then there's no way that the ‘keeper's getting to it.”

The City No.9’s second of the evening, meanwhile, was a superbly-executed flick reminiscent of his debut goal for England against Germany back in 2016.

“I’m obviously delighted with that,” said Vardy. “I’ve managed to get a little Cruyff flick on it. It's flicked up and I think the ‘keeper’s thought I was letting it go through my legs, so he’s coming out to collect the cross.

“Like I say, I’m over the moon, but I think today was all about the performance, it was a really good performance. It’s got us off to a great start and we’ll hopefully try to kick on.”