Barnes Praises Second-Half Showing
- Winger Harvey Barnes applauds his side’s creativity and composure following the 2-0 win over Southampton
- Barnes added to James Maddison’s opener to secure all three points at King Power Stadium
- City are now second in the Premier League table after 18 games played
City’s 11th Premier League win of 2020/21 came at King Power Stadium, where James Maddison opened the scoring before Barnes added gloss to the scoreline in injury time.
Moving up to second in the top-flight standings, Barnes complimented the way the Foxes took control of the contest after the interval to secure all three points.
“I think it planned out the way we thought it would,” Barnes told LCFC TV at the full-time whistle. “It was a difficult game.
“We were happy to go in at half-time ahead, but we weren’t particularly happy with our performance.
“We thought we were a bit off the pace, but I thought in the second half, we were a lot better.
“We controlled the game a lot better and of course, we’re really happy with the three points.”
Barnes felt Maddison’s strike on 38 minutes was pivotal in the overall result, as it provided City with a foundation to build on in the second half.
“That was a bit of a turning point for us,” Barnes said of Maddison’s strike. “We know the first goal is so important in the Premier League, and then we knew after that we couldn’t give them any hope and let them get into the game.
“We know he’s capable of that and we spoke about it before the game. We knew we had to compete and fight, and then in that final third, show creativity, and obviously James did that really well.”
For the first time in his City career, Barnes is now into double figures in the goalscoring charts in a single season, and he says he is reaping the rewards of Leicester’s ability to yield chances in front of goal.
He added: “In games, it happens, and the game stretches out. There’s always space late on, especially when they’re searching for a late goal, so of course, when you break, you just need to keep your composure and I’m happy to see that one go in.
“As a team, we’re scoring a lot of goals this year, and I think I’ve been a big part of that. I think I’m just a bit more composed in front of goal this year, and of course, that’s showing in the goal tally.
“The way we play, we’re so attacking, and that suits me perfectly. All our frontmen go into the game thinking they’re going to score or get an assist. There will be a lot of chances for us, so of course, every game is exciting.”