An Excellent Win For Us, Says Rodgers

- Brendan Rodgers labels Sunday's 2-1 victory at Aston Villa 'an excellent win' for Leicester City
- James Maddison and Harvey Barnes found the net for the Foxes in the first half
- Rodgers was particularly pleased with the different qualities shown in either half at Villa Park
- The Northern Irishman also provided an update on Maddison, who was withdrawn later on

The Foxes were in a ruthless mood in the opening 45 minutes, chasing down loose balls and winning possession high up the pitch, as goals from James Maddison and Harvey Barnes put the visitors into a commanding position at Villa Park.

While Bertrand Traoré halved the deficit for Villa shortly after the restart, City were resilient and they stood firm to secure the Club's ninth away victory in the Premier League this season.

That figure represents Leicester's second best-ever away tally of wins in a top-flight campaign, which they also achieved in 1965/66, and eclipsed during the Club's 2015/16 title-winning season (11).

Reflecting on that success in the West Midlands, Rodgers pointed to the different qualities which were required at various times in the game, praising his side's adaptability at Villa Park.

"It was an excellent win for us," the Northern Irishman told LCFC TV. "In the first half, in particular, our football was very, very good… our movement, the speed of the game, the pressing was really good.

"We were really hungry in that first half. We conceded a poor goal from our perspective after 48 minutes, so that gives them momentum for the next 15-20 minutes.

"But we then got to grips with the game again. We still had one or two chances. Vards (Jamie Vardy) was through, he looked like he was going to get in and score.

"There were one or two moments where their ‘keeper makes a great save from James' free-kick and then, by the end, on the back end of European travel and a tough game, we had to defend strongly, and the players did that fantastically."

Maddison, meanwhile, was forced to withdraw on 64 minutes after picking up a knock and Rodgers was able to provide an initial update on his condition.

"It’s just his hip," the 48-year-old explained. "He had an issue with it last season. He’s just felt it on a corner that he took, so we’ll see how he is over the next couple of days."