- Leicester City defeated Bristol City 1-0 at King Power Stadium
- Jamie Vardy converted a penalty to secure the three points
- Enzo Maresca assessed a third straight win for the Foxes
- The victory takes his side back to the top of the Championship
Jamie Vardy’s second-half penalty proved to be the difference at King Power Stadium, eventually breaking down a stubborn Robins rearguard to move the Foxes back to the Sky Bet Championship summit.
“It’s a good win,” the Manager reflected. “Probably, we struggled to find a goal, but to be honest, I was absolutely not worried. Since minute one, we played in the opposite side and created chances.
“In the second half, we started similar, the only thing I asked them after the first half was to continue the same way because we were good in the first half, creating chances and we just missed the goal.
“The team gave a big effort. We started the second half very good. In the first 15 minutes, we had two or three chances just in front of the ‘keeper. It was the moment we just needed a little bit more.
“By continuing in the way we were playing, we would create more chances and in the end we won the game. Sometimes the decision was good, but they were a little bit unlucky in the moment. If we continue to play the way we played today, it’s okay, it’s good.”
It’s now three consecutive triumphs for Leicester since the international break and two clean sheets in a row, backing up the shutout at Carrow Road. Following those long trips to Norwich and Southampton, the Italian was pleased to reward the Blue Army with a home win.
The 43-year-old explained: “I think they were brilliant today, the fans. The idea was just to have them with us because it was the right momentum to score. From the touchline, I saw them enjoy the way we played. We suffered a little bit in the last five minutes, but the opponent is also there to try and win and to score a goal.
“After two away games, and two wins against important teams, you cannot relax but it’s always a tricky game. I’m especially happy for the performance for sure, but also for me personally it was a game where we played 95 minutes very good.
“We have the best defence, just five goals conceded. This is also a consequence of the way we want to play. You have 65-70 per cent possession to defend or manage the 30 per cent, probably because of the way we play.
“My feeling before the game was that if we win today, it’s an important win. After Southampton and Norwich, I think they showed how professional and how serious they are working. It’s difficult, it’s not easy.
“[Bristol City] were in a good moment. We played very well on the ball and completely dominated the game, creating chances, so I’m happy.”
Callum Doyle was replaced at the interval, the first time he has not completed 90 minutes in a Leicester shirt. Maresca revealed that a knee complaint forced the half-time change.
“He had a problem in his knee,” he added. “On Monday, they are going to scan him. Hopefully it’s nothing because it would be a big loss.”