Brendan Rodgers also praised James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, as they are “getting better all the time” for Leicester City.
The Foxes made a really bright and they went in front in the 19th-minute. Harvey Barnes held it up on the edge of the area before he squared it to James Maddison. The Englishman finished superbly as he found the bottom corner from outside the box.
Their lead was doubled just four minutes later. Jamie Vardy was the orchestrator this time as he fired a shot towards the goal. His effort was touched away by Emiliano Martinez, but Barnes was there to smash home the rebound.
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Villa improved after the break as they got a goal back through Bertrand Traore. Kasper Schmeichel came out to meet John McGinn’s cross but the winger was able to sweep it into the net.
The hosts created one or two more chances before the end but the two-goal deficit was too much too overcome. This 2-1 victory is Leicester’s ninth away win of the season. They are now up to second in the Premier League ahead of Manchester United’s game against Newcastle on Sunday evening.
Speaking post-match with Sky Sports, as cited by BBC Sport, Rodgers lauded his team’s “excellent” performance:
“I was absolutely delighted. I thought some of our football and the speed of our game was really really good. We didn’t have too many concerns defensively.
“We gave away a cheap goal, and when you do that in the second half it gives the opponents a bit of momentum for the next 15-20 minutes. Once we weathered that I thought we still had chances in the second half.
“After midweek travel and a European game, the players really have to show their spirit and quality. I was so pleased and very proud of the team.
“Our energy was good and the quality of our football was excellent. Some of our attacking play was very good.”
Rodgers on Barnes and Maddison: “They’re getting better all the time. Maddison occupied the spaces really well. He’s so creative. Harvey I thought was incredible. His finish looked easy but it wasn’t. Both those boys are improving constantly.”
“When you’re a young player it’s about adjusting and adapting. [Barnes’] confidence and finishing is much better. He looks like he’s going to score in every game he plays. He’s a great learner and a big talent.”
“We were able to go in and reflect on last season and go through it in pre-season. There’s a greater calmness. We’re playing some great football, but at times you have to dig in and have spirit, and we were able to do that.”
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