Leicester City returned to winning ways on Tuesday evening, as they defeated Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.
The East Midlanders went ahead inside 15 minutes through top scorer Jamie Vardy, who headed home his 13th goal of the season.
Victory for Enzo Maresca‘s side ended a run of three successive defeats in the Championship and moved them onto 81 points, maintaining their three-point cushion on second-placed Ipswich Town.
The Italian head coach made four changes from the defeat against Queens Park Rangers on the weekend and his tweaks certainly made his side more defensively resolute.
Jamie Vardy scores on his return
Vardy returned to the starting line-up against the Black Cats and put in a complete performance leading the line.
The former England international took his goal well, reacting to a loose ball from a corner, and led the press impeccably.
The 37-year-old organised his teammates into position constantly throughout his 78 minutes on the pitch and linked play well.
Given Patson Daka‘s recent loss of form, Vardy must be given a run in the side heading into the business end of the season.
Callum Doyle assured in possession
Callum Doyle made his first Championship start in over a month and heavily impressed on his return to the side.
The Manchester City loanee, who replaced James Justin in the 11, was confident and assured in possession, allowing his side to build from the back.
Doyle was also rock solid defensively, making three clearances, two interceptions and one block, as per Sofascore
Conor Coady added experience
Conor Coady came into the side in place of young Ben Nelson and played a pivotal role in City’s clean sheet.
The veteran defender won six of his seven duels, made five clearances and had a phenomenal pass completion rate of 98%, as per Sofascore.
The Foxes, who have lacked experience of late, had a far more steely edge about them with Coady in the team.
Leicester had to endure a wave of Sunderland pressure towards the end but rather than crumble, as we’ve previously seen, they stood up firm and rose to the challenge.
It was a near-perfect performance from Coady and he must now be in contention to retain his place ahead of the clash at Hull City this weekend.
Maresca’s side will travel to Humberside on Saturday before another away trip ensues the following week, as they face Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge.