Leicester City returned to winning ways on Tuesday evening as they defeated Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.
After a run of three defeats on the bounce, it was imperative City ended that run as the chasing pack began to close in.
Whilst it certainly wasn’t a vintage display, Enzo Maresca‘s side showed a steeliness in defence, something they’ve lacked in recent weeks.
Jamie Vardy‘s headed winner was his 13th goal of the campaign across all competitions and he remains City’s top scorer despite celebrating his 37th birthday in January.
His longevity is quite remarkable and he is currently doing something better than anyone else in the Championship this season.
Jamie Vardy’s incredible goal stat
The veteran Foxes forward is showing little signs of slowing down and is having somewhat of a renaissance after an underwhelming campaign last year.
The former England international netted just three league goals and was reduced to a bit-part role at times as City suffered relegation.
Many felt he was well past his best and nearing retirement but he’s completely squashed that notion under Maresca and is one of the most prolific strikers in the Championship this season.
Vardy’s 0.86 goals per 90 is the best rate in the division, with Preston North End’s Will Keane in second with 0.61, as per Fotmob.
The 37-year-old has started 11 league games and has appeared as a substitute on 14 occasions, though, despite playing an intermittent role, he’s still managed to fire home 11 goals.
Maresca made a point of how impactful Vardy has been, even as a sub: “He’s been performing well when he starts and as well when he’s been on the bench and his contribution has been amazing.”
Jamie Vardy must start v Hull City
With that said, Maresca must start Vardy this weekend as Leicester make the trip to Humberside to face play-off hopefuls Hull City.
The Sheffield-born forward took his goal well on Tuesday but it was his pressing that was the most impressive aspect of his performance. Vardy constantly organised his teammates into position and his link-up play was superb.
Leicester are up against a Tigers side who will look to dominate the play where possible, so it may allow him space to run in behind in transition.
Whilst Vardy has certainly lost a yard or two of pace in recent years, his trademark runs off the shoulder of the last man still cause all sorts of problems for opposing sides.
The only real concern would be playing twice in the space of four days, so City must manage him accordingly heading into the final 10 games.