Leicester City avoided an FA Cup upset as they hammered Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side cruised to a 6-2 win against the Championship side to end a run of six games without a win.
Wout Faes scored the goal of the day with a sumptuous strike and was joined on the scoresheet by Stephy Mavididi, Facundo Buonanotte, Jamie Vardy and a brace from James Justin.
The Foxes did have some difficult moments and Harry Winks was at fault for QPR’s second goal as his misplaced pass saw the away side get their second.
It was a much-needed win for Leicester who needed a strong display to bring some confidence back to the team ahead of a crucial Premier League run of fixtures.
QPR manager rues missed opportunity against Leicester
QPR had been in a great run of form heading into the game but the gulf in quality between the Premier League and Championship was evident at the King Power Stadium.
Marti Cifuentes has been praised for the turnaround in form at the West London side and whilst he knew his side were up against it, the Spaniard admitted that he was left annoyed by their failure to punish Leicester when it mattered.
Speaking to QPR’s club website, he said: “Until they scored the two quick goals I thought we were playing at a really good level and I felt we could really challenge Leicester.
“That is why I am frustrated because individual mistakes really hurt us and we played against a Premier League side so we know when you give them a chance they will not give you another opportunity.”
Marti Cifuentes questions controversial Leicester City penalty call
With Leicester heading into the second half leading 3-2 the Foxes were able to add some extra breathing room in the 51st minute as Jamie Vardy celebrated his 38th birthday with a goal from the penalty spot.
Vardy was given the chance to score from 12 yards after QPR right-back Harrison Ashby was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.
It was the nail in the coffin for any hopes of a QPR comeback, but Cifuentes believed the decision was the wrong one.
“I have not seen the replays but I can say that a player that goes down to make a tackle, it is impossible for him not to extend his arms, but that is how it is,” he said.
“They scored the fourth one and then it was very difficult.
“Mentally it is very tough because you are feeling you are playing well and you are challenging them, and then suddenly you are 4-2 or 5-2 down.
“That is very difficult but it is the reality if you want one day to play at this level. You know that if you concede a chance, the opposition has this quality.”