Leicester boss Dean Smith backs Jamie Vardy to regain scoring touch
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Leicester City's English striker Jamie Vardy celebrates after scoring his equaliser.
PHOTO: AFP
LONDON – Leicester City manager Dean Smith has backed Jamie Vardy to regain his scoring touch, after the veteran striker came off the bench on Tuesday to break his long drought and earn his side a 1-1 draw in a crunch Premier League relegation battle at Leeds United.
Leeds were closing in on a much-needed three points in their quest for safety, thanks to Luis Sinisterra’s 20th-minute header after Leicester’s Youri Tielemans had a goal ruled out.
The 36-year-old Vardy, who came on in the 70th minute, had other ideas though and fired past Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier from James Maddison’s pass to rescue his side.
It was his first league goal since October and the former England striker thought he had given Leicester the lead shortly afterwards but his effort was ruled out for offside.
“It’s not been the most fruitful of seasons for him, but that penalty (he won against Wolverhampton Wanderers) on Saturday and the goal tonight – he’s as important as they come,” said Smith.
“I think it’s his 135th Premier League goal, which just shows you his quality. I’m pleased he got that goal. The chance he’s scored today, we’ve seen him take loads of them and if we can keep creating chances he will take them.
“Who knows, he could end up with eight goals by the end of the season (Vardy has two league goals and three in the League Cup this term).”
The result did little to ease either side’s relegation fears with Leicester remaining in 17th place with 29 points, one point ahead of Everton in 18th. Leeds are in 16th on 30 points.
Second-from-bottom Nottingham Forest could leapfrog Leicester if they win at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday.
Vardy, whose goals powered Leicester to a fairy-tale title in 2016, had not scored in any competition since a League Cup game in December.
“It’s been a weird season for me. Hopefully the goals keep coming,” he said.
It was arguably a better point for Leicester. They should have a smoother run-in than Leeds, who still have to play Manchester City and Newcastle United in their last five games.
Leicester’s Jamie Vardy (left) shoots and scores past Leeds United’s French goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
PHOTO: AFP
Also on Tuesday, Wolves moved to the brink of survival by pulling nine points clear of the relegation zone, after inflicting Roy Hodgson’s first defeat since returning as Crystal Palace manager with a 2-0 win at Molineux.
The goals came early and late as Joachim Andersen’s own goal gave Wolves the perfect start after just three minutes.
Ruben Neves then made sure of the victory from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, to take Wolves level on 37 points with Palace in 13th. REUTERS, AFP
