Rodgers: We Demonstrated Our Ideas
- Leicester City’s aggressive press was key to their 3-0 win over Newcastle United on Wednesday, according to manager Brendan Rodgers
- Ayoze Pérez, James Maddison and Hamza Choudhury were on target at St. James’ Park
- Rodgers praised Choudhury for his excellent maiden effort in the Premier League
Ayoze Pérez, James Maddison and Hamza Choudhury all found the back of the net for the Foxes on Tyneside to ensure they retained second position heading into a pause in Premier League action due to Emirates FA Cup and Carabao Cup duties.
Rodgers felt his side forced Newcastle into their defensive errors through a fierce press that eventually resulted in City’s first two goals.
Rodgers told LCFC TV: “We played very well. I think in both halves, it was a good demonstration of our idea of the game. In the first half, we pressed the game really well.
“We forced mistakes and ended up scoring two very good goals. Ayo (Ayoze Pérez) made a great interception and it was a great bit of skill in the box to get his finish, and the second one comes from again, an aggressive press on the side of the pitch.
“We win it, and ended up scoring a brilliant goal through James [Maddison]. We played very well in the first half and had good speed in the game, and we attacked the game without the ball as well, which was important.
“In the second half, it was a case of more of the same, really. Unfortunately for them, they lose a player [through injury] and then I was particularly pleased with the idea of our game because you’ve got to be patient, but keep the ball moving and tire them out.
“We did that without giving any chance whatsoever away, so we counter-pressed the game really well, our positioning was good on the pitch and then eventually, after a long period of possession, we end up with a shot from Hamza [Choudhury] and everyone, as you see, was so delighted for him.”
Rodgers was particularly pleased for Choudhury, whose stunning effort capped off a fine victory for the Foxes in Newcastle.
“It’s a special moment for him – his first goal for the Club – to have come through the system here, [he’s] been out on loan and involved with the first team,” added Rodgers.
“He’s getting better in his football and he knows that’s something that I want him to improve on – his comfort with the ball.
“He can play, but it’s having that confidence to take it more. Also, if you’re playing in an eight, you’ve got to look to get up there to score goals and he showed today his technique.
“It was a wonderful finish and right in front of the supporters. It was a really special moment for him.”