Rodgers: A Special Performance
- Brendan Rodgers emphasises Leicester City’s composure and quality in the 5-2 success at Etihad Stadium
- Jamie Vardy’s hat-trick and goals from James Maddison and Youri Tielemans sealed a memorable win
- City sit top of the league after winning all three of their opening fixtures for the first time in their history
The Foxes stormed to a sensational 5-2 victory over Pep Guardiola’s side at Etihad Stadium, courtesy of a hat-trick from Jamie Vardy, James Maddison’s pearler and a late Youri Tielemans penalty.
Under Rodgers, City continue to break records, with the latest seeing them win all three of their opening top-flight fixtures for the first time in their history.
“It was a really special performance and result,” Rodgers told LCFC TV. “I think we've seen Manchester City against Wolves and how well they played in their last game, but I thought we were outstanding in our game.
“Obviously, our idea was to deny them a bit more space. Maybe I normally set my teams up to play, but I knew then we'd still have the big pace on the counter-attack, and have the quality.
“So yes, I thought tactically the players were very disciplined. They showed a great mentality coming from behind. [Riyad] Mahrez scores a really good goal, but we stayed calm.
Vardy's Hat-Trick Headlines Stunning Man City Triumph
Enjoy all the goals from the Foxes' brilliant 5-2 Premier League victory away at Manchester City early in the 2020/21 season.
“Then, the first half, we probably have the better chances if we could make the last pass, but overall, the second half was sensational, so it's really pleasing.
“Two goals we conceded from set pieces which we can have a look at again, but other than that, it was a brilliant result and performance.”
Rodgers says the culture instilled at the Football Club means City do not give up until the final whistle blows – and that was on display in Manchester on Sunday.
“You have to go right to the very end,” he said. “You're never going to have it all your own way. But we have that mentality. That's our culture. It's our environment.
“We know that it's never going be perfect all the time. And we fell behind to a brilliant goal by Riyad Mahrez, but we kept our composure and kept the quality in our game.”
Vardy’s hat-trick saw him take his 2020/21 goals haul to five in just three outings, but Rodgers was thrilled with the contributions of others going forward, with seven different players netting already this campaign.
He said: “For me, it's just having the possibility for numbers of players to score. Jamie's the talisman up there at the top end of the field and gets his hat-trick, gets his goals.
“We have other players that can score. You see Harvey Barnes today, how close he was on a few occasions. James [Maddison] came into the game, scoring. And Youri [Tielemans] showed great composure for his penalty.
“All in all, it's important to have various goalscorers. But of course, your guys at the top end of the field will always be up there to score, and he showed great composure on his penalties - two different penalties – and his goal where he's flicked it, he shows a great skill."
On Vardy and Jonny Evans' fitness, Rodgers added: "I think he's got an ongoing issue with his hip, Jamie, so I think he'll be fine with a few days' rest, and he'll be okay. Jonny felt his calf, tight, just a little bit. So, hopefully that will be okay."