Pérez Points To Sheff Utd Victory's Importance For Leicester

- Leicester City secured a 5-0 win over Sheffield United at King Power Stadium on Sunday
- Ayoze Pérez found the net, alongside a Kelechi Iheanacho trio, and Ethan Ampadu's own goal
- The Foxes forward was delighted to play such an integral role after being out with a knee injury
- Pérez also explained the effectiveness of his interplay with Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy

After accruing four points from two away games at Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion, the Foxes had the chance to make it seven from a possible nine with the visit of Paul Heckingbottom's Blades. 

In his first appearance for City in over a month, during the 3-1 success over Liverpool, Pérez notched his third goal of the season, adding to Kelechi Iheanacho's hat-trick and an Ethan Ampadu own goal.

Leicester's 17th win of the 2020/21 season leaves them on 56 points after 29 games, while the five goals converted at King Power Stadium has elevated their goal difference to a handsome +21.

"It's a very good performance from all the team," Pérez told LCFC TV at full-time on Filbert Way. "We knew the importance of this game. We knew we had to get a result, especially because we're at home and we could improve our home form a little bit.

"It's a great result, it's three points. We're still up there. We've now got a better goal difference and we keep pushing.

"Every game is tough. Obviously, in your head, the main thing is to win, but then when you get into a position where you score a couple of goals and you realise you can score more goals, you just have that hunger to keep going and keep getting the goals.

"It's a great result and, obviously, also congratulations to Kelly (Kelechi Iheanacho) for the hat-trick!"

Much of City's attacking play came through Pérez, Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy and the Spaniard was delighted to play such a prominent role in the Club's joint-biggest home Premier League win.

"We played really well, trying to find each other," he added. "It's hard for the defenders because we're in a position where I can receive between the lines. They are pinning the centre-backs and then, as soon as any of us can turn, everyone is running in behind.

"It's not easy for the defenders. We've got players with quality, so it's about the understanding with each other and I think we did really well.

"We created a lot of chances. It could have been more goals, but it's a positive performance for us.

"Being central as a no.10, you get chances to either assist or score goals. You are closer to the box. You're in a position where you are important in that link-up with the strikers. It's a position I have played many times and a position where I feel very comfortable."

On his goal, a stylish finish in the 64th minute, to make it 2-0 in the second half, the 27-year-old also offered an insight into his thought process as Marc Albrighton's pass came him way.

"I tried to find the far post, it got a little deflection, which helped it a little bit, but obviously the intention was to find the far post," he explained.

"It went in and I'm pleased and very happy to score again and to be back with the boys. I pushed myself to be available today because of the injury, I knew I wasn't 100 per cent, but I had to be on the pitch and help my team-mates.

"We're in a great position and we are fighting and pushing to stay there."