Hard Work Pays Off For Albrighton

- Marc Albrighton claims the 3-2 success against West Ham United was a reward for their work-rate

- Leicester City picked up their fourth win in as many games to go six points clear of the bottom three

Leicester City reaped the rewards their work ethic deserved at West Ham United to  at the London Stadium. 

Despite being 3-1 ahead at the interval in Stratford, City were prepared for everything Slaven Bilić’s men had to throw at them in the second half to ensure they picked up a fourth win in as many games ahead of the international break. 

The Foxes next face a crucial home double against Stoke City and Sunderland in April which could set them up perfectly for the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final first leg at the Vicente Calderón, the home of La Liga giants Atlético Madrid. 

Albrighton told : “Even coming in at half-time 3-1 up, some people might say it looked comfortable, but as far as we were concerned, we knew we’d get a reaction from them. We had to be ready for that because we were right – they did come out and they showed resilience."

Albrighton, along with fellow winger Riyad Mahrez, was the architect of a creative free-kick routine to provide a perfectly weighted assist for Robert Huth to double City’s advantage following Mahrez’s early opener. Jamie Vardy made sure of the points shortly before half-time.

“We’ve got a few routines that we’d like to try every now and then,” Albrighton added. “Sometimes it’s best to just put the ball in, but there’s other times other times that if it feels good and looks good on the pitch then we can try something different. Today it’s come off and it looks like a very good goal.” 

The 27-year-old was also full of praise for Kasper Schmeichel after a host of crucial saves to maintain the Foxes’ lead. If not for the Danish shot-stopper, the hosts would likely have levelled the scores and Albrighton says the squad value his efforts now more than ever. 

“He’s been fantastic since I’ve come to the Club,” he said. “I’ve seen what a good goalkeeper he is and the last two games, he’s been immense. He’s won us both the games. He’s been superb for us and we know he’s got that quality.”