Pearson: Players Focused On Success

A first-half hat-trick from the in-form Chris Wood and a sublime finish from Matty James gave the Foxes a fourth straight win in all competitions and helped them leapfrog both Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace in the table.

But while acknowledging that Wood’s treble, which took his tally to six in three games for City, will grab the headlines, Pearson was keen to praise the efforts of the group after a win built on solid foundations.

“They’re a good group to work with because they work hard, they’re honest and they get on pretty well,” said Pearson of his troops.

“They’re focused on trying to get success for the Club and for themselves.

“It was a scrappy game at times, but you’ve got to come here and do a job and we did that today.

“We knew what we would be up against and it was important we used the ball well in wide areas.

“At times we could have passed the ball a bit better, but we always looked dangerous and you can’t complain about coming away from here having won 4-0.

“Chris is doing what we hoped he would do, things are falling for him and he’s taking his opportunities, but the most important thing is that we win games as a team and he’s playing his part in that.

“We needed something different up top and he gives us that. It was great for him to get a hat-trick today.”

Pearson also confirmed post-match that the damage to winger Anthony Knockaert, who was replaced by Lloyd Dyer early-on, does not appear to be significant.

The Frenchman came off worse in a challenge with Bristol City’s Liam Kelly, but is expected to recover quickly.

“We coped pretty well with Anthony going off early-on, as Lloyd came on and did a good job for us on the right. 

“He got a knock in training on Thursday and took one in the same place today. He wasn’t well this morning and it was touch and go whether he was going to play.

“I think he’ll be ok, but it was a pretty easy decision to make the change.”

Pearson also saved praise for the 1,700-strong Foxes faithful, whose long trip to the West Country was rewarded with three points and whose support will again be needed in next Friday’s top-of-the-table clash with Middlesbrough at King Power Stadium.

“I’m pleased for the fans, they always get behind us in great numbers and the players and staff are all grateful for their support,” Pearson said.

“It’s a long trip home for them, but at least they’re heading home with three points.”