Leicester City thrashed Newcastle United 4-0 to register their first win in four games in all competitions courtesy of a brace from Youri Tielemans and goals from Patson Daka and James Maddison..
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Brendan Rodgers hailed James Maddison’s performance as Leicester City FC thrashed Newcastle United 4-0 in the Premier League fixture at King Power stadium on Sunday. It was a brilliant team effort from the home side as they showed great resilience to endure COVID-19 outbreak mid-week and recover from Europa League exit in Naples. Youri Tielemans scored a brace while Patson Daka and Maddison got on the score sheet to register Leicester’s first win in four games.
English midfielder Maddison was undoubtedly the most influential player as he was involved in all four goals the Foxes scored. Maddison won the penalty as he was brought down by Jamaal Lascelled inside the box after Newcastle lost the ball while trying to play out from the back. Tielemans stepped up and converted the spot kick to put Leicester in front.
A massive win for the Foxes! ??
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— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 12, 2021
In the 57th minute, Daka finished off a brilliant team move to double the lead. Maddison was involved as he played a superb first-time through ball to release Harvey Barnes on goal and the 24-year-old winger laid the ball to Daka to tap in into an empty net.
With 10 minutes remaining, Maddison set up Tielemans inside the penalty area and the Belgian midfielder smashed the ball into the roof of the net to triple the lead. Five minutes later, Maddison got on the score sheet to complete the drubbing and seal the win for the hosts. The England international played a one-two with Daka on the edge of the box before slotting the ball past Martin Dubravka and into the far bottom corner.
“He (Maddison) was outstanding but I was more pleased with the collective, after all the players we have missing and the tough schedule we have had,” said Rodgers, after a first league clean sheet since the opening day.
“I felt attacking-wise we have looked a threat and some of our play has been very good. To keep a clean sheet was very important for us.
“We finished with plus 26 goals in my first season, last season was plus 18. The basis our of work is based on defending and it gives us that platform to attack.
“It’s very difficult when the players who allow you that basis aren’t available. It’s a testament to the players, their mentality and spirit.
“They have been brilliant in a really challenging period with everything which has gone on. It was a real test of their mentality.
“We have game changers in the team and have leaders. It’s bringing that together to collectively be able to defend.
Despite losing central defender Jonny Evans to a hamstring injury early in the match, the Foxes put on a decent defensive display to not concede a goal.
“When you don’t make the mistakes we are a team who can defend well. Too many of the goals have been of our own making.
