Leicester City’s remarkable comeback against Brighton and Hove Albion at the King Power Stadium will be remembered for a long time, and it was the inimitable Jamie Vardy who proved to be the catalyst for the Foxes’ dramatic revival. Trailing 2-0 with just 10 minutes remaining, Vardy’s clinical finish in the 86th minute sparked a stunning turnaround, with Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s 90th-minute equaliser securing a hard-fought 2-2 draw.
Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy was effusive in his praise for Vardy, who once again demonstrated his importance to the team with a match-winning display. “If you’re on the scoresheet and make an assist, then you have to say this result wouldn’t be possible without him,” van Nistelrooy said. “It’s also the performance of the whole team, of course, that puts him in position. I enjoyed the whole sequence leading up to the goal. And that’s why we as a team put him in a position there.”
Vardy’s vision and awareness were key factors in Leicester’s equaliser, as he selflessly teed up De Cordova-Reid for a simple tap-in. “Then Jamie had the awareness for that second goal,” van Nistelrooy added. “Because I think you know with strikers, their eyes are focused on the goals. But to have the awareness to play the path to Bobby, pretty good skill, that was a brilliant moment, because so late in the game, 90th minute.”
The result was a crushing blow for Brighton, who had been in total control for much of the match. Manager Fabian Hurzeler was disappointed but philosophical in defeat, acknowledging that his team’s naivety had ultimately cost them the win. “I think when you are 2-0 up and control the whole game, you don’t give away too many shots for the opponent, and then things happen in 10 minutes, you should be disappointed,” Hurzeler said. “We got punished for easy mistakes. I think it happens now several times in the season, so we need to learn.”
Vardy’s phenomenal display was a testament to his enduring quality and dedication to the sport. At 37 years old, the Leicester striker is still defying the odds and proving himself to be one of the most clinical finishers in the premier league. His work rate and movement off the ball are still among the best in the league, and his goal-scoring record is a testament to his enduring class.
As Leicester look to build on their recent upturn in form, Vardy’s leadership and experience will be crucial in guiding the team through the tough winter period. With his eyes firmly fixed on the prize, Vardy will be determined to lead Leicester to success this season, and his performance against Brighton was a timely reminder of his enduring quality and importance to the team.