All Brendan Rodgers did was make just two changes to the starting XI which took down Birmingham City in the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round on Wednesday. Full-back James Justin replaced the injured Ben Chilwell while Harvey Barnes came in for winger Demarai Gray. The rest of the spellbinding magic and wizardry was woven by his magnificent team as Leicester City roared back to their scintillating best in a compelling 4-0 victory over Aston Villa at King Power Stadium on Monday.<\/p>\n
The Foxes were in fine form and certainly in a mood not to be messed with as they commandeered the game with a superb display to register a convincing win via the dual braces from Academy graduate Harvey Barnes\u00a0and the returning Jamie Vardy to help Leicester City restore their five-point lead over fourth-placed rivals Chelsea.<\/p>\n
Leicester\u2019s dominance was eminent throughout the match, coupled with dazzle and creativity that Rodgers was particularly pleased with.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a comprehensive win,\u201d Rodgers told LCFC TV.\u00a0\u201cThe players worked so hard in the game and then I thought once we got the first goal, you saw the confidence in the team.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen, the tempo and speed of the game, it was very, very good. We worked ever so hard in the game, we didn\u2019t give much away from a defensive perspective and we looked very, very creative and looked like we could score a number of goals. So yes, very pleased.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Leicester boss was quick to single out James for his composure on the pitch during his home Premier League debut besides also bringing attention to Barnes and the significance of his match exploits.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought JJ was amazing,\u201d said Rodgers. \u201cHis first home Premier League start was absolutely brilliant. His composure, his quality \u2013 he\u2019s a great defender. I was pleasantly surprised how he lasted the game. He was so, so good in just his resilience and persistence, so I\u2019m delighted for him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHarvey scored two outstanding goals. His run, power and speed is always a threat, but the first goal, he showed great speed to get away and then his touch and finish is very good. Then, the second one was what we\u2019ve been encouraging him to do. The ball is on the far side, get in the box, near middle to far, to just try and read the space.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe got in, and he had a similar chance to put that away at Aston Villa in the game when he came on there, and he skied it over the bar. You can see he\u2019s learning because this time he kept it low and it was a great finish.\u201d<\/p>\n
The breakthrough for City came five minutes before the break as Albrighton\u00a0relayed an exquisite pass through to Barnes which momentarily triggered Reina to dash out of his safe zone, despite having the defensive cover in front. Barnes coolly and ever so calmly glided the ball just beyond the Spanish keeper\u2019s frantic reach to give Leicester the well deserved advantage.<\/p>\n