Saturday 10 December 2016 21:44, UK
Jamie Vardy scored a hat-trick as champions Leicester secured a remarkable 4-2 win over Manchester City at the King Power Stadium.
Claudio Ranieri's side, who had only won one of their last eight games in all competitions, raced into a three-goal lead in the first 20 minutes, with Vardy scoring either side of Andy King's strike.
Vardy completed his hat-trick after pouncing on a John Stones error in the second half, before late goals from Aleksandar Kolarov and Nolito reduced the deficit for City. Here are five talking points from an extraordinary encounter in the East Midlands…
Leicester supporters who travelled to Porto could be forgiven for feeling short-changed as they watched Wednesday's dismal 5-0 thrashing unfold at the Estadio do Dragao, but the benefits of fielding a second-string team quickly became clear on their return to the King Power Stadium.
With Wes Morgan the only player to keep his place in the Ranieri's starting line-up, Leicester were refreshed and rampant. Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani and Vardy combined brilliantly for the opener, and City barely had time to catch their breath before King curled home their stunning second.
It was the first time City have conceded twice in the first five minutes of a Premier League game since 2006, and Leicester didn't let up. Slimani sent another glorious chance over the bar in the 12th minute, and eight minutes later they had their third, with Mahrez expertly cushioning a long pass into the path of Vardy, who rounded the hapless Claudio Bravo and slotted home.
City were as wretched in defence as Leicester were clinical in attack. They were carved open far too easily for the first goal, and they were undone by a routine long throw for the second. It was a catalogue of errors. Fernando was easily beaten by Robert Huth for the flick-on, Stones and Kolarov gave Slimani far too much space for the lay-off, and Bravo should have done better with King's finish.
City had a 77.7 per cent share of the possession - their highest of the season so far - but Leicester were far more dangerous with the ball. It was a particularly horrible afternoon for Stones, who was flanked by Kolarov and Sagna in Guardiola's back three. His woeful back pass for Leicester's fourth was his fifth error leading to a goal since the start of last season. No player has made more.
This was the fourth time City have conceded three or more goals this season, and they have now gone eight games without keeping a clean sheet. Major surgery is required in the January transfer window, but there is a tricky run of games to navigate before then. Things could get worse before they get better.
Vardy's goal drought stood at over 12 hours before kick-off, but the Premier League player of last season returned to form in explosive style. His opener was reminiscent of his record-breaking effort against Manchester United in November last year, and he showed the same speed and poise when he burst past Bravo for his second.
The England international harried City's defenders tirelessly without the ball, racking up more sprints (67) than any of his team-mates, and his poaching instincts were rewarded when he anticipated Stones' poor back pass for his hat-trick goal. He needed help from goal-line technology as the ball bounced back off the post, but the finish was impressive from such an acute angle.
Vardy was substituted to a standing ovation in the closing stages. Leicester supporters will be hoping this match-winning performance can be a turning point for the man whose goals fired them to the title last season.
Guaridola remains utterly defiant in the face of criticism of his goalkeeper, but Bravo looks less convincing by the week. The Chilean was widely criticised for his performance in City's 3-1 defeat to Chelsea last weekend, and he was back in the spotlight at the King Power Stadium.
The 33-year-old was brought to City for his ability to play out from the back with his feet, but there are growing doubts about his shot-stopping ability, and Vardy beat him easily in one-on-one situations for each of his goals. Bravo is not helped by the shambolic defence in front of him, but Guardiola's decision to offload Joe Hart looks increasingly questionable.
Until City's late goals restored some respectability to the result, Guardiola was heading towards the worst league defeat of his managerial career. The Catalan has won domestic titles in six of his seven years as a coach, but he is facing an altogether tougher challenge at City. It's unfamiliar territory.
After winning his first 10 games in charge at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola has only taken four victories from 15 games. It is the worst run he has experienced in the dugout, and City's title challenge could depend on how he comes through it.
City are worryingly low on confidence, and their cause is not helped by Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho's suspensions. Guardiola has issues to address all over the pitch, and with games against Arsenal and Liverpool to come during a hectic festive period, he needs to find solutions sooner rather than later.
