Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi took defending champions Leicester to the moon on Saturday
after he scored just 25 minutes in the match against visiting Stoke City.
The
Nigerian international who has been in superlative form lately converted an assist
from teammate Danny Simpson. Jamie Vardy increased the tally 22 minutes later
to hand the foxes a two goal lead that was maintained to the end of the
match.
It is one in the series of
victories that the club has enjoyed since the sacking of former coach and
league title winner claudio Ranieri
Ndidi just
back from national assignment where he played against Taranga Lions in an
international friendly to shape up the Super Eagles for World Cup and Nations
Cup qualifiers, has continued to impress new coach new manager Craig
Shakespeare who only few days ago warned his players against allowing their
victories get into their head as there is need to do well both in the league
and in the Champions League.
The Foxes
are now six points clear of the relegation zone, having taken 12 points from a
possible 12 with the new manager - Shakespeare becoming just the fifth coach
and first Englishman to win his first four Premier League games in charge.
Shakespeare
has inspired improved performances from the title-winning stars that were
struggling earlier in the season, and it was January signing Wilfred Ndidi has
contributed in no small measure to the turnaround being enjoyed by the side.
The current
form of the side is considered a major boost with a Champions League quarter-final
against Atletico Madrid on the horizon.
Peter Crouch
squandered a great chance to bring Stoke back into the game as he volleyed Arnautovic's
centre wide, with Mahrez and Ndidi both having chances to add a third goal for
Leicester as the visitors' hopes diminished.
Crouch had
another glorious opening in the dying minutes, but again failed to test
Schmeichel to sum up a miserable day for Mark Hughes' men.
An elated
Shakespear described Ndidi's opener as a booster which came at the right time.
"I
always thought the first goal in the game would be crucial. It gave us foothold
in the game. The second goal just after half time gave us that confidence to go
on and win the game," he told reporters at a post-match press conference.
"We're
still not safe. I'm really not looking too far ahead. I think we've got to
concentrate on each game. I think there's still a lot of points to play for.
We're on a good run and full of confidence but we've got another tough game
against Sunderland. “he said
Shakespeare's
side welcome the Black Cats to the King Power on Tuesday night.
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