Sam Allardyce admitted that West Brom ‘couldn’t deal’ with Leicester City duo Kelechi Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy during a punishing first half on Thursday night, while speaking to the Baggies’ official website.
If Foxes fans were wondering just how on earth they would cope without their 34-year-old living legend, they can sleep a little easier tonight.
Because, at the moment, Vardy isn’t even the most in-form striker in Brendan Rodgers’ squad right now.
Since February 3, Iheanacho has scored 13 goals in 13 games, including a hat-trick against Sheffield United, two against Manchester United and the winner in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Southampton at Wembley.
And, during last night’s 3-0 thrashing of a now-doomed West Brom, the Nigeria international took his personal tally to 17 for the season.
His evergreen strike partner still has plenty to offer too, of course. Vardy was at his irrepressible best at the King Power when West Brom came to town, opening the scoring before setting up Iheanacho’s third with an explosive burst of acceleration and the cheekiest of nutmegs.
And Allardyce admits that his West Brom side had no answer to a pair of forwards who have now scored 32 goals between them this term.
“We couldn’t defensively deal with their front two, who were very lively, in the same way as we’ve dealt with the last ten games or so,” Allardyce said.
“They put us to rest with all the running off the ball, the running in behind and the spaces they found.”
While Iheanacho and Vardy took their chances with dead-eyed efficiency, the same cannot be said of Mbaye Diagne.
The January signing has now scored two goals in 12 Premier League matches.
“There are small moments in a game that can have a big impact on the outcome,” Allardyce added.
“We had such a good opportunity to take the lead early on. I expected Mbaye to score, but unfortunately for us he missed his kick.”
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