Vardy double earns Leicester victory over Watford

Jamie Vardy finally scored the first goal after Leicester missed multiple opportunities.

Jamie Vardy scored his first two goals in a long time since October, and this helped Leicester City maintain their position at the top of the Championship table as they won 2-0 against Watford.

During the game, Leicester had a lot of opportunities to score, with Kasey McAteer almost scoring before the halftime break and Stephy Mavididi hitting the side netting after the game resumed.

Vardy failed to score a simple goal with only 17 minutes left on the clock. However, two minutes later he successfully scored from close range at the far post, finally giving the Foxes the lead.

In the closing moments of the game, Vardy scored the team's second goal via a penalty kick. This was a result of Daniel Bachmann committing a foul against Vardy, which led to the goalkeeper receiving his second yellow card and left Ryan Porteous as the only remaining defender to take on the role of goalie.

This means that Leicester now leads Ipswich by three points at the top of the chart after Ipswich lost to West Brom 2-0 in the game's later start. In the meantime, Watford has dropped to 15th position.

Leicester had suffered consecutive defeats to Leeds United and Middlesbrough before the international break. They controlled most of the first half but failed to score.

In the ninth minute, Watford made a fantastic attempt when Tom Ince quickly passed the ball near the goal, but Mileta Rajovic failed to hit it from a short distance.

After that moment, the Foxes stood out as McAteer and Kelechi Iheanacho had notable attempts in the middle of the half. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall played a significant role in their impressive performance.

During the game, the player in the midfield attempted a free-kick which unfortunately missed the target. However, he had a great opportunity when he crossed the ball resulting in McAteer heading the ball towards the goal, but Bachmann managed to save it just before the first half ended.

Mavididi was nearing the goal when Enzo Maresca, the manager of Leicester City, decided to sub in Vardy and Abdul Fatawu for Iheanacho and McAteer only 10 minutes into the second half.

Following that, Fatawu passed the ball to Vardy who was inside the penalty area, but Vardy kicked it over the crossbar even though he was just eight yards away from the goal. Dewsbury-Hall also attempted to score but unfortunately, his shot hit the post.

Vardy attempted a shot from a distance of six yards, but unfortunately missed. Later on, he successfully scored the first goal when the goalkeeper Bachmann saved Jannik Vestergaard's header but the rebound came straight to Vardy.

In the 89th minute, Watford had a chance to score and tie the game but Porteous went for precision instead of strength when he reached the box. His shot was saved and shortly after, he had to become the goalkeeper due to Bachmann's dismissal. Later on, Vardy scored a penalty kick against him.

Enzo Maresca, the coach of Leicester City, stated on BBC Radio Leicester:

I'm delighted because winning games is crucial, especially following two losses.

In the latter part of the game, we stepped up our pace. Our gameplay was outstanding as we successfully prevented the opposing team from getting any opportunities to score.

Jamie Vardy has consistently been a goal scorer throughout his career and there is no sign of that changing anytime soon.

His behavior when not in possession of the ball has been extraordinary.

During an interview with BBC Three Counties Radio, Valerien Ismael, the manager of Watford, expressed his thoughts.

This away game is challenging for all the teams in the league.

We were aware that we would encounter a challenging time. The tougher it gets, the more essential it is for us to remain united.

In the latter part of the game, up until the initial score, we maintained a tight and unified defense. However, our handling and execution of the ball fell below par.

"We gave away the ball too easily. There was no chance to take a break as the next attack was already on its way."

The game is over and Leicester City has defeated Watford with a score of 2-0.

The concluding portion of the game has arrived, with Leicester City leading Watford by a score of 2-0.

Leicester City has committed an offside violation. Cesare Casadei attempted to pass the ball to Jamie Vardy, but unfortunately, Vardy was in an offside position.

Score! Leicester City manages to get ahead of Watford with 2 points. The penalty kick is beautifully executed by Jamie Vardy of Leicester City, using his right foot to aim for the top left corner and making the shot.

Daniel Bachmann (Watford) has been shown a second yellow card due to committing a foul that was deemed to be bad.

Leicester City has been awarded a penalty! Jamie Vardy managed to trick the opponents into committing a foul inside the penalty area.

Daniel Bachmann, Watford's goalkeeper, committed a foul within the penalty area, leading to a penalty being awarded.

Giorgi Chakvetadze of Watford took a shot with his right foot from beyond the box, but unfortunately missed the top right corner. Matheus Martins was there to provide the assist.

The referee issued a yellow card to Yáser Asprilla from Watford.

Watford commits an offside. Daniel Bachmann attempts to pass the ball, but unfortunately Yáser Asprilla had already crossed the offside line.

Abdul Fatawu (Leicester City) committed a foul.

Watford's Ryan Porteous earns a free kick in the defensive area.

The goalkeeper was able to stop the ball. Ryan Porteous, a player from Watford, hit the ball with his left foot from the middle of the box but it was caught by the goalkeeper in the lower right part of the net. Giorgi Chakvetadze helped Porteous with the attempt.

Yunus Akgün from Leicester City has committed a foul.

Ryan Andrews, a player from Watford, has earned a free kick while in the defensive half of the field.

In the defending half of the pitch, James Justin from Leicester City team has won a free kick.

Yáser Asprilla (Watford) committed a violation.

Shot stopped! Matheus Martins from Watford attempted a kick with his right foot from the left side of the box, but it was prevented. Giorgi Chakvetadze helped with the setup.

Leicester City has made a substitution in their team. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has left the field and now Yunus Akgün has taken his place.

The team from Watford has made a substitution, with Jamal Lewis leaving the field and Matheus Martins coming on to replace him.