James Justin scored his first goal in two years to help Leicester produce one of the most comprehensive football results of the weekend in the Carabao Cup. In the second half of the 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over the Exiles, as Jamie Vardy scored twice to advance the Foxes to the fourth round, the right-back was carried off. Even if England suffered another defensive injury, the right-first back’s goal since February 2021 at least served as a late reminder of his skills before Gareth Southgate announced his squad on Thursday.
Despite the improvement in the league, Rodgers wouldn’t let Leicester unwind after they narrowly defeated Stockport on penalties in the previous round. After eight minutes, the Foxes should have scored their first goal, and the manager pledged he would not allow another cup near call. Vardy’s selflessness and poor pass gave Adam Lewis the opportunity to stop Ayoze Perez from getting a tap-in after the two broke free. As was to be predicted, Leicester dominated, with Perez and Dennis Praet both missing wide. Since the Exiles posed no threat, it was the ideal match to ease Jonny Evans and Wilfred Ndidi back into the lineup following their injury layoffs.
When Leicester finally had a chance to move, goalie Nick Townsend quickly stopped Harvey Barnes. Newport had a brief period of possession, but they lost focus, allowing Justin to score the opening goal. The setup was straightforward, but the finish was powerful. Justin’s first goal since February of last year, when he also suffered a catastrophic knee injury that kept him out for close to a year, proved the wait was worthwhile. Vardy was stopped by Townsend shortly after, but with 20 minutes remaining, the striker glanced in Marc Albrighton’s cross to make it 2-0. After 82 minutes, Vardy added a third goal by catching Barnes’ ball, around Townsend, and shooting.
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