Guidolin – defending his decision not to play with a recognised striker – said: “I have to say the beginning of the game was good for us”.
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“Now is the right moment to push everything, everything”.
“In this team we don’t need just one player (with Vardy out), we’re really together and we play for each other”.
Vardy’s dismissal, after he was shown a second yellow card for diving, had been the chief talking point of Leicester’s 2-2 draw with West Ham United last weekend, which had raised the possibility of nerves getting the better of Ranieri’s miracle men.
Guidolin’s team were behind inside 10 minutes, when Ashley Williams’s uncharacteristic loose ball presented Riyad Mahrez with the opener – his fourth goal against Swansea this season after a hat-trick at the Liberty back in December.
Albrighton, a second-half substitute, added further gloss to the win in the 85th minute.
The attacking threat provided without 22-goal Vardy will have reassured the Foxes they can cope without him for longer. Andy King’s cushioned downward header fell kindly for Demarai Gray, whose shot was kept out by Lukasz Fabianski but Albrighton slammed in the follow-up.
The win also officially ended Arsenal and Manchester City’s faint hopes of lifting the title, meaning only Spurs can now hope to catch the league leaders.
“For the first six or seven minutes we played very well – I am disappointed because it was a good plan for the game”. Many teams have lost at the King Power Stadium this season but few have put up less fight.
“It was fantastic, without Jamie everyone makes something more and it was a fantastic show to see my players fight and play together”, Ranieri told British broadcaster Sky Sports.
“It’s not a good moment for us defensively, but we can improve. We play with our hearts and it’s hard to beat those who play with the heart and soul”.
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The Tottenham and England midfielder Dele Alli won the PFA’s young player of the year award, news that had already inadvertently announced during the day. “For that I am happy because today I could make two goals and help the team – that is more important for me”. I’m very happy to score.
