Zambian ‘killer’ directs a thriller

It was 44th minute, and Leicester were not the same team which defeated Manchester United 4-2. There looked more like a team they were at the start of the season – defensively shaken. Spartak Moscow, currently 7th in the Russian league was already 2-0 up, and then Patson Daka decided to take the matters in his own hand. The Zambian single handedly destroyed the Russians with four goals for the total turnaround and victory in a snowy Moscow: Spartak – Leicester 3-4.

The Foxes recorded a victory that puts them in a far better position to secure a knockout phase. Had they suffered a defeat in the capital of Russia, which looked like a reality in the 44th minute, Leicester would be five points behind Spartak and Legia. Brendan Rodgers wanted to prevent the defeat in the first place, so he fielded a strong squad with only Castagne and Vardy missing.

In the absence of Leicester’s famous number 9, Patson Daka got his chance to shine. And shined he did. So far, the Zambian has mostly got the opportunity from the bench (two starts, both in the Europa League), and although he arrived at the club in July, he only scored the first goal in the Fox jersey for the weekend against Manchester United. Tonight, in the space of a little over half an hour, he scored four and became the top scorer in the Europa League.

With Jamie Vardy already in his mid-thirties (35), Leicester had to think about his future heir, and Daka has proved in this match that he in on the right path to be their future number 9. And he got the help from his African teammate Kelechi Iheanacho, who participated with two assists.

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE

Spartak M. – Leicester 3-4 (2-1)

/Sobolev 11, 86 Larsson 44, - Paka, 45,48,54,78/

Thursday:

22:00 (1.20) Napoli (7.75) Legia Warszawa (16.0)