In the first half against Manchester City it was like they had an extra player on the pitch. We were like a deer caught in the headlights. The second half was much better and we played with purpose. Hopefully we see the second half for 90 minutes tomorrow.
I write that because if we play like that against Leicester tomorrow, we will win. Leicester are a decent side, don't get me wrong but they're not going to win the Premier League again and it's feasible that Brendan Rodgers has taken them as far as can.
But it isn't going to be easy and Leicester like playing against us. However, football isn't rocket science and we know what needs to happen. And I'm starting to feel a little like Steven Gerrard is a modern manager that appreciates it isn't that difficult and this information he talks about so much, is just that and he's hoping some of it sticks.
And yes, this is just blind optimism at the moment, but that is the point of a new manager isn't it and when you take such a risk, there is no other way to feel. I just hope that Steven Gerrard is one of those modern day managers that focuses on data and doesn't go with his gut. Maybe, just maybe he is and maybe, just maybe when he gets a little money next month and in the summer next year, things don't break.
But it's about tomorrow not what might or might not happen when Steven Gerrard is given some money. I think we're going to win, but I also think I'm going to win the lottery tonight. I'm either optimistic or naive. Probably both. Still, it's what it's all about.
I'm back tomorrow but to keep you entertained, possibly or hopefully, there is a video below and some facts from the BBC.
Video of the day
Match facts from the BBC
Head-to-head
- Leicester can equal their longest league winning streak away to Aston Villa: three matches from 1936 to 1954.
- Both Premier League meetings last season were won by the away team.
Aston Villa
- They have lost 19 Premier League matches in 2021, a joint-high along with Southampton.
- Fifteen of Villa's 19 league goals this season have come in the second half, including six from the 82nd minute onwards.
- Ollie Watkins can become the first player to score in four consecutive Villa Premier League home games since Gareth Barry in November 2006.
- Tyrone Mings will make his 100th Premier League appearance. His first and second games were both for Bournemouth at home to Leicester.
- Steven Gerrard and Brendan Rodgers were opposition managers in two Old Firm derbies in 2018, which both ended in 1-0 home wins.
Leicester City
- Leicester have only won three of their past 11 league fixtures.
- Their solitary clean sheet in 20 top-flight matches came in a 1-0 home victory against Wolves on the opening weekend of this season.
- The Foxes have conceded multiple goals in nine of their 14 Premier League games this season, a joint-league high alongside Newcastle.
- Leicester have equalled a Premier League record by scoring and conceding in 14 consecutive away matches. Blackburn did the same in 2012.
- Jamie Vardy has scored five goals in seven league appearances against Aston Villa. He needs one Premier League goal to surpass Ian Wright's record of 93 after his 30th birthday.
- James Maddison has scored in three successive games in all competitions.
- Brendan Rodgers has won all six Premier League away matches as a manager against Aston Villa.