James Justin scored his second double of the season to help Leicester progress through to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a crushing 6-2 victory over QPR.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side produced a professional display after the interval to give the Dutchman his second victory as boss, which could also inject some momentum into the Foxes’ Premier League survival bid.
Justin put Leicester ahead in foggy conditions at the King Power Stadium before QPR equalised through Jonathan Varane’s firecracker, but the hosts put breathing space between themselves and their Championship visitors with goals from Stephy Mavididi and Facundo Buonanotte.
Stephy Mavididi celebrates after restoring Leicester’s lead against QPR
On the stroke of half-time, Harry Winks lazily gifted Rayan Kolli a goal to cut the deficit to 3-2, yet that did not deflate Leicester as they showed their top-flight quality in the second 45.
Justin’s second, Jamie Vardy’s penalty on his 38th birthday and Wout Faes’ beauty – a 30-yard strike into the top corner after a mazy run forward – snapped a run of five consecutive defeats.
Jamie Vardy leaps in celebration after giving Leicester a 4-2 lead against QPR
Can you spot the ball? How fog made life difficult in Leicester
Rayan Kolli scores QPR’s second goal
QPR goalkeeper Joe Walsh looks through the Leicester fog
The fog carried on through the game
Foggy conditions made it a difficult watch at the King Power Stadium
Van Nistelrooy: Leicester are getting better
Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy:
“A performance where you can score six goals is always a good performance.
“It’s not easy, especially against a QPR side that’s very well managed, on and off the ball, and on a great run of form. To be able to score six against them is a compliment to the team.
“I wanted to continue in that development with the team and not make too many changes in that sense.
“I feel we are in a process where we are getting better, doing things better, and in a certain way. That’s why I wanted to continue that.
“The third goal I enjoyed the most. It was a great move with a lot of movement and coordination that we try to work on. When things come off like that, it’s a great satisfaction.
“Vardy gets older in numbers but he doesn’t look like he gets older.
“When I see him every day in training, the way he handles the 90 minutes over the past weeks. Today the 60 minutes were perfect really. He’ll be fresh again on Wednesday.”
Cifuentes not happy with QPR result
QPR manager Marti Cifuentes:
“For me, the performance during many minutes was actually very good. But the result is extremely disappointing and I’m not very happy about it.
“I don’t remember the last time a team that I coached conceded six goals so it’s not the level and the standards I expect.
“We knew we were playing against a Premier League side, so by giving them chances, we knew they would have the quality to punish.
“Especially in the last third, they have a lot of players like Vardy, Stephy Mavididi, Facundo Buonanotte, with talent.”
