West Brom welcome Jamie Vardy and Leicester City to The Hawthorns on Saturday lunchtime; his record at B71 is bordering on ridiculous
The date is April 11, 2015. The Hawthorns commemorate the life of Jeff Astle, but Jamie Vardy spoils the occasion by racing through when played in by Esteban Cambiasso in stoppage time and breaking West Bromwich Albion hearts while also giving Leicester City’s Great Escape a boost.
It’s the same year’s Halloween. Leicester have not only survived the previous spring but have surged into the most unlikely of title races. Vardy and Riyad Mahrez let loose. Albion were defeated 3-2 at home by the Foxes.
It is April of 2017. Albion are in decline under Tony Pulis and are on the verge of losing their third straight game 1-0 at The Hawthorns. After Southampton and Liverpool emerged victorious in the weeks prior, Vardy struck to inflict the hat-trick blow.
The fans in Woodman Corner still haven’t forgiven him for his celebratory antics.
It’s March 2018. Albion, at this point, after a proud stint at English football’s top table, have practically given up under Alan Pardew. Leicester ran riot, hitting the Baggies for four.
Vardy cancels out Salomon Rondon’s in-vain early opener with a world-class finish, volleying a long ball over the top, from over his shoulder, into the far corner.
It’s the first game of the 2020 season. Slaven Bilic’s team is made to look woefully undercooked as Leicester City cruise to victory. Vardy scores twice from the penalty spot in front of an empty stadium. Albion have had a two-year reprieve from Vardy, having dipped back down into the Championship, but on Saturday lunchtime, for a clash that promises to be marred by a crackling atmosphere, their ultimate bogey striker makes a return. The former England striker, who turns 37 next month, is no longer at his peak, but a return of seven goals this season is not to be overlooked.
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