Brendan Rodgers insists Leicester are happy to be the forgotten men in the title race after a rampant win at Aston Villa.

Jamie Vardy scored twice to inspire the Foxes to a 4-1 victory to set a new club record of eight straight top-flight wins.

Kelechi Iheanacho and Jonny Evans also netted as Leicester closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to eight points.

They are second, six clear of Manchester City, and Rodgers is relaxed about Leicester’s place among the leaders.

He said: “I don’t think anyone expects us to be near the top. After Manchester United won at Manchester City on Saturday, the caption came up about how far City are away from Liverpool.

“We respect that, we get on with our work and keep developing as a team.

“It’s just natural, Man City and Liverpool are both incredible teams. We know we are looking to improve and close the gap. We have finished ninth in the last two seasons but today we looked like a top team.

“It was a real historic day, to surpass the club record of straight wins in the top flight was fantastic for us.”

Vardy, the Premier League’s top scorer with 16 goals, has netted 25 times since Rodgers’ first game in March, eight more than any other player in the top flight.

He has now struck in eight consecutive outings, three away from equalling his own Premier League record.

Rodgers added: “Jamie is such a top-level player, he is always ready when the chances come. I don’t think there’s any doubt he isn’t going to score.”