Leicester City boss Den Smith admits they weren't at their best Monday night's 2-2 draw with Everton.
The Foxes still eventually surrendered a 2-1 lead and also had a James Maddison penalty saved.
But Smith said: "We were second best for long periods. It became a basketball game. We wanted a game where we could have control.
"It looked a soft penalty but I could understand why it was given. Vardy looked like his old self, a threat in behind. I'm really pleased for him - back scoring goals.
"We had to find a way into the game for Maddison. When we moved him inside the pitch we started to play like we wanted to."
On James Maddison took the penalty, he said: "Simple, he's on penalties. Kel [Iheanacho] was on pens at Man City and took one against Wolves. The keeper has been brave to stand up. I think it was a fair result."
On whether Maddison will stay on penalties, Smith added: "We'll see. We'll have a look at it in training. The challenge is what we thought it would be. We knew today's result wouldn't define what happens. We come out of the bottom three. Four games to go, 12 points to play for."
