With Leicester running out of games and facing up to the possibility of relegation to the Championship, there could be no better time for Jamie Vardy to rediscover his form in front of goal.
The 36-year-old netted his first Premier League strike in six months when he salvaged a draw for the Foxes at Leeds last week and his goal against Everton saw him score in back-to-back top-flight games for the first time since last May.
Vardy’s resurgence under Smith has seen him add to his impressive Premier League goals tally, which now stands at 136. The fact that only Harry Kane has scored more since the Leicester striker’s debut in the competition nine years ago shows his longevity at the top level.
With Kelechi Iheanacho likely out for the season and Patson Daka’s form being patchy, much rides on Vardy sustaining his output until the end of the season.
An individual expected goals total of 2.11 against Everton showed Vardy was a little wasteful but both he and his manager will be encouraged by the quality of chances that fell his way.
Even as he approached his late 30s, there were signs of vintage Vardy returning at the King Power – and not a minute too late for Leicester.